Hannah Ramirez 1

EIP PROPOSAL
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Present your issue/topic, then try to put it in question form

Why are tattoos looked still looked at as a taboo when they are widely seen in todays society?
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Why did you choose this subject over others? Why is it

compelling to you?

I have recently returned from visiting my family and the topic of hating tattoos was brought up
by my father. He views them very negatively which is why I keep it very secretive that I have
one myself. My mother found out I have it and thinks that it should remain hidden from my
father so as to not hurt his feelings.
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What do you already know about your subject?

I myself have a tattoo, have witnessed friends receive tattoos, and as a result I have been present
in multiple tattoo shops. I have spoken with artists on their processes and reasoning and I have
done detailed research personally in preparation for receiving my own tattoo.
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What more do you need to learn?

Where and when tattoos originated and why they became popular, along
with what social stigmas have become associated with having tattoos.
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To guide your research, write ten questions you want to find

answers to.

1. Who (what people) began giving and receiving tattoos?

2. What were these tattoos of?
3. When were these tattoos started, when were they most popular, and
when were specific trends?
4. Where in the world did tattoos originate, where are they banned, and
where are they most common AND where on the body are most tattoos/
what parts have what stigma (ex- tramp stamps)
5. Why have tattoos been significant? What do they symbolize?
6. What does having a tattoo mean for someone in American society today?
7. What limitations does having tattoos provide? (ex- workforce)
8. Who is most likely to get tattoos today?

Hannah Ramirez 2
9. Do religions play a part in tattoo hating stigma?
10. Do specific genders or races provide more difficulties with social
acceptance of tattoos?
11. What does the future look like for the acceptance of people with
tattoos?
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Where do you think you will find answers you seek? What
questions might be difficult to find answers for?

I believe that I will find many of my answers through various web sites and
journals. I know that there are many published magazines about tattoos. In
addition, if religions do play any part in the negative social stigma I would be
able to quote religious texts which state these things. Also, being on a
college campus provides many opportunities for one-on-one interviews. I
believe some of the harder questions are the ones that are going to be
answered by individuals personal opinions on tattoos versus something
more factual.
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If the results of your initial research are so numerous you need to

narrow your subject, what will you narrow it to?

What role do tattoos play in society today?

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If your preliminary research turns up very little information, how

will you broaden your subject to open up more research findings?

What influences have the power to improve the societal views on tattoos?
What does this mean for their future?
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Think about who your target audience might be. Who is most
affected by this issue? Why should other people care about this
issue? Why is your issue important?

My target audience would potentially be young people, especially college aged individuals.
Since you must be of legal age to attain a tattoo I believe this audience is more influential.
College aged individuals are about to be the leaders of society and they can redefine the negative
stigma on tattoos as they have them. This issue is important because it could lower the
boundaries which have been placed upon people who have tattoos in society.