Thesis: Tattoos can be viewed in two ways: positively and negatively.
Introduction
I. Sitting there while my hand was being held by my mom I thought to myself, “how in the world are my fingers still attached to my palm?” then I realized my mom was probably going through more pain than I was considering she was getting her second tattoo on the top of her foot. (Attention-getter)
II. I have done some research on the different aspects of tattoos. (Credibility)
III. Tattoos can be viewed in two ways: positively and negatively. (Thesis)
IV. Today, I’d like to explain how there are more to tattoos than just looks and how they are becoming more acceptable along with the health issues and social constructs. (Preview)
Body
I. First, tattoos are not always just about looks; sometimes they have meaning and stories behind the design.
A. For instance, in October 2010 the article “Looking at the World’s Tattoos” by Abigail Tucker, declares when a Cambodian monk has dark scrawls on his chest then that reflects his religious beliefs.
1. Similarly, in Los Angeles some of the gang members can have sprawling tattoos which explain street association and may reveal if he’s committed murder or not.
2. However, Nina Jablonski, a Pennsylvania State University anthropologist states that a tattoo can also reveal one’s ability to tolerate pain.
B. Furthermore, in January 2012 Michael Firmin claims in the article “External Dynamics Influencing Tattooing Among College Students,” that since tattoos can represent a story, students who have tattoos are going to be less likely to have depression.
1. Fredrick and Bradley, professors from Armstrong University, had 53 students complete a survey discussing body tattoos along with taking a depression test. The students who had tattoos had significantly lower scores on the depression test.
Transition: Not only can tattoos have significance, they