Gilded Age Tattoo Trends and Manners

A London paper that ought to know better, devotes space and type to the assertion that the practice of tattooing is on the increase among American women – When it comes to good manners, one’s opinion should be left unspoken, and even if asked, one should tread carefully.

According to Etiquipedia, tattoos and other body ornamentation has always been a part of a list of subjects which are considered “Off Limits” in public discussions. This list includes the following– “Anything on a person’s body and any part of a person’s body: This includes skin color, hair color, eye color, hair style, size of nose, ears, teeth, weight, height, piercings, tattoos, birthmarks, etc... Even if you have permission to talk about these things (“Do you like my hair this way?”) be careful about what you say. People many times will ask you what you think because they want a compliment or a validation of their feelings and/or their opinions. 

– Image from Pinterest of “Tattoo Trends for Women,” 1893

The St. James's Gazetle, a London paper that ought to know better, devotes space and type to the assertion that the practice of tattooing is on the increase among American women, and suggests that if the arms of ladies are to be picture galleries or natural history museums, it would be kind to have them uncovered and these pictures open to the public gaze. Another print, with equal solemnity, boldly comes out with the hazard that “American women, cultured and charming as they are, are not likely to give much encouragement to the practice.” Which is a great relief. –The New York Times, 1893

 Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia