Tattoo – Symbol of “Slavery” or Expression of Freedom – or Just a Fashion Statement

During my walks in Pune – I have noticed a proliferation of “Tattoo Studios” all over town – in Malls, Shopping Centres, Business Districts, Residential Areas, even in the Suburbs. 

I have also noticed that an increasing number of people are getting themselves inked. 

This reminds me of a blog post I had written long back on “TATTOO” – in which I had asked the moot question:

Why Do People Have Tattoos...?

I have not got the answer to my question so far.

So – let me post my views on TATTOO once more – with the hope that – someone will tell us why people have tattoos – especially those who have a tattoo themselves...

TATTOO

Why Do People Get Themselves Inked...?

Obsolescent Musings of an Antiquated Veteran

By
VIKRAM KARVE

Getting permanently “inked” seems to be getting increasingly popular day by day.

Some proudly display visible tattoos on exposed parts of their bodies – while some like to have secret tattoos in various private places of their bodies.

Some get names of their lovers inked on their bodies – maybe as a Public Display of Affection (PDA).

Some people like individuals who have a tattoo – some are indifferent – and some disapprove.

There are organisations that do not approve of tattoos.

A young man told me that he wanted to join the Army – but he could not do so since he had a Tattoo.

I was surprised.

I did not know that the Army does not allow individuals with Tattoos to join up. 

Traditionally – Tattoos were associated with Navy Sailors.

Merchant Seamen and Naval Sailors – who sailed across the high seas to distant lands – came back with exotic tattoos inked on their bodies as a testimony to their travels – and as a permanent memory of the ports they had visited.

So – the tradition of tattooing – or permanently inking your body – soon became associated with sailors – men who sailed the high seas to exotic destinations.

I do not know whether the Indian Navy permits officers and sailors to have tattoos – but – during my long service in the Navy – I did not see any Naval Officer or Sailor with tattoos – except innocuous childhood tattoos inked on forearms as a custom/tradition when they were children.

I do not have a Tattoo – nor did I see any of my shipmates get themselves inked with Tattoos on their bodies – but I have seen a few Merchant Navy Sailors with Tattoos.

Do the Indian Army and Air Force allow Tattoos...?

I do not know.

Some employers may frown upon Tattoos.

So – if do not want your Tattoo to come in the way of a career opportunity – especially if you want to join the Armed Forces – you better think twice before you get your body permanently inked with a tattoo.

But – I once saw a stylish Army wife with an intricate tattoo inked on her body – at a most curious place.

I once read a story about a lovey-dovey celebrity couple who got each other’s names tattooed – permanently inked – on their bodies as an expression of mutual love.

A few years later – the lovers had a break up and separated.

Now – after they had a bitter break-up – the “Tattoo of Love” became a “Symbol of Hate” – and they wanted to get their tattoos removed – and in the laborious process they ended up damaging their skin with scars.

Tattoos are painful to get inked – so I really wonder why people are willing to undergo pain just to ink their skin.

I never felt the need to get a tattoo.

I have always wondered why so many people – especially celebrities – like to ink their bodies permanently with tattoos.

Let us try to answer the moot question – and – try to fathom the answer to mysterious question: 

Why Do People Have Tattoos...?

WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TATTOOS...?

Whenever I see a person with a Tattoo – I get intrigued.

Why do people have tattoos made on their body...?

Why do some beautiful persons stain and blemish their soft flawless skin...?

Why do they go through the expensive and painful process of inking...?

What is the reason people want to have a tattoo...? 

In order to understand this mystery – I decided to go into the basics of human behaviour.

Tell me: 

“Why do you behave in the way you do...?”

The answer is simple:

You behave in a certain way to satisfy your needs at that point of time.

In fact – all your behaviour is governed by your intrinsic motivation to satisfy your needs.

Yes – your needs influence your behaviour. 

A Tattoo is a “Sign” – a “Symbol” – which satisfies a certain “Need” 

HUMAN BEHAVIOUR IN A NUTSHELL 

The process of Human Behavior can be summarized in Four steps:

1. A Need is aroused within you

2. You behave in a way to satisfy the Need

3. The Need is satisfied

4. You relax

As I said earlier – a Tattoo is a “Sign” – a “Symbol” – which satisfies a certain “Need”.

So – what do you think are the “needs” that motivate a person to have a Tattoo...?

If you already have a Tattoo – ask yourself:

What was the “need” that motivated you to get a Tattoo...?

Or – if you intend to get a Tattoo: 

What is the “need” that is motivating you get your body inked...?

WHAT “NEED” MOTIVATED YOU TO HAVE A TATTOO...?

Do you have a tattoo...?

Yes? 

You have a tattoo?

If you have a tattoo – do tell us:

What was the “Need” you wanted to satisfy by having a Tattoo...?

Was it the need for “Thrill” and a sense of Adventure...?

Did you have a Tattoo to satisfy your need to seek Attention...?

Or – is your Tattoo your way of expressing your sense of Rebellion in order to satisfy your needs for freedom or self-expression...?

Did you have a Tattoo due to Peer Pressure – to satisfy your “need to belong” – or for Conformance – or identification with a group...?

Historically – Tattoos were used to brand Slaves – so maybe you wanted to be “branded” as someone’s “slave” – so you got that person’s name tattooed on your body.

Is that the reason you got your lover’s name tattooed on your body – to fulfill your need to show off your love – or to satisfy your need to be dominated...?

Did you want to display to the world that – you “belong” to your lover – and you are your lover’s “slave” – and vice versa...?

Is your Tattoo a Public Display of Affection (PDA)...?

What will happen if you break-up with your lover whose name is tattooed on your body...?

Someone once told me that people have “Secret Tattoos” in hidden places on the body which no one can see – like at the base of the spine on the lower back just above the derriere – or – at even more intimate places. 

It is a mystery as to why people have such secret hidden Tattoos – but obviously – they are satisfying some need.

Maybe – some individuals have a need for secrecy – or a need for sensuality – or a need for exclusivity.

Or – maybe some get Tattoos because they have an inferiority complex – and want to show off that they are “hep” and fashionable.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO PERMANENTLY INK YOUR BODY WITH A TATTOO...?

They say that Tattoos are Expensive, Painful and Permanent.

I also heard that Tattoo Removal is even more expensive and painful.

I read an article once that in many cases Tattoo Removal may be ineffective.

I do not know whether it is true – but someone told me that – it is impossible to actually remove a Tattoo – you can lighten it, nothing more

Or – you can get a “cover up” artiste to “fix” your Tattoo and improve its appearance.

However – if you remove a permanent tattoo – you may never get back the flawless skin that you had before you got the tattoo done – and – ugly scars may remain.

If your skin is sensitive – it may get damaged or discoloured forever.

I am sure that before a person decides to have a Tattoo done on their body – they know all these implications.

But their “need” to have a Tattoo creates a desire is so strong and overpowering – that it motivates them to go ahead and satisfy their need by getting a Tattoo.

Like I said earlier – historically – Tattoos were used to brand Slaves and Animals.

A Tattoo was a sign of slavery. 

If the owner’s name was tattooed on the slave or animal – the Tattoo signified Ownership – and maybe it is the same “Need for Ownership” which makes lovers tattoo each other’s names on their bodies. 

In ancient times – Tattoos were used as a mode of communication between spies.

Once upon a time – members of some Mafia used to wear Symbolic Tattoos to identify as members of a certain crime syndicate.

Seamen and Sailors came back with Tattoos – a tradition that would soon become associated with men of the sea.

But – all this happened in ancient times.

I wonder why so many people have Tattoos in this modern age.

Dear Reader: 

If you have a tattoo – do tell us: 

“Why did you have a Tattoo...?” 

If you intend getting a tattoo inked on your body – do tell us: 

“Why do you want to have a Tattoo...?” 

Is your Tattoo a symbol of “slavery” – to show the world that you “belong” to someone...?

Is your Tattoo an expression of “freedom” – to assert your personality...? 

Is your Tattoo just a “fashion statement”...? 

Or – is there some other motivation for your Tattoo...?

Do tell us: What is the significance of your Tattoo...? 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. These are my personal views. Whether to tattoo or not to have a tattoo is your prerogative, but do so with due diligence. 

2. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

3. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. All examples and tips are illustrative in nature. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Revised and Updated version of my Article on TATTOO First Posted by me Vikram Karve in this blog at 8/26/2013 04:49:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/08/tattoo-why-do-you-have-tattoo.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/tattoo-why-do-people-get-themselves.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/tattoo-why-do-people-have-tattoos.html etc

TRAVELLING IN PUNE - Then and Now

TRAVELLING IN PUNE - Then and Now
A Punekar Walks Down Memory Lane
By
VIKRAM KARVE

I wrote a series of articles a couple of years back on the Pune of Yesteryear  

Yesterday, I had a harrowing time driving in the chaotic traffic and I recalled this piece I wrote titled CYCLE TOWN PUNE harking back to memories of the 1960s and 1970s when Pune was known as the Cycle Capital of India. 

I am sure you will enjoy these reminiscences, and maybe this will tempt you to  hark back to your good old days too.

Please do let me know if you liked this article and comment – I look forward to your feedback.

A PUNEKAR WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

CYCLE TOWN PUNE

A Memoir

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I was a small boy (in the 1960’s), and later in the 1970’s, we used to cycle all over Pune. 

Pune was a Cycle-Town and it was known as the Cycle Capital of India as Pune had the maximum number of cycles.

But with the advent and proliferation of scooters, this honour was taken over by Delhi and Pune became the Scooter Capital of India.

Let’s hark back to the 1960s and talk about Cycle Town Pune. 

Those days 90% of the vehicles on the roads were Bicycles.

You could see a few Scooters zipping by and once in a while an Ambassador or Fiat Car would appear on the roads.

Auto-rickshaws were beginning to make their appearance and the PMT Bus was the second-most popular mode of transportation after the cycle. 

If you do not believe me you just watch the scene in Sangam (1964) where Raj Kapoor can be seen merrily cycling down Jangli Maharaj Road (then known as 80 Feet Road – the widest road in Pune those days).

As I said, in those days, Pune was a cycle town. 

You just picked up your bicycle and went wherever you wanted to.

Today, I dare not try to cycle on the roads of Pune, unless I want to land up in a hospital with my bones broken or worse still in the morgue with my body crushed to pulp.

There is just no place for the poor cyclist in the murderous traffic or Pune. 

In fact, the only place you can cycle are on the cycle-lanes on those small stretches of the BRTS routes which thankfully have still not been encroached upon (of course, even here you risk being knocked down by a motorcyclist) or you can pedal away on those obscure cycle-tracks which take you nowhere.

Now-a-days, for most young Punekars, cycling is a hobby, a sport, a recreation, a “passion”, an “environment friendly” thing to do; those days cycling was the primary means of transportation.

That’s why today you have all types of fancy bikes (which cost the roof) which people want to show off as “status symbols” whenever they get off their expensive limousines and take a rare bike ride wearing funny outfits and contraptions like gloves, helmets et al.

There are Terrain Bikes, Sports Bikes, BMX Bikes, Racing Bikes, all sorts of hybrid combinations, which look good but are most uncomfortable to ride. 

Sometime ago I took a long ride on a youngster’s MTB and got such a pain in my you-know-where that I thought I had got hernia.

In my younger days, it was not snob appeal but utility value that governed the design of bicycles.

The predominant cycle those days was what is called the “Roadster” in bicycle parlance. 

The Roadster was a utility bicycle designed for practical transportation unlike the fancy bikes of today primarily designed for recreation and showing-off. 

The Roadster was designed for Occupational Commuting and was designed to give you a comfortable ride.

As I said, those days you did not ride a bike to burn calories.

A cycle was a means of transportation and you commuted from one place to another on a cycle. 

Of course, fitness was a by-product, as in my college days I used to cycle about 20 Kilometres every day breathing fresh unpolluted air and this was healthy exercise. 

We cycled in our normal clothes and not in “biking wear” and that’s why the Roadster had proper mudguards and chain guards to keep it clean. In addition to comfort, the qualities we looked for were sturdiness, durability and endurance.

A cycle was a permanent long term acquisition, not a “use and throw” item.

Well, today you may not find the humble Roadster displayed along with those fancy fashionable bikes in those high-falutin Cycle Malls in Pune.

But if you look on the roads, you will see that the redoubtable Roadster is still going strong.

And if you care to go to the mofussil you will see that this humble Roadster Cycle is still the predominant mode of transportation. 

If you go to those good old cycle marts in Budhwar Peth you will see that these unpretentious bikes are still selling in plenty.

There were no “kiddie or children’s bikes” to pamper us.

We learnt how to cycle the hard way on the hardy adult roadster bikes which entailed many falls and bruises, including one on my forehead, the scar of which is prominently visible even today.

I learnt how to cycle when I was seven or eight but I got my first cycle in 1968, on my 12^th Birthday. 

Until then I used to hire a bike on an hourly basis from one of the many “Cycle Marts” that adorned almost every street corner of Pune or manage a ride my uncle’s cycle whenever he was not using it.

The moment it was announced that I would be getting a bike as a birthday gift, I was very excited.

My friends and I started our market survey.

Which cycle did I want?

There were so many brands to choose from. 

At the top end was the matchless Humber the prized crème de la crème brand from Raleigh Cycles. 

The Humber Men’s Roadster had a unique double-fork, a duplex fork design which had two tubes for absorbing shocks better, and a frictionless chain for a smooth ride.

Owing to all these refinements, the Humber Cycle gave you the ultimate in riding comfort.

Now my Dad had given me a budget of Rs. 200 and the Humber which cost around 400 bucks was out of the question, as were other premium brands of cycles like Raleigh, Rudge, Buke and BSA.

So I had to choose from Hercules, Phillips, Hind Superb, Hero, Eastern Star, Avon or Atlas.

At first I wanted to buy a Phillips Cycle which looked very handsome and had embossed on its badge its famous motto: “Renowned the World Over”.

But the dealer insisted that I try the latest model of Atlas (which he claimed was sturdy, comfortable, had the best bearings, long lasting, economical and ideal for a student like me).

So I took a “test ride” and acquired an Atlas Cycle for the princely sum of a hundred and eight rupees (yes, Rs. 180 only).

I fitted my bike with a dynamo and light (for night riding), a bell, a carrier and a sleek stand, and as I rode my brand new shining black Atlas cycle I felt on top of the world.

This Atlas Cycle rendered yeoman’s service (like I said I cycled about 20 kilometers every day) and accompanied me all over on my cycling trips, including one touring UP and Bihar where we just carried our cycles in the second class train compartment, got down wherever we wanted and cycled away for our sightseeing and caught a train again at the nearest station. No one dared to ask any questions because we were “students”.

I used my rugged Atlas Cycle for over fifteen years and it was still going strong when I gave it away to a needy student (this redoubtable bike was fully  operational when I last saw it in the year 1998).

Soon I bought a brand new Hero Cycle for around three hundred bucks which I used for cycling all around town whenever I came to Pune on my weekend trips or holidays from Mumbai where my ship was based. 

Though I had a scooter by then which I used for “family” outings, I still rode my bike for my solitary travels in Pune.

Unfortunately my newly acquired wife refused to ride double-seat with me (à la Dev Anand and Mumtaz in Tere Mere Sapne) though she rode a ladies cycle herself in college.

By the way, riding double-seat and without a light at night were traffic offences.

If a cop caught you without a light at night or riding double-seat on your bike, he would deflate your tyres as punishment and you would have to walk all the way dragging your cycle along.

There was cycle-stands all over, in cinemas, at railway stations, and till the 1980s.

The bicycle was still the most popular mode of transportation in Pune since distances were not that much and then the traffic was not that heavy. 

But gradually, scooters were slowly taking over as people were increasingly in a hurry to get wherever they wanted to go.

I quit cycling in Pune sometime in the end 1980s because cycling had become increasingly unsafe.

The traffic situation in Pune had become quite bad.

Heavy vehicles, buses, cars and scooters ruled the roost.

And after a few close shaves in the dangerous traffic, I decided to stop cycling on the streets of Pune.

Cycling keeps you healthy. 

Cycling also keeps you stress-free.

Those days, as I cycled to college or work, the physical effort while cycling helped remove my stress, unlike driving a car or scooter in the chaotic traffic of Pune which drives you crazy.

Almost everyone cycled to school and college, and to work and back, all the way from the heart of Pune City even to far-off places like the factories in Khadki and beyond.

Cycling was a healthy affordable way of commuting.

Yes, cycling was primarily a means of travel, and not a competition sport or a means of working out for exercise as it is now. 

Of course, exercise was a byproduct of cycling. 

I have decided to relive those good old days. 

So I am going to get myself a cycle – yes, a old-style standard roadster bike – maybe I’ll try a good old tried and tested Hercules Hero or Atlas Standard Roadmaster Cycle this time. 

Only thing is that I will have to find a road to cycle on, besides a BRTS track nearby. 

I eagerly await the BRTS in Wakad so all of us can cycle down the bicycle track as people do on the BRTS route on Satara Road near Bibwewadi.

Unfortunately, most cycle tracks in Pune have been encroached upon by shops, stalls, garages, parked vehicles etc, and it is difficult and dangerous to ride your cycle on these tracks.

It seems that the traffic police and municipal authorities want to discourage citizens from using bicycles to commute and travel, since the cops and ward officers do not ensure unobstructed and well maintained cycle tracks.

There are many IT Techies who want to cycle to work in Hinjewadi but cannot do so due to the absence of safe cycle tracks. 

Most are afraid to cycle on the main road due to fear of accidents, since it is dangerous to ride a cycle on the main road in the fast moving traffic.

In the mornings and in the evenings I watch the serpentine traffic moving at snail’s pace on the Wakad Hinjewadi Road.

In theory, the cycle tracks exist, but in practice they are not usable.

What a terrible waste of time, effort and fuel resources!

I wonder how different things would have been if everyone rode bicycles to work like in yesteryear Pune. 

We would have a more healthy, unpolluted and stress-free Pune.

And most importantly, if people are encouraged to use cycles for transportation, so much petrol and diesel would be saved and this would certainly help to reduce our import bill which will bolster the falling rupee.

Cycling seems to be a Win-Win situation.

But then who wants to “win”? 

We seem to be happy to be a bunch of losers!

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

NB:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013 all rights reserved

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About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
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Email: vikramkarve@hotmail.com

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