Tattoo Three

Societal elements are present throughout the tattoo.  In the latter third of the book we are more closely tied to the characters and have the ability to follow the writer in greater detail into the lives of Ken and Koa. 

Brothers, through the extended family style living that is fostered here in Hawaii, related though not by blood.  We see Ken and Claudia’s return to the east side as something that is ever so natural for Ken, at first.

The beauty of the east side surroundings is initially a mask to the pain that hides behind the faces that inhabit the lands.  Ken refers to the lands of his childhood as God’s Land. Claudia can see it now for the first tim. 

Differences between the sides of the Ko‘olau mountains are apparent in the environment.  As the story moves on into the characters we see different cultural patterns that emerged between Claudia and Ken’s family and friends.

Can attribute Claudia and Ken’s dads differences to gender roles, social stratification, or even generational gaps.  Dad expects Claudia to take his put down remarks.  Strong willed as she is, Claudia cannot belittle herself to let the comments pass without a reaction. 

Cultural differences emerge through the language used and derogatory terms passed from each of them.  Eastern Asiatic wars stimulate negative backgrounds between Korea and Japan. Wounds still sore are burnt with Claudia’s salty attitude.  Dad and Claudia cannot see past it to get along.

Kahala and Claudia differ in a few ways.  Claudia stands out as more of a feminist and seeks equality for women.  Her attempts to help Kahala are not necessarily what is appropriate regarding the situation and social schemata.  Kahala and Koa have a dynamic within their relationship that has in place long before Ken’s return with Claudia. 

Subservience is not a great role to play as a woman, however, that is where Kahala stands for the maintenance of her family.  She vowed to Koa through their marriage and along with the rest of the family they hope for the best despite the reality of the situation. 

Aware of the two differing places, Claudia is in a social disposition between what she knows is right and what is right for the situation.  Experience with her strong willed and powerful mother give a false idea as to what to do in this situation.  The social structure is a bit different and Ken helps her to realize how different it really is.

Koa goes nowhere far from what he was doing through his high school years, left to the devices of substance for the numbing of experience.  The opportunities available for him leave little room for success or worldly gain.  His family suffers as they promote the system that exploits them. 

Life on the eastern side of Oahu is a step back in time for Claudia and Ken.  Fast paced living over in town does not compare to the country life.  Real life problems are impossible to run from.  Where was once pristine and beautiful is muddied by the trademarks of capitalism.  Money along with weapons, drugs, and violence. 

People, victims of society, under the false consciousness are more likely forgotten or left behind in an industrial city.  In the tattoo, we are able to delve into the life of an entire family and see how they are all impacted by the constructs of society.  The blame of the actions in the story is not left up to one individual.  There is a movement greater that they each are influenced by.  This story is present in the many families that are here. 

Suffering due to what the system leaves for you is a sad ending to many peoples lives.  Unfortunately the capitalistic system takes advantage of many and exploits them and makes the life experience less than pleasant.  Here we see and example first hand.

Cosmo

 Popular culture despises the old and worships the new.  The frightening aspects of popular culture is that the modern generation is so consumed with what is in front of them that they cannot connect with the distant past and nearing future.  One of the greatest marketing tools today has developed for decades is the magazine.

Particularly, Cosmopolitan, one of the leading female magazines in popular fashions and trends has greatly influenced the females of today.  Readers of this magazine are exposed to an array of information that encourages women to act out and dress up in the style of the season.  Fashion trends and make-up techniques are arranged in step-by-step instructions on how women should piece themselves together. Interviews each month tell the stories of celebrities, athletes, models, actresses, and real women (victims of trauma overcoming adversity).  Horoscopes give hope to finding new romance.  Relationship advice explains how to deal with issues with friends, boyfriends, and friends with benefits.  Sex advice reveals the ‘techniques of the pro’s’ with all of the how to’s in the sack to please any man.

Magazines were initially intended to advertise and share propaganda.  The growth of the industry allowed for much more information to be shared with readers.  We see magazines informing readers on everything from gardening, cooking, parenting, to sports and more.  Development in the fields associated with reporting capture the eyes of the viewers.  Photography especially has catapulted magazines to a new level.  Images of beauty, pleasure, and good times are enticing propaganda for any product.

Cosmopolitan magazine has taken many of the techniques of reporting to promote the modern day popular notions of sexuality.  Clothes are ranked by what’s hot and what’s not.  The new looks are inspired to “get his eye”.  Looking great to attract great looking men.  The horoscopes that are given for the reader share not only for themselves but for significant other and how to turn on your man that month.

Often times the front cover announces boldly, font, color and all, the newest sex tips to take to the bedroom.  The fact of the matter is, and what is left out of there, is what to do when you are not in the bedroom.  Sex is what sells but it doesn’t seal the deal.  There is much more to relationships other than physical pleasure.  When young women are focused solely on sex they miss out on what is important in maintaining relationships.  Things like honesty, trust, and communication are thrown out of the window.

Growth and development of the individual is quite an important aspect of personal development.  Straying from the sex tips, readers of Cosmo may flock to the mall compelled to invest in the latest fashions.  However, that only brings content for the season, or until next months issue.  It seems that all too often we are lead by the images between the pages to seek happiness through material possessions and there is all to little in regards to spiritual and mental development.

The media is a very powerful and important tool to be utilized today.  Not all of the images are provocative, however, not all are suitable for the general public.  While things are flashy, attractive and sexy, we must recall the young women and girls for whom we are role models.  When elementary students are already exploring their sexuality or the fact that they can have sex, it is really important that we give the right example and information.  Judging what is right and what is wrong is not something that I personally can decide.  I bring attention to this because I feel that it is an exploitation of the act of procreation. Without understanding the undertakings of childbearing and childrearing, the youth are at a disadvantage to enter into a predicament they may not fully understand.