Tattoos: Should Youth Join Gangs

Tattoos are used as a form of rebellion and intimidation, creating a dominant position for gang members. Renowned economist Peter Orszag stated that “tattoos reflects an anti-establishmentarianism trend. Getting a tattoo is a painful procedure that closes off potential job opportunities. It’s also closely linked with younger people who engage in riskier behaviors. Those who get tattoos make it apparent that they don’t buy into established norms set by an antiquated elite.” Within gangs, “a whopping 85% of prisoners under 35 have tattoos” according to the Economist. This strong anti-establishment attitude involved with tattoos empowers gangs; it was found that “these anti-establishment sentiments can be tapped by gang leaders (Davis, 1993; Solomos,
A study interviewed teenagers (aged 10-19) in Chicago and reported that “75% had witnessed a robbery, stabbing, shooting, and/or killing. 45% had witnessed more than one violent incident.” With this chronic violence in these communities coupled with the fear of gang members, it is no wonder why the youth join gangs. With gang membership, individuals are apart of a group that protects one another. Therefore, gangs are a natural adaptation to the environment they are surrounded by and garner power from the ability to recruit members. Their own terrifying image using physical items (clothing, accessories, and/or tattoos) create an image of power. Evidence has shown “recruitment tactics include… fear/intimidation, especially when children live in gang-infested neighborhoods.” Gangs target youth in these areas because they are vulnerable because of their current situation. They offer them safety, a family, and protection, something their own family and community cannot provide. The ability to successfully recruit members is proof of their dominance and validates their physical image. However, there are other ways used to recruit potential