![]() The tattoo then becomes a marker of the wearer’s survival and toughness. In some cases, dominant inmates forcibly tattoo submissive prisoners as a form of public humiliation, following extortion, abuse, or rape. The teardrop tattoo can also represent the wearer’s strength, resilience, and ability to overcome their struggles and challenges. This is often seen as a badge of honor or a cautionary mark for others to be aware of the wearer’s violent past. The symbolism varies, with some instances suggesting the filled-in teardrop indicates the wearer has committed murder, while an outlined tear may represent an attempted murder or causing significant harm to someone. In the context of prison culture, the teardrop tattoo can represent involvement in violent crimes. The tattoo serves as a reminder of their loved ones and as a symbol of solidarity in the face of pain. For some wearers, it symbolizes the death of a family member or a close friend. The teardrop tattoo under the eye often carries a deep meaning of loss, grief, and mourning. Symbolism and Meanings Death, Mourning, or Loss While they may carry multiple meanings depending on the wearer and their experiences in prison, these tattoos undeniably serve as markers and identifiers within the prison and gang culture. Ultimately, it’s important to recognize the historical context and significance of teardrop tattoos. Its presence speaks to the individual’s lived experience and their connection to the criminal underworld. The use and meaning of this tattoo varies between prisons, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact or universally accepted meaning.ĭespite its various interpretations, the teardrop tattoo consistently serves as a symbol for a criminal record, street fights, murders, and life inside prison. ![]() In some prisons, the tattoo can be placed on the left or right side of the face to represent different affiliations or allegiances within the prison system. Placement of the teardrop tattoo also holds significance in prison culture. In the latter case, the tattoo marked an inmate as another person’s property, humiliating them and making it impossible to cover up or hide as it was on their face. Traditionally, it indicated that a person had killed another person, lost a loved one, or been raped in prison. ![]() Over time, the teardrop tattoo has evolved to hold various meanings within the prison and gang culture. Each teardrop marked under the eye represented a murder or a death witnessed or committed by the gang member. With roots dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, the teardrop tattoo was initially used by gangs to signify their members’ accomplishments. The teardrop tattoo, a symbolic design placed underneath the eye, is one of the most widely recognized prison tattoos. Its meaning can further vary depending on factors like location and number of tears, lending personal significance to the wearer. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |