Arpita Tahsin

Word Count: 950

160 Convent Avenue

New York, New York 10031
The National Tattoo Association
123 Macomb Street
Third Floor
Hollywood, Florida 21345

To Whom It May Concern,

Good evening, committee members. I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Arpita
Tahsin and I am currently a sophomore at the City College of New York, located in Harlem. I am
double-majoring Economics and International Relations. The purpose of my proposal for the
grant award stems from my fascination with researching and discovering new and innovative
ideas. My past experiences in Model United Nations help me strengthen my leadership skills,
and I hope to utilize my skills effectively.
Enclosed you will find my proposal about further research about Body Ink and Tattoos
and its impact on society nowadays. Our society is built by stereotypes and it is very important
for the youth to differentiate the truth and the false. My study will set straight the stereotypes that
has been circulating for generations regarding tattoos. The study will be conducted through a
series of interviews, observations, and thorough research, all culminated in one comprehensive
paper. The participants will be notified of the study beforehand and will have the liberty to voice
their consent to the interview.
In the following pages, you will find a detailed explanation of my ethnographic study.
Attached are all the documents that will be used during my research.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind Regards,
Arpita Tahsin

I.

Specific Aims: The aim of my research is to study more in depth of individuals with

II.

tattoos and their persona and how it is different from an individual without tattoos.
Background and Significance: This ethnographic case study was undertaken to
explore the perspective of tattoo artists and tattooed individuals. The participants will
be interviewed about their knowledge of the social consequences involved with

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getting tattooed, and whether or not tattooing has become socially acceptable.
Description of Participants: The Participants in this case study will be tattooed
individuals, and individuals without tattoos, and few tattoo artists, to contrast the

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stereotypes that are made in society nowadays regarding tattoos.

Method: I will approach individuals without tattoos with set of questions and get
their insight on what they think about tattoos. I will then interview people with tattoos
and get their perspective on body art and how it defines them. I will then compare
both answers and set straight the stereotypes that circulate society. I will set up the
questions that fits best for both parties. Both parties will have different questions, but

V.

same questions within the party.

Data Analysis: I will simply summarize the respondents answers to my questions.
They will be videotaped, after they have given their consent, and I will quote their

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recordings in my paper.
Risks and Benefits: I dont believe there is much risks to this case study. I might face

VII.

rejection from some people from being interviewed.

Qualifications and Investigators: I will be the investigator, who is currently doublemajoring in Economics and International Studies. I am an outsider to the tattoo
community and would love to get a better insight on tattoo artists.
Questionnaire

Individuals with Tattoos:

1. How do your tattoos shape you as you? How do they define you?

2. Do you think people find you intimidating with your tattoos?

3. Have you ever felt discriminated for your tattoos? Has anyone ever treated you differently for
you tattoos, if so, how?
4. Did your tattoos change your life in any way? Or your perspective?
5. Despite your religion, what made you choose to get your tattoos?
6. What do you think about the stereotypes about individuals who have tattoos? Or tattoos in
general?

Individuals without Tattoos:

1. What about tattoos, in particular do you dislike?
2. Many people get tattoos as a source of venting and voicing themselves, what do you think
about that?
3. What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you see an individual covered in
tattoos?
4. How would you feel working with a co-worker who has tattoos?
5. Do you think your opinions of tattoos will ever change?
6. Have you ever felt the need to prove yourself wrong and break through the stereotypes or is
your dislike for tattoos justified?

Arpita Tahsin- CCNY Field Study

Interview Consent Form

1. I agree to be interviewed for the purposes of the student assignment named above.
2. The purpose and nature of the interview has been explained to me, and I have read the
assignment and/or information sheet as provided by the student.
3. I agree that the interview may be electronically recorded.
4. Any questions that I asked about the purpose and nature of the interview and assignment have
been answered to my satisfaction.
5. Choose a), b) or c):
a) I agree that my name may be used for the purposes of the assignment only and not for
publication. OR
b) I understand that the student may wish to pursue publication later and my name may be used.
OR
c) I do not wish my name to be used or cited, or my identity otherwise disclosed, in the
assignment.
Name of interviewee_______________________________________
Signature of interviewee____________________________________
Date______________________
6. I have explained the project and the implications of being interviewed to the interviewee and I
believe that the consent is informed and that he/she understands the implications of
participation.
Name of interviewer________________________________________
Signature of interviewer_____________________________________
Date_____________________