http://members.cox.net/mashaka/fuerza/gang_tattoos.htm
The idea behind why gang members use tattoos as a way of displaying affiliation to thier particular gang, is an idea that carries with it many more concepts within. For some it merely shows an allegiance to the criminal enterprise which they are roote in, but for others it is a way of excommunicating themselves from mainstream society. Such is the case when a gang member adorns his face with tattoos under a strict proclamation to the world that he/ or she would rather never see themselves as part of mainstream culture, but would rather live and die for only one thing, thier gang. Gang tattoos not only display affiliation to a particular gang, but also let those within the gang know what level any particuler gang member might be. In other words, gang tattoos serve as a ranking system within the gang, letting fellow/ or ooposing gang members know the type of “crimes” that any particular gangmember has been a part of. The article in the link provided gives a little information to the idea behind gang tattoos and also shows some of the more prominent places on the body where gang tattoos might be found.
Dedrick Lenox
