A person's image is vital when meeting someone for the first time. Our colleagues, employers, family members, superiors, and even strangers you meet can automatically judge someone and imagine how they present themselves to the world. Tattoos have predominantly been linked to a rebellious attitude and depicted on out-of-control stereotypes such as rock stars, bikers, sailors and disobedient teenagers who want nothing more than to cut off their parents. With a new generation coming of age and a step towards a more forgiving and liberal society, these types of patrons still participate in body art, but so do doctors, lawyers, or just the mom of the house. Tattoos indicate religious beliefs, cultural influence, or each individual's unique style. Body art is no longer socially offensive, employers are more likely to hire tattooed and hopeful candidates, parents are warming to the idea of ​​their children inking their bodies, and a stranger on the street with a tattoo is no longer necessarily prejudiced as a criminal or security. danger. Tattoos have evolved over the years as they have become a socially accepted element among the general public. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, North American tattoos originated on the island of Tahiti and other small Pacific islands, including Samoa and Hawaii. (DeMello). The modification made by American tattoo artists was to “adapt to a local sensibility by emphasizing patriotism rather than exoticism” (DeMello). Martin Hildebrandt, was the first known professional tattoo artist in the United States. Shortly after the creation of the first mechanical tattoo machine, tattoos had until then been done by hand. A tattoo machine was invented because tattoos became a fad with mili...... middle of paper...... patronage of a belief. Over time the tattoo has been plagued by the growing fear that those who receive it automatically become an outcast of the social order. The fear of body art is easing in the eyes of the general public and whether it is a motorcyclist or a school teacher with one, they are starting to be regarded equally. The growing population of those who get tattoos has directly led to the increase in the population of those who accept them. It took time for cultural views on tattoos to go from taboo to standard practices of people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Time has allowed the sanctioned onslaught of bad looks, snubbed noses to slowly subside and the natural acceptance of body ink to be granted. It's not just the crazy neighbor next door with a tattoo, but also the respected doctor on the street or your Sunday school teacher at church.