Teardrop Tattoos
Discussion
Boxing was on last night; some good bouts. A few times during the program, the camera panned across the crowd - 10 blokes to every bloke - most of them adopted a fighting pose or clenched fist when they knew they were on camera. There was one fella who caught my attention: he had a teardrop inked under his eye.
I've always understood these tattoos to be symbolic but it's not strictly for the reason I initially thought: to indicate they've killed someone. When I saw this chap was showing one I immediately thought, why; why would you advertise that you've taken someone's life? Is it to make people aware of what you're capable of? All of a sudden, this 'badge' didn't seem right (notwithstanding, only seen on certain types). In between fights I had a quick nosey on Google and it turns out that the teardrop tattoo is one of the most widely recognised prison tattoos (probably more so in America) and carries various meanings. It, or they could indicate that the wearer:
- has spent time in prison;
- was raped while incarcerated and tattooed by the rapist as a 'property' mark (also for humiliation since facial tattoos cannot be concealed)
- is acknowledging the loss of a friend or family member;
- has killed someone;
- has attempted to murder someone (indicated by an outlines teardrop).
The teardrop tattoo is also sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones.
My estimate is that here in the UK it's probably more to send out a message that you're not one to mess with, but given it is not the only reason to be wearing one, why leave it open to interpretation!
I've always understood these tattoos to be symbolic but it's not strictly for the reason I initially thought: to indicate they've killed someone. When I saw this chap was showing one I immediately thought, why; why would you advertise that you've taken someone's life? Is it to make people aware of what you're capable of? All of a sudden, this 'badge' didn't seem right (notwithstanding, only seen on certain types). In between fights I had a quick nosey on Google and it turns out that the teardrop tattoo is one of the most widely recognised prison tattoos (probably more so in America) and carries various meanings. It, or they could indicate that the wearer:
- has spent time in prison;
- was raped while incarcerated and tattooed by the rapist as a 'property' mark (also for humiliation since facial tattoos cannot be concealed)
- is acknowledging the loss of a friend or family member;
- has killed someone;
- has attempted to murder someone (indicated by an outlines teardrop).
The teardrop tattoo is also sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones.
My estimate is that here in the UK it's probably more to send out a message that you're not one to mess with, but given it is not the only reason to be wearing one, why leave it open to interpretation!
119 said:
Alorotom said:
Sign of a moron.
People that have tattoos are morons or just those that criticise them?[ In the very likely event of tattoos being granted Protected Characteristic
status then I apologise and remind the courts that I'm too pretty to go to jail ]
Alorotom said:
Sign of a moron.
Not the sign of a moron per se, I see it as more a sign of very different socialisation to what we would usually expect, mental ill health or other vulnerability. Lots of people mark themselves in order to make a statement or send a message, the reasons why are probably fascinating.I'm referring specifically to facial tattoos, it's quite a deliberately provocative thing to do.
Alorotom said:
119 said:
Alorotom said:
Sign of a moron.
People that have tattoos are morons or just those that criticise them?Anyway back o/t: This is about having teardrop tattoos as per the OP.
The cons and ex-cons I've spoken to claimed, at the time anyway, that the teardrop tattoo symbolized a spell inside. Some had it that an additional tear would be added for each subsequent stretch. Those who hadn't been away, it was claimed, had no entitlement to the tattoo.
Now, whilst the above from the horse's mouth, it could well be a load of pony. Career criminals are a romantic lot, in the main, and terrible self-mythologizers. In fact, crime fiction is probably the truer portrayal of the underworld as most real villains seek to ape it. They did, anyway. It's probably all about drugs, now, so the blueprint will be rap music rather than Hollywood gangster films.
Now, whilst the above from the horse's mouth, it could well be a load of pony. Career criminals are a romantic lot, in the main, and terrible self-mythologizers. In fact, crime fiction is probably the truer portrayal of the underworld as most real villains seek to ape it. They did, anyway. It's probably all about drugs, now, so the blueprint will be rap music rather than Hollywood gangster films.
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