Prison Tattooing has been taking place for quite some time. They are used to portray gang membership.[1] These tattoos are often codes and have hidden meanings. The process of getting the tattoo has many risks.
How it's done
editSince tattooing in prison is illegal[2], the inmates do not have the proper equipment to tattoo. In prisons around the globe, inmates find ways to create their own tattooing devices out of their belongings. They take apart radios, have to smuggle materials into their cell, then build the machine themselves with random materials such as mechanical pencils, magnets, radio transistors, staples, paper clips, guitar strings, etc.[3] Along with these devices, the inmates have to find a way to make ink. Commonly used materials are ink from a pen, melted plastic, soot mixed with shampoo, or melted Styrofoam. Like professional tattoo artists, these inmates expect to be paid for their work. Payments that the artists accept are anything from stamps and cigarettes to actual cash.
Motifs
editThere are many different symbols and numbers that represent multiple gangs or groups. Certain images like spider webs and teardrops can represent doing time or people that the wearer has killed. Tattoos are also used to communicate who the inmates are as people; i.e. white supremacists. Some common symbols include: 311 (representing the KKK), 100% (white supremacists), Valknut, Swastika,[4] Three dots arranged as a triangle (stands for "mi vida loca" or "my crazy life"), clock with no hands (doing time), spider webs, the number 13, and many more. [5]
Risks
editSince the tattoo machines are homemade and there aren’t many efficient ways of sterilization, there are many health risks involved. Deadly diseases like Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS can be passed from one person to the next through needles. It is very important for the artist to understand that sterilization is very important. Also, the makeshift ink can damage the skin, cause permanent scarring, or contain harmful chemicals.[6] If the inmates are found tattooing, their materials are confiscated and they are put into solitary confinement for approximately 15 days. If an inmate is caught with a new tattoo (obvious with redness and swelling), they are charged.[7] Even with the charges and trouble in mind, tattooing in prisons still takes place and will most likely continue.
References
edit- ^ http://www.knowgangs.com/.
- ^ http://www.loompanics.com/Prison/prison_book5.htm
- ^ http://www.convictedartist.com/prison_tattoos.html
- ^ http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/default_graphics.asp
- ^ http://www.tattoo-designs.dk/prison-tattoos.html
- ^ http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Prison_Tattoos
- ^ http://www.convictedartist.com/prison_tattoos.html