Ask A Former #3 – Hateful Tattoos, Their Meanings and Challenges
By Liz Moore
Recently, we had a college senior reach out to ask questions for their thesis about the roles and impact violent far-right extremist (VFRE) tattoos have on people, both while in extremist movements and post-exit. Angela, Brad, Jamie, Lauren, and I had a thought-provoking conversation for the Ask A Former podcast, where we discussed how tattoos shape identity and the challenges they present after exit.
Four out of five of us received movement-related tattoos, and the reasons people got them were as interesting as the reasons they did not. (Full disclosure, I am the one who didn’t get any.) We agreed that (fortunately) fads have changed and that tattoos are not encouraged as often or are actively discouraged. As Lauren put it, extremists are now opting for “the wolf in sheep’s clothing approach.” The role tattoos play in group bonding has been replaced by other fads, like intense diet and workout regimens, and symbol display has moved to the virtual environment, where meme creation allows for more violent content sharing and promotion than most tattoos ever did.
Despite the change in trends, extremist-related tattoos still impact many people who are both former members now, or are still in extremist groups, making these questions relevant and timely:
- How do tattoos function as symbols of commitment within VFRE?
Even though VFRE groups function as out-groups, and members take pride in not conforming with mainstream society, there is often a lot of pressure to conform within these groups. People without tattoos could be bullied and accused of being a snitch or lacking pride in their identity. Lauren stated that she got more movement-related tattoos after group members accused her of being an anti-fascist. At the same time, Brad explained that they also function as symbols of group hierarchy, like gang tattoos. Incidentally, VFRE and gang tattoos are the most requested cover-ups tattoo artists receive.
Marking your skin is – or at least was – “a sign of true faith,” as Brad put it, because it shows a permanent commitment to VFRE. If the tattoos are visible, they also function as a message to the world, and a misguided effort to show power. In Angela’s words, it says, “I will go out anywhere, anytime. I’m waiting for you to f*ck with me.”
Conversely, not getting tattoos can also be a sign of conformity and sends its own message. In my case, the organization I belonged to did not encourage tattoos – at least not for women. For men, the leadership expressed concern that tattoos would make them too easy for police and anti-fascists to identify, and for women, it was seen as undesirable entirely. There was a mostly unspoken pressure to maintain feminine purity by not getting tattoos.
While showing commitment, perceived power, and connection to the group, VFRE tattoos can create conflict and distance between loved ones. Both Angela and Lauren said they faced parental disapproval, and while Lauren was of age when she got them done, the conflict at home had an impact, and likely served to push her farther into extremism.
- What is the emotional and social impact of having VFRE tattoos after leaving?
VFRE tattoos may be poorly thought out and done on a whim by someone who is not very skilled, or even sober at the time, but they can have a lasting emotional and social impact. As Jamie cautioned, “Think of your future. You think it’s cool now, but it’s not.”
Confrontations or avoidance may impact a former’s ability to build a new life. Brad talked about having people ask questions at the beach or avoiding him and his children at the local rec center. Most recently, his daughter’s boyfriend asked questions about his remaining tattoos, which led to an essential conversation for both of them.
"...tattoos [are] a physical symbol to show ... that extremism leaves lasting scars"
In the early years of Angela’s post-extremism life, she used her tattoos as a physical symbol to show school and community groups that extremism leaves lasting scars and is forever. While this helped people understand, she admits she felt humiliated by the tattoos and was afraid she’d offend people.
- Does tattoo removal/modification play a role in personal transformation?
Despite the social and emotional challenges VFRE tattoos create for formers, the decision to either remove or keep them can be a necessary step toward healing and personal change. Angela explained that during her removal process, “the less I could see hate, the more confident I felt, and the more positive I felt about becoming my new self.”
I admit I assumed that getting rid of all VFRE tattoos would be the goal for everyone, but I learned that isn’t necessarily the case. Jamie and Brad kept some as a reminder of where they’ve been and how far they’ve come. Brad clarified that choosing to keep a VFRE tattoo should be done with reflection and for pro-social reasons. In other words, you don’t keep it because you still think it’s cool. You keep it because it symbolizes past experiences and decisions to change.
It's also important to note that not all tattoos can be easily removed or covered. With some, the ink is too deep, or the location is too painful to modify. Making peace with such tattoos is also part of the healing process.
- What, if any, impact do these processes have on individuals?
The processes of removal or modification are as individual as the people involved. Lauren said she only needed 6-7 sessions of under a minute each to remove her tattoo. They were not too painful and made her feel better as the tattoo faded. However, some people experience an excruciating and extensive process that can have an intense and lasting emotional and physical impact. While the methods of modifying or removal have advanced over the years, tattoos should still be considered permanent and given some thought beforehand.
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As someone without lived experience with VFRE tattoos, I learned a lot from this conversation.
As someone without lived experience with VFRE tattoos, I learned a lot from this conversation. The reasons for getting, removing, or choosing to keep them are far more complex than I realized. And the idea of making peace with them – whether by choice or necessity – is something I hadn’t considered. I have a much greater appreciation for the emotional and social impact these tattoos cause post-exit.
I want to shout out all the tattoo artists and dermatologists who donate their time and energy to modify or remove VFRE tattoos. Your generosity is life-changing for formers, and we are so grateful for that. Thank you!
