It is more likely today than in previous years that you will walk past various people with tattoos spanning different cultures and identities. When did this happen and why?:
Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of art seen almost all over the world. It has historically been used as a way of expressing spirituality and identity, and has been regarded as something sacred and ritualistic to various people.
Now, more recently, as the country is more integrated and also more connected to the rest of the world, the younger generations have normalised having tattoos. Many young people have tattoos, in line with the modern attitude of embracing self-expression, and the art form is used across cultures still.A lot of the current tattoo style in South Africa is very influenced by Western tattooing. The types of tattoos you will find here can generally be found around the Western World.
Thus, tattooing also grew in popularity when equipment and materials were made more accessible to individuals. And, of course, with the world being more connected via social media, the art of tattooing is more widely available to learn and expand on.Right now, our country also doesn’t regulate the tattoo industry. You aren’t required to have a license if you want to tattoo, and there is no governing board for the industry.
This means that if an employer challenges a worker because they have a tattoo, it will generally be dealt with in regards to an employer’s dress code and grooming standard.