Dasvidanya

Not long ago I saw a special on TV about Russian criminal tattoos. In an effort to avoid sounding too nerdy I won't name the channel it was on (but it rhymes with "Listory"). Anyway, being that I love random examples of symbolic art and love learning about the twisted lives of our Communist vodka-loving brothers I tuned in.

The shit these guys ink on themselves is insane. I like tattoos (even though I have none). I think they’re a cool way to express yourself and remember things you’ve been through. But, I mean sweet Freddie Mercury, these guys go banana with their tats.

Exhibit A:

What the hell is this supposed to be, you ask? I have no clue. But everything these Russian gang members stencil on themselves means something like “fuck the police” or “I killed my mother.” I shit thee not.

And they cover themselves in these things. They're signs of criminal status. If you have no tats, you have no value. You've done nothing to prove yourself. And worse, if you have the ink and didn't earn it. You're dead. That simple. No removing the ink. No warning. Just the swift vengeance of death.

Exhibit B:

Even though I’d never attempt covering my entire body in tattoos (especially with the Neanderthal methods used in prisons) I’m impressed. These guys don’t fuck around….and I guess that explains why they’re in prison.

I plan on getting my hands on this book.

If nothing else it’ll surely fulfill three things:

1.1. Inspire some crazy-ass drawings

2. Inspire a crazy-ass story I want to write.

3.care my lily white ass even straighter than it already is! Did you see that dude above?! Cricky.