We discussed in class the different types of tattoos that people use to identify themselves as members of a particular group, such as a white supremacy group, or an ex-convict. I did some research and found this powerpoint: Tattoo Brief that is, from what I can only conclude, designated for recruiters in the armed forces. The brief goes on to describe the various designs, numbers, and symbolism used to designate members in groups such as Neo-Nazis, California gangs, Native Americans, and the BGF (Black Guerrilla Family).
The slides make a point to distinguish between people who use the tattoos to identify as members of a group, and those who use the tattoos without knowing the real meaning behind something permanently etched onto their skin. A tattoo of the number 311 could be a coded way of writing KKK, as K is the 11th letter of the alphabet, and 3×11 is equal to 3 K’s. 311 is also the name of a ska band. “Santana” could be an allusion to an Orange County gang, or be a tribute to Carlos Santana. Albeit an accidental one, the connection between tattoos an music is ever present.
In appropriating tattoos for their own use and classification, gangs are to this day justifying Lombroso’s theories. The methodology of classifying on sight is being used by the recruiters of law enforcement in order to weed out undesirables. This is not entirely an unpleasant thought, as I’d be wary of seeing a skinhead signing up to protect the peace. Unless it’s Edward Norton.
I definitely agree that it would not be in our nation’s best interest to have people enlist in our armed forces that are affiliated with hate groups and other groups with violent ideologies. However, the problem with this presentation and the consequences of enlistment officers using it is that it restricts certain people from entering the armed forces. While in many cases the tattoos presented here really do stand for the meanings given, there may be some cases where it is just a coincidence, such as the Santana tattoo that you mention, where perhaps someone is just merely an avid Carlos Santana fan. Another problematic situation that could arise from this is that someone who wants to join the military was once the member of such a group and no longer has any affiliation besides a negatively stigmatized tattoo. While you specifically mention that the powerpoint distinguishes between those that purposefully tattoo themselves and those that do so coincidentally, it makes no mention of those who were once affiliates and are no longer involved with the organization. This a recurring theme we have studied in our class, that once a person is labeled with a certain stigma, it is quite difficult to remove that stigma in the eyes of society.