Introduktion
Andy Carrington presents his essay titled "Is tattooing a Form of Self-mutilation?" on his personal website, delving into the dual aspects of pain and symbolism associated with tattoos.

Carrington emphasizes the lasting mark that a tattoo leaves on the body, acknowledging that individuals opt for tattoos for a variety of reasons, including religious or spiritual devotion.

In contrast, Brendan O’Neill offers a different perspective in his blog post titled "Tattoos were once a sign of rebellion - now they are evidence of craven conformity to cultural norms," published on "The Telegraph" website.

O’Neill explores how tattoos have shifted from being a symbol of rebellion to becoming mainstream in society today. He also delves into the distinct tattoo culture in Japan, where Mayor Osaka has imposed restrictions on individuals with tattoos seeking government jobs.

Innehållsförteckning
1. Give an outline of the different views on ink tattoos presented in the texts
2. How does Brendan O’Neill argue for his views in text 2? Give examples from the text.
3. Taking your starting point in text 3, discuss what ink tattoos signal in today’s society

Utdrag
Brendan O’Neill highlights the mainstream nature of tattoos in his argument, pointing out that tattoos have become a common trend due to their widespread popularity.

He employs ethos effectively in his blog post, commencing with a real incident in Japan where the mayor of Osaka "banned tattooed people from working in the local government" (ll. 3-4).

By grounding his argument in a real-world scenario, O'Neill captures the reader's attention and encourages them to share his perspective.

Furthermore, O'Neill draws attention to the prevalence of tattooed individuals in advertisements along high streets, asserting that "branded people, being tattooed is mainstream" (ll. 75-76). This observation bolsters his argument about the ubiquity of tattoos in contemporary society.