Like most people, I was nervous. Perhaps a bit more than that. A collection of sanitizing chemicals was neatly arranged beside a row of shiny, sterilized tools that hung just below the eye. My mind raced, and I became more self-conscious about the excessive sweat production Science Tattoo, I nearly called it quits. The cold shock of disinfectant on the skin finally brought me back to my senses. I was about to accomplish this. I was glad that I couldn’t see any needles.
I bit my lip, clenched my fist, and tried to hide my pain by pretending toughness, I walked out with a swelling lip, permanent art on my ribs, and nail marks on both my palm.
Although it was not the most painful experience science fabric, I did get my first tattoo. According to Pew Research Center, 40% of Americans 18-29 have a tattoo. Ink on the body has grown so popular that the US military had to relax their restrictions in order to maintain their growing recruiting pool. How come so any people deliberately injure themselves to create such elaborate and permanent scars. Continue reading to find out more about tattoo science and history.
AN ARTISTIC RITE OF PASSAGE
Dustin Cramer from SparrowHawk Studio, Atlanta, says that tattoos can be like hanging favorite artwork in your home. But it’s permanent. A 2015 Harris Poll found that tattoos make inked people feel strong, spiritually connected, intelligent, and sexy. This modern explanation for body ink is similar to that used for traditional tattoos.
Although tattooing has been around for a long time, many biologists are still baffled by the act of self-injury. It doesn’t seem like the best strategy to survive, but intentionally exposing yourself to injury or risk of infection is. Recent theories suggest that science tattoos could have biological roots, a phenomenon known as “costly honest messaging.”
COSTLY HONEST SIGNALING
A Knight’s Tale, one of my favourite movies of the 2000’s, is a perfect example of honest signaling that can cost you a lot of money. Heath Ledger plays William in a story about an underdog team of jousting players. He must conceal his humble roots to win tournaments and the affections of Jocelyn, a noble lady. William is severely injured in the final jousting match due to the deceitful dealings of his arch-nemesis.
He throws a Hail Mary and removes all of his ruined armor before charging ahead without any protection. Because armor removal is dangerous and can be fatal, this display is both expensive and honest. This dangerous act, while extremely risky, is intended to show toughness and confidence in his character’s ability to win. It shakes the confidence of his naive opponent. His romantic prospects are enhanced by his successful attempt at honest signaling, which ultimately wins him the tournament.