Cultural (1998)

+ Body Art
· Tattoos, piercings, branding, scarification

Tattoos, in the 1960's, were associated with delinquints and outsiders. After increased popularity in the media (the Rolling Stones in the 1970's, fashion models, sports stars), the stigma has shifted to that of a respected artform instead of an "Urban Outlaw Culture." This year (1998), tattooing is not only the sixth-fastest-growing retail business in the U.S., but has been openly documented by U.S. government agencies as both a "profession" and an "art."