SMAD. Revista eletrônica saúde mental álcool e drogas
On-line version ISSN 1806-6976
Abstract
DADALTE, Aline Cristina et al. Representations of tattoo and piercing use. SMAD, Rev. Eletrônica Saúde Mental Álcool Drog. (Ed. port.) [online]. 2013, vol.9, n.1, pp.41-47. ISSN 1806-6976.
The present study has investigated several tattoo and piercing identity representations for their users, as well as prejudices related to them. We have interviewed 10 individuals with such ornaments. The results showed three different categories of representations for people with ornaments: aesthetic, predetermined design significance and permanent mark of a significant moment in life. Divergences in representations of these types of ornaments are responsible for generating prejudiced attitudes towards those who have them. Even facing discrimination and stigmatized character brought by ornaments, the interviewers reported they had not regret by opting for their use, which can be considered an identity factor, either personal or group.
Keywords : Ego; Tattooing; Body Piercing; Prejudice.