The video "Origin of Everything: Can Tattoos Be Taboo?" explores the fascinating history and cultural significance of tattoos. It traces the origins of tattoos, dating back to Otzi the Iceman, with suggestions of early acupuncture or healing practices. The video delves into different cultures, highlighting tattoos' roles from marking ancestral lineage in Native American and Polynesian societies to denoting criminality or military affiliations in ancient Greece and Japan. Captain James Cook's discovery of tatau on Polynesian islands in 1769 brought tattooing into Western culture. Samuel O'Reilly revolutionized tattooing in the U.S. with the electric tattooing machine in 1891, making the art more accessible. The video also discusses contemporary issues like cultural appropriation and the resurgence of tattoos as symbols of cultural pride. Through its historical narrative, the video emphasizes the importance of understanding tattoos in their historical and cultural contexts.