The Chinese attitude towards tattoos is not “hate” in general, but presents a complex and diverse appearance. The formation of this attitude involves factors in history, culture, social psychology and other aspects. The following is a detailed analysis of this phenomenon:
I. Historical reasons
The connection between tattoos and punishment: In Chinese history, tattoos have existed as a form of punishment, such as “tattooing”, which is to tattoo the face of the criminal and apply ink as a mark of crime. This historical background has left a negative impression on tattoos in the public mind, and it is easy to be associated with crime and bad behavior.
The influence of Confucian culture: Confucian culture emphasizes that “the body, hair and skin are given by parents, and we dare not damage them.” It is believed that the body is given by parents and should be cherished and should not be changed or damaged at will. This concept is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, making tattoos, a behavior that changes the original appearance of the body, contrary to Confucian culture, and thus rejected.
II. Cultural traditions and concepts
Differences in body concepts: In traditional Chinese culture, the body is regarded as sacred and inviolable, and is a precious treasure given by parents. Therefore, tattoos, such as carving on the body, are regarded as blasphemy against the body and are not in line with traditional values.
Social class label: In the past, tattoos were often associated with social classes such as the lower class and hooligans. This labeled association has deepened people’s prejudice against tattoos, believing that tattoos are a sign of low-level and bad elements.
- Social psychology and prejudice
Fear and rejection: People often have fear and rejection of unknown or different cultural phenomena. Tattoos, as an alien cultural phenomenon, are not common in traditional Chinese society, so they are easy to cause people’s fear and rejection.
Stereotypes and misunderstandings: Due to historical issues and the labeled association of social classes, tattoos have formed stereotypes and misunderstandings in Chinese society. Some people believe that tattooed people are often associated with bad behaviors such as crime and violence. This prejudice limits the spread and acceptance of tattoo culture. - Realistic factors and restrictions
Professional and military restrictions: In China, many professional and military fields have strict restrictions on tattoos. For example, when the army is recruiting, people with tattoos are usually not allowed to join the army, which reflects the exclusion of tattoos in certain professional fields. This realistic factor also deepens people’s negative views on tattoos.
Social pressure: Tattoos are still a sensitive topic in Chinese society. Some people worry that tattoos will bring unnecessary trouble and public pressure to themselves, so they choose to avoid tattoos. This social pressure has also limited the popularity and development of tattoo culture to a certain extent.
V. Gradual acceptance and change of tattoo culture
Although there are many factors mentioned above that cause Chinese people to have a negative view of tattoos, with the changes of the times and the influence of globalization, tattoo culture has gradually gained more acceptance and recognition in China.
Personality expression and fashion trends: In modern society, tattoos have become a way of expressing personality and self-display. More and more young people choose tattoos to show their uniqueness and aesthetic concepts. This trend has promoted the spread and development of tattoo culture to a certain extent.
Cultural exchange and integration: With the deepening development of globalization, exchanges and integration between different cultures are becoming more and more frequent. Tattoos as a cross-cultural art form are gradually understood and accepted by the Chinese. This cultural exchange and integration provides a broader space and opportunity for the development of tattoo culture in China.
The Chinese attitude towards tattoos is not simply “hate”, but is affected by historical, cultural, social psychological and other factors, presenting a complex and diverse appearance. With the changes of the times and the influence of globalization, tattoo culture has gradually gained more acceptance and recognition in China. However, it will take time and more active social education to completely change the public’s negative perception of tattoos.