Article Analysis
The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos Article
The article, An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos, seems to be aimed towards the general audience. It does seem to lean more towards the audience that doesn’t have tattoos. Kosut talks about the mass appeal and the recognition of tattoo as an art form. He also talks about how tattoos often lean toward trendiness and conformity, instead of rebellion and transgression. (Kosut, 2006) Kosut also talks about how tattoos assist in selling products and is simultaneously a product that is consumed. It is amazing how many people have a Harley Davidson Tattoo. Generally if they have a Harley tattoo, they also own a Harley Davison motorcycle. This article uses subject-specific vocabulary. “Inked” is a reference to having a tattoo.
This article focuses on how the tattoo craze has grown since 1990. It is not just for people who want to rebel or the “biker” type. It is considered a form of art now. Many tattoo practitioners have art school background. (Kosut, 2006) Kosut refers to it as painting on the skin instead of a canvas. With academic training they are able to use newer designs and brighter inks. (Kosut, 200) When someone gets a tattoo it is based on their individuality and personal preferences. Their likes and views are represented by their tattoo.
The reason that tattoos have become more popular is that there are so many athletes, stars, and musicians now have tattoos. No matter where you look you will find someone who appeals to your lifestyle or musical taste. (Kosut, 2006) This article has a lot of information about tattoos and shows a non-partial view.
The research that was done really gave this article the facts needed. The author began the article with vocabulary that was understandable by most all ages. As the article progressed it became harder to understand some of the vocabulary used without looking it up in the dictionary. This makes it harder for people to understand exactly what the author is trying to get across to the reader. For example, Kosut uses words like “semiotically pillaged”. Not everyone would understand what this means. Even though some of this article is hard to understand the author is able to get his ideas across to the reader and is logically organized. The one thing that has stayed with me from this article is that the views of tattoos have changed majorly since 1990. Tattoo’s are accepted by all genders, classes, etc. in our culture today.
References
KOSUT, M. (2006). An Ironic Fad: The Commodification and Consumption of Tattoos. The Journal of Popular Culture, 39(6), 1035-1048.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this article. Your analysis covered it very well. I was especially interested because my daughter has 5 tatoos. We think they are kind of an addiction, and many of the comments throughout the article refer to things we have discussed with her or about her! We always try to remind her that they will still be there when she's a grandma, but they may not be in the same place!
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