Once only seen on the chests and arm's of such individuals as sailors or motorcycle gang members, tattoos, along with body piercing, became a fashionable statement during the 1990s for a wide range of Americans. Tattooing was common historically among many cultures, but gained popularity in the English-speaking world primarily on the bodies of sailors who had traveled to the South Seas as early as the 1700s. Many of these works of skin art featured indecently clad women, which the U.S. Navy at the beginning of the twentieth century attempted to stop their sailors from acquiring, at least the most offensive images. During the decade more individuals, especially women, started altering their bodies. Tattoos ranged from tiny drawings hidden away from sight, to elaborate masterpieces that covered the arms, neck, and back. Anyone watching professional football, basketball, or wrestling was certain to view...