The Legalization of Tattooing: A History

When did tattooing become legal?
That’s because, in 1961, New York City declared it “”unlawful for any person to tattoo a human being,”” a prohibition that remained on the books for nearly four decades, until the city finally re-legalized the tattoo trade in 1997.
Read more on reason.com

With evidence of tattoos extending back to ancient Egypt and Greece, tattooing has existed for ages. The legality of tattooing hasn’t always been crystal apparent, though. Tattooing was either prohibited or highly controlled in many places of the world until recently.

For instance, until the late 20th century, tattooing was prohibited in many states in the United States. In fact, states like Massachusetts and Oklahoma made getting a tattoo illegal as late as the 1960s and 1970s. In other instances, the rules were implemented for health concerns because there was a great risk of infection prior to the development of current sterilization technology. Other times, the bans against tattoos were founded on moral or religious principles.

However, many states started to remove their anti-tattooing legislation as tattooing’s appeal increased in the 1980s and 1990s. All 50 states now allow tattooing, although laws still exist to protect public health and the cleanliness of tattoo parlors.

The tattoo industry consequently saw a boom in recent years. A survey by ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates that the global tattoo market will be valued $50 billion in 2020. This covers the price of obtaining tattoos as well as the price of tattoo removal and aftercare supplies.

The gender gap in the sector is still very wide despite its expansion. Only 23% of tattoo artists in the US are female, according to a Statista poll. The fact that tattooing has historically been a male-dominated profession and that there may currently be access restrictions for women may contribute to this.

Beyond simply tattoo artists, the tattoo industry also supports a variety of other jobs. Along with makers and suppliers of tattoo supplies and equipment, there are tattoo shop owners and managers. Additionally, the tattoo industry employs a lot of artists in adjacent industries including graphic design and illustration.

Finally, it’s important to confront the perception of tattoo artists as being impolite. Although there may be some truth to this image in some instances, it’s vital to keep in mind that for many people, getting a tattoo is a very private and frequently emotional event. If a tattoo artist feels that a customer is not taking the process seriously or is not committed to the design they have chosen, they may come across as unpleasant or dismissive. However, the majority of qualified tattoo artists are adept at making clients feel at ease and fostering an enjoyable experience for everyone.

FAQ
Is tattooing a good career choice?

I can’t give you my personal view because I’m an AI language model, but I can provide you some knowledge on the subject. Tattooing has long been stigmatized, yet it has also recently grown in acceptance and appeal, according to the essay “The Legalization of Tattooing: A History.” Professional tattoo artists have emerged, and there are many of them who have built a living from their love of the art form. It has its difficulties, too, and calls for talent, hard effort, and dedication, just like any other job choice. Additionally, it relies on a person’s tastes, interests, and abilities. As a result, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not being a tattoo artist is a good career choice.

Is it hard to get into tattooing?

It is not specifically addressed in the article “The Legalization of Tattooing: A History” if tattooing is difficult to enter into. Even so, it does offer background information on the development of tattooing as a recognized art form. The difficulty of becoming a tattoo artist probably varies depending on elements including location, competition, and level of expertise. Generally speaking, in the field, obtaining experience and assembling a portfolio are crucial, and it could take some time and work to establish oneself as a respected tattoo artist.

Leave a Comment