bbc.com
Friday the 13th: A Lucky Day for Tattoo Parlors
Tattoo parlors worldwide offer discounted "flash sales" on Friday the 13th, attracting first-time clients and those who view the day as lucky, challenging the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th.
- Why do people choose to get tattoos on Friday the 13th, despite the day's negative connotation for many?
- Flash sales on Friday the 13th are popular among tattoo parlors globally, offering discounts on small tattoos. This attracts first-time tattoo recipients seeking a less expensive introductory experience and those who view the day as lucky, rather than unlucky, defying superstition.
- What are the long-term implications of this trend for the tattoo industry and the broader social perception of tattoos and superstitions?
- The practice of getting tattoos on Friday the 13th is likely to continue and possibly expand. This trend could evolve into a broader cultural phenomenon, normalizing tattooing as a common practice and challenging traditional superstitions. The increased visibility and acceptance of tattoos can lead to broader social acceptance and normalization of body art.
- How does the combination of discounted tattoos and the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th influence people's decisions to get inked on this day?
- The tradition of Friday the 13th tattoo sales combines the cultural perception of Friday the 13th as unlucky with the affordability of discounted tattoos. This creates a unique marketing opportunity for tattoo parlors and a chance for people to overcome superstitions or test their tolerance for tattoos.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is largely positive and celebratory of Friday the 13th tattoo events. The headline implicitly suggests a puzzling phenomenon, but the overall tone leans towards promoting the practice. The inclusion of quotes emphasizing the 'fun' and 'craic' contributes to this positive framing, potentially overlooking potential downsides.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although terms like 'manic' and 'craic' (while accurate in context) might be slightly informal for a news article. Phrases like 'brave the needle' lean towards sensationalism. More neutral alternatives could be 'undertake the procedure' or 'get the tattoo'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the reasons people get tattoos on Friday the 13th, but omits discussion of the potential negative consequences of impulsive tattoo decisions, especially for first-timers. It also doesn't explore the perspectives of tattoo artists who may disagree with the 'fun' and 'craic' narrative, or who might have concerns about the increased workload and potential for mistakes on such a busy day. The article also lacks discussion on the economic aspects for tattoo parlors, weighing the increased revenue versus potential risks.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the decision to get a tattoo on Friday the 13th as solely driven by one of four factors: fear, superstition, fun, or cost. The reality is likely more nuanced, with multiple factors influencing individual choices. The article also presents a simplified view of the superstition itself, without delving into the varying cultural and historical interpretations of the number 13 and Friday.