Throughout history, it has been recorded that humans loved to adorn themselves and their surroundings. Be it ancient Egypt or even the jungles of Amazon; body art is a way of life in certain communities. When it came to tattoos, certain societies used them to express the feelings and sentiments of the individual and the community. In many cultures, tattoos were used as visual symbols of memories that the people wanted to hold on to and remember.

In America, tattoos started out as a form of rebellion. Even today, it is still considered as a symbol of rebellion where the person bearing the tattoo is viewed as a nonconformist. While some might call it a fad, it is difficult to say as no fad lasts for such a long time. Stars and celebrities are not shy of revealing their tattoos. For instance, soccer player David Beckham has visible tattoos on his neck and so also Natasha Kai, the female soccer player in the US. One can see boxers also sporting tattoos which are used more as weapons of intimidation. Who can forget the tattoo on Mike Tyson's face that made him look fiercer than ever before?

A tattoo is viewed as the bridge between reality and the spiritual world. It is a reminder that all of us are alone in the world; and just looking at it, one can do away with this dreadful feeling. Sometimes, a tattoo expresses what the person is like on the inside, especially if he or she finds it difficult to put in words. However, a graphic depiction can say everything.

For many others, a tattoo is a way of showing their faith in something abstract like love, freedom or patriotism. This faith can never be put into words and that is why a simple tattoo of a bleeding heart of the American flag can speak volumes.

For many people tattoos are also symbols of plain and simple beauty. A butterfly, dragon or a flower is designed and executed so perfectly, that one can only stand back and admire the craftsmanship and the sheer beauty of the depiction.

No doubt, if executed properly, a tattoo can be categorized as body art. However, the people, who in power like those that hire, promote and fire people, are not very appreciative or accepting of tattoos. They are considered to be symbols of the person not being a team player or someone who would be difficult to manage. This is not always true, but that is how the society or different cultures view them. Most other people just tolerate them.