Gang Tattoos
Tattoos have been used as a way to identify people with a particular gang. Members of gangs use tattoos for a lot of reasons. Other members have numerous tattoos especially if they have spent time in prison. Usually, their tattoos include symbols that are meant to identify what gang they belong to.
Tear drop tattoos under an eye or a spider web tattoo represent prison time. Some members would tattoo their names in large, bold letters so that rival members will be intimidated. For those who are not a member of the gang yet, wearing an unauthorized tattoo could be very dangerous. Some gang members have been known to remove unauthorized tattoos by cutting the tattoo off the person’s flesh.
Religious images such as the cross are also popular among gang tattoos. The cross is particular is a symbol of resurrection. Theatrical masks like that of the smiling and the crying masks are also popular. They seem to tell “play now, pay later”. Clocks represent prison time. Most of the time, the clock would have no hands to symbolize being in prison until the end of time. Gates and windows are also common prison tattoos. They symbolize the time in prison will soon be over.
Among the Japanese, yakuza tattoos are popular. The yakuza have been longer than the mafia and they are known to be responsible for the largest organized crime phenomena in the world.
Gangster style tattoos are popularized by rappers. They are often done in black and grey and usually consist of guns, bullets, secret codes in Old English or Gothic script. It is common to have the name of the person tattooed on the back of the neck or have a motto tattooed across the chest. It is also very common among gang members to have their city name and area codes done. This is due to the fact that gang culture revolves around loyalty to their hometown. Skull tattoos are not uncommon. They are reminders that death is part of gang life. Spider web tattoos are also common among gang members. They are usually done on elbows or on the hands. Spider web tattoos represent time in prison, murder, or simply struggle.
Related >> American Tattoos, Biker Tattoos, Dagger Tattoos, Joker Tattoos, Old School Tattoos, Pinup Girl Tattoos
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