The tramp stamp is a complicated tattoo.
The reputation of those with tattoos was much different back in the day when body art wasn’t regarded as highly as it is today. Some folks still don’t care for tattoos, and that’s fine. Some consider tattoos a desecration of the body, a mistake that will be there for the rest of a person’s life, and a regret that many will ruminate on later. But as the years have rolled by, tattoos and the way people look at them have changed. From the simplest designs and inks to the new school and vibrant images that some folks sport today, tattoos have undergone a lot of alterations that make them even more impressive than they were before. However, there are certain tattoos that some folks still don’t regard quite as well, either because they’re seen as inherently negative images/symbols, or are located in areas that affect how people think of others.
The ‘tramp stamp’, tattoos that are typically found on the lower back and typically on women, is one of those that a lot of people feel the need to speak on. Tramp stamps are thought of as something that promiscuous women wear, as the location has been associated in movies and TV with the term ‘bullseye’ in a sexual manner. In other words, a woman with a tramp stamp is considered to have a reputation for being fast and loose. The fact is that a tramp stamp is located in an area that doesn’t change much over time and even better, is easier to conceal at work or when in the company of those who might exhibit a strong opinion.
The truth though, is that like anything else, a tramp stamp is something that will get people talking, even if they have no idea what they’re saying. The decision to get a tramp stamp is one that a lot of ladies might see as a fun thing to do when they’re younger, or when they’re trying to reclaim their youth, or trying to be rebellious. There are a lot of reasons to get a tattoo, but there are those times when one has to wonder how and why a person chose what they did.
Some tramp stamps are gorgeous
A lot of tattoos come out looking like trash depending on who does them and how skilled they are. But plenty of people tend to think that tramp stamps come with an automatic fail no matter what they look like or who they’re on. It’s true, some of them look absolutely horrible and tend to lean hard into the stereotype that was created (arguably) in California back in the 90s. Before then, a lot of women would have found it unnecessary to EVER get a tattoo since it wasn’t considered to be ladylike and was more about rebellion than anything. These days though, women get tattoos all the time, and some tramp stamps are more than a little impressive. Amazingly enough, a tramp stamp can come out looking stunning to the point that it inspires others to get a tattoo in turn. It’s not common, but it does happen now and again.
Let’s be honest, some women should NOT get tramp stamps
Recall what was stated about the stereotype, and then think about how some women are willing and ready to state that yes, they are tramps and much worse. Even if they want to be respected, some women make it known that being promiscuous is a part of their lifestyle, and they’re proud of it for one reason or another. Hey, it’s the life some women choose, and the stamp on their backside is just a little more proof. But, when a tattoo is set into a woman’s skin and looks absolutely beautiful and even carries a heartwarming meaning, it’s pleasing on more than one level. Those ladies who get tramp stamps with the intention of proving to the world that they are bad girls and don’t care who knows it are typically those who might have been hurt in the past and don’t have a lot of self-esteem. That’s one explanation anyway.
Social norms have changed over time
Tattoos have been around for a very long time, and a lot of those who wore them back in ancient times did so because it was part of the culture. For one reason or another, those in the West have looked down on tattoos for generations. At one time it was a belief that only sailors and the ne’er do wells would dare to wear tattoos. But that’s changed quite a bit over the last several decades considering that tattoos have become more socially acceptable. These days, some of the nicest people you could meet might have full sleeves and back pieces, and could even sport tattoos on their head, face, neck, or anywhere else that sounds painful and inconvenient. It’s true that some tattoos make it tough to avoid judgment when thinking of some folks. But overall, tattoos are far easier to accept these days than they were a long time ago.
It’s a matter of perspective
You can think that a tramp stamp is nothing but trash, or you can think that it looks nice and fits the person perfectly. But how a tattoo is viewed by the general public is a matter of opinion, and in this day and age, the tramp stamp isn’t nearly as reviled as it used to be. Granted, it’s not exactly the most widely accepted tattoo around, but it rates higher than many others that are available to be viewed. For instance, a tramp stamp is bound to rate a lot higher than blatant hate symbols and a lot of prison or garage tattoos that look like garbage. But they’re probably not seen in the same light, generally, as expensive tattoos that carry a great deal of meaning. It’s all a matter of how a person views a tattoo.
WTR? (Why’s That Radass?)
Tattoos are a cultural thing and throughout the years they’ve been used in a number of different ways. Out of the numerous designs that have come and gone, along with the various trends, the tramp stamp is one that a lot of people have defended or derided. At the end of the day, it’s just another tattoo you can appreciate or ignore. While the name isn’t likely to change, it’s fair to state that people are starting to think of it in a different light.
