Inked Identity: A Social History of the Tattoo in America: 1900-1950

Abstract

A paper that studies the events between 1900 and 1950 that changed the outlook of the tattoo in America. The paper introduces the reader to the mechanization and modernization of the tattoo through newspaper articles and secondary sources. Cultural aspects including beauty and its advertising campaigns and the circuses and sideshows which introduced Americans from all walks of life to the tattoo are introduced and studied. The military is the largest aspect of tattoos and their identification with the American patriot; the paper includes several photos of the most popular of design. Other factors including a small excerpt on removal and new techniques that evolve from the tattoo are also discussed.