Gang Tattoos.

Face tattoos (1):

For gang members, however, tattoos are a way of both

asserting membership in the gang and flaunting their lack

of membership in straight society. For this reason, street

gang members will often get tattoos on their hands and

faces so as to permanently bar them from being a part of

normal society. The larger and more prominent the tattoo,

the harder it is to hide, the more impressive it is to other

gang members. For this reason, two of the most widespread

gang tattoos are often found on the most visible parts of

the body: the hands and the face.

(Source: Gang Tattoos: Signs of Belonging and the Transience of Signs by

Lina Goldberg)

Comments

[Otto K.]

goodness.

[Shoshana]

Sidney, I find this series very impressive. That's wild, having a tatoo in the inside of mouth. Wow.

[Rach (Heart of Rachel)]

The tattoo inside the lip gave me goosebumps. That must have been quite painful.

[carla]

my goodness. inside the mouth! i can just imagine how that must have felt...

[barrycade]

this a good series.

that 32 tattoo looks "painful" hehe. i wouldn't have the balls to do the same. haha.

[barrycade]

this a good series.

that 32 tattoo looks "painful" hehe. i wouldn't have the balls to do the same. haha.

[Ashish Sidapara]

Wow, i cannot imagine one would get a tattoo inside the mouth. This series has been a great learning experience, thanks for everything!

[don]

Inside the mouth too! Amazing. These tattoos represent a kind of thinking that seems very alien to me (and my age) :-) Fine close ups.

[Share]

I actually think that tattooing your face is one certain way to leave a mark. Also, a sure way to wind your parents up! ;)

[Charles Ravndal]

That looks painful to me despite the fact I had been thinking of getting the name of my fiancé tattoed on my arm.

[joy]

You must have gotten really up close and personal with the inmates to get these shots! I liked the first photo. :D

[eye_sky]

tattoos are also a medical liability. what if a family member needs your blood. basic screenings will bar anybody from blood donations. just a thought.

[Gérard Méry]

De mieux en pire , je crains pour les prochaines

[Craig Wilson]

Great write up Sidney, I can see how a tattoo on the face will bar people from normal society! This is great investigative photo journalism.

[Lizza]

Inner lip tattoo? Aray ko po!

[vera]

only 32 ?? :-)) finalement, peu de tatouages dan le bon goût des christs et passions- plutot dragons et enfer ..

[rayts]

oh wow, so you've covered everything. i didn't know that there are face tattoos, much more with having a tattoo inside the mouth. pretty crazy when you think about it but well, in the field of psychology, everything can be explained.

[dong ho]

the tattoo inside the mouth is quite unique. i wonder how painful it was. i can't imagine the healing process.

[Mario]

My son in law told me that tattoo are addictive, once you get one you want another one.

But tattoo inside the mouth... that takes the cake.

[henri]

Ils n'ont pas l'air méchant les membres du gang. Cela doit être douloureux de se faire tatouer à l'intérieur de la bouche ;-)

[luna miranda]

omg! gross! how about on his tongue? :D

[lasiate]

tu fais dans le sensationnel là . J'ai peur que les prochaines ne respectent pas la bienséance ;)

[JJ]

I am fairly well tattoed and for the most part I dont find getting tattoos painful for the most part I actually find being tattos very relaxing and almost therapuetic, but on the face or in the mouth, that has to hurt

[jms]

Hou...la...la! dans la bouche? faut le faire.

[dennis villegas]

...look ma, no cavities!