Tattoos as Badges of Identity
Tattoos are badges of identity that can hold various meanings for the wearer. Different symbols and designs represent additional messages: a skull can warn of danger, Mary and baby Jesus symbolize maternal love, and crowns signify membership in the Latin Kings gang.
Tattoos in Prisons
Even though prison tattoo equipment is prohibited, inmates still find ways to get inked. One example is the EWMN (Evil Wicked Mean Nasty) tattoo, which represents what prisoners consider lousy behavior and acts as a badge of identity. Prison Tattoos often appear simple, yet they carry significant symbolic weight for inmates. They demonstrate status in the prison hierarchy, indicate gang membership, or showcase religious faith groups.
The Process of Prison Tattooing
Prison tattooing can be dangerous and messy, but inmates take it seriously. They use makeshift tools and materials, such as burning cotton soaked in baby oil for black ink. Other techniques involve melting pens or using soot mixed with shampoo as ink. Some inmates even utilize electric toothbrush motors and pen-coiled springs as improvised tattooing tools. Despite the risks, inmates still engage in this practice.
Symbolizing Strength and Pride
Tattooing oneself in prison can symbolize strength and an opportunity to show off to fellow inmates. Common tattoos include representations of gang membership and names or birthdates to replace missed holidays and birthdays. However, tattooing is often illegal and dangerous in jails. Inmates use makeshift contraptions with needles or stapler springs and ink from ballpoint pens, black paint, or cigarette ash. Contaminated wounds and infections are common risks.
Tattoos with Hidden Meanings
Some tattoos carry hidden meanings. For example, the three-dot tattoo symbolizes “my crazy life” and can be associated with gangs or have religious significance. Tattoos representing gangs like MS-13 indicate commitment and willingness to fight for the team. There are also tattoos associated with Nazi ideology or symbols like the Aryan Brotherhood. These Tattoos may look rough but convey messages of criminal activity, gang affiliations, and defiance towards authority.
Tattoos as a Sign of Weakness
While tattoos can be a source of pride for some prisoners, they can also be seen as a weakness. Due to the lack of access to proper cleaning and bandaging procedures in prison, infected tattoos pose serious health risks. Infections can lead to loss of limb or even death through sepsis or blood poisoning. Certain tattoos, like the teardrop or cobweb designs, have specific meanings related to attempted assassinations or long-term imprisonment.
The Aryan Brotherhood and Racist Tattoos
The Aryan Brotherhood is a prison gang that promotes white supremacy, and its members identify themselves through tattoos such as swastikas, lightning bolts, or the number 1488. These tattoos highlight their affiliation with the gang and their admiration for Hitler.
