Posted July 10th, 2009
So You Want A Tattoo! Are You Crazy?
Are You Crazy? Photo Courtesy of EvilTattoo.com
You don’t have to be a sociopath in order to want tattoos, nor does a tattoo mean that a person crazy. However, numerous studies have shown that most sociopaths do indeed have tattoos as being one of their strongest common denominators. In addition, a well-known crime writer stated in an interview that every single one of the many serial killers he had spoken with had multiple tattoos. For most people today, tattoos hold no negative connotation; but for people who already have serious personality defects, tattoos are often a very visible symbol of it. For these individuals, everything about tattoos has an entirely different purpose and meaning than it does to the majority– from why they feel the need to get them, and what the tattoos represent.
Psychologists refer to tattoos as “body modification;” most have both very strong opinions and knowledge about how tattoos are connected to sociopaths psychologically. In the most clearly defined side, psychologists state that for persons who already exhibit signs of personality defects, tattoos are an extension of their anti-social behavior. It is said that the types of individuals who engage in drug use, promiscuity, and violence, merely make tattoos a part of that particular lifestyle.
Psychologists state that these traits, coupled with tattoos, are linked to sub-clinical psychopathy. In clearer terms, for this segment of the population, getting tattoos is yet another way of thumbing their nose at society, and displaying a sense of self-importance. One of the foundations of sociopath behavior is to refuse to adhere to what is generally considered to be acceptable behavior. Since tattoos still have some degree of negativity associated with them, they are alluring to people who already have serious personality problems. For these people, acquiring tattoos is primarily an aggressive means of defying what is conventional.
While this fact is relevant to sociopaths in general, and cannot afford to be overlooked, it takes on an even darker side for those who commit serious violent crimes. In research regarding serial killers, a much worse connection comes up about tattoos. Continuing with the factors already evident in sociopaths, there are the additional factors of causing bodily harm and of refusing to let go. In plainer terms, these types of individuals gain tattoos– often by their own attempts– both as a means of expressing hatred and as a means of permanently holding on to the objects of their hatred.
On a slightly lesser but still important scale, as most of the individuals who fall into the categories of sociopaths and violent criminals were subjected to severe abuse in childhood, it is relevant to note that it is not unusual at all for them to display, in their adult life, tattoos with the name or some representative symbol of their abusive parent.
When facts like this are taken into consideration, even if much of the population isn’t aware of it, it’s no wonder tattoos have continually held such a negative reputation. While it is true that most people in the United States choose to get tattoos as an expression of beauty often referred to as body art, learning that tattoos are a common standard amongst sociopaths and serial killers does tend to lend a less-than-desirable quality to the entire subject.
Now, this post should not make you feel weird about wanting a tattoo. It should make you aware of the connotations associated with certain kinds of tattoo designs. More than ever, it’s important you research your tattoo design and put extra effort into creating the right tattoo design for you that lends meaning to your life. A piece of body art you can be proud of.
Tags: Choosing Tattoo, serial killers, sociopaths, tattoo, Tattoo Designs, tattoos
1 Comment at "So You Want A Tattoo! Are You Crazy?"
NO I’M NOT CRAZY at first i was really pissed reading your post until i got to the end and you said to pick a design that adds meaning to my life
.-= Meghan Watson´s last blog ..Tattoo-removing Lasers Used to Lift Dirt From Great Works of Art =-.
