Tattoos: A Republican Trend?

Tattoos have often been seen as non-conformist, but a recent YouGov survey suggests there’s a notable trend among Republicans. The poll asked 1,115 U.S. adults whether they had ever gotten a tattoo. Interestingly, 27% of Republicans reported having one, along with 27% of Independents, while only 19% of Democrats said the same.

It’s worth noting that a similar survey in 2015 showed quite the opposite. Back then, 26% of Democrats and Independents claimed to have tattoos, compared to just 16% of Republicans. This shift seems to indicate changes within American political parties rather than merely reflecting how their voters feel.

Over the last decade, Republicans and Democrats have diverged significantly in their approaches. Democrats have increasingly enforced stricter standards regarding beliefs and behaviors. To stay in good standing, party members feel pressured to support various initiatives, whether it’s vaccine mandates or drag queen story hours. On the other hand, Republicans, particularly following Donald Trump’s rise, have embraced a broader range of views. If someone feels alienated by leftist policies, they can find a welcome place on the right. Recent studies show that Republicans are displaying more diverse opinions compared to Democrats.

This raises an interesting psychological profile for those who choose to get tattoos. Such individuals might be more open to new experiences, and while “liberal” implies a certain level of openness, today’s left seems to lean more towards authoritarianism than true liberalism. It’s less about tattooed individuals moving to the right and more about them feeling they have been pushed away from the left.

We cannot overlook the overall increase in the tattooed population. According to a Pew Research poll from 2023, around 32% of Americans have at least one tattoo. As they’ve become more common, tattoos have lost some of their previous significance. Once associated with sailors and prisoners, they are now more of a fashion statement.

It’s likely that tattoo preferences vary significantly between Republicans and Democrats. On college campuses or in urban areas, you might notice many young women sporting fine line tattoos. These designs tend to be less painful, more discreet, and seem lower commitment.

Conversely, prominent Republicans often choose bolder tattoos. For instance, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has a tattoo that reads “Deus Vult,” and Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert’s ink is just as striking. Recently, Wisconsin Rep. Cory Mills unveiled a dramatic tattoo that combines several conservative motifs—featuring Michael the Archangel, the U.S. Capitol, and the phrase “We the People.”

I suppose we’ll really know tattoos have become identified with the Republican Party when the media begins to caution about a supposed “ink-to-far-right pipeline.”