Societal norms are constantly changing as the world becomes more globalized and inter-connected. Even in such traditional societies as Qatar, pop culture has infiltrated youth expression though in a very “conservative” way. For example, at a high-level fashion event I attended recently, Abaya-clad young girls were wearing the multi-finger rings which were in earlier days worn by thuggish men and referred to as “knuckle-dusters” and are currently incorporated in current fashion and design and are a staple in hip-hop and rock videos.
Another trend that crosses global borders is tattoos. This “artform” was usually connected to images of brash, hard-drinking sailors, skin-head racists and men looking for fights in bars. It was considered anti-social and deviant behavior and fuelled many misconceptions about the wearers. Such societal pressure can sometimes have the effect of causing people to conform to the very same misconceptions leveled at them and often in extreme ways.
Women wearing tattoos were thought of as “bad girls” looking for trouble. Nowadays, everyone and his mother has a tattoo or 3 or 5, and more. The reality shows Miami Ink and LA Ink showed just how integrated into society tattoos have become – from perky girls and boys next door, to models, stay-at-home mums and corporate high-flyers – having a tattoo is clearly a must-have. Here in Qatar, tattooing is against the law. Many people disguise having one by using the traditional artform of henna-ing.
Just like tattoos, dreadlocks and “pants on the ground” were formerly regarded as socially-deviant and are now so much part of our daily life. In general, any behavior seen as different causes adverse reaction and comment from the “normal” members of society. However, It appears that increasingly, pop culture is looking less rebellious and more mainstream.
