Teardrop tattoo
The teardrop tattoo or tear tattoo is a symbolic tattoo of a tear that is placed underneath the eye. The tattoo can have various meanings: it can signify that the wearer has killed someone[1] or has spent time in prison;[2] that the wearer was raped while incarcerated[3][4] or it can acknowledge the loss of a family or fellow gang member. Sometimes, only the wearer will know the exact meaning of the tattoo.[4][5]
The tattoo is sometimes worn by the female companions of prisoners in solidarity with their loved ones.[6] According to The Devil's Front Porch, a book written by Lester Douglas Johnson about serving 1927 to 1957 in Kansas State Penitentiary; the tattoo denoted a member of "The Old Fraternity"; referring to the Biblical Cain who slew his brother.[citation needed]
US rappers The Game and Lil Wayne have teardrop tattoos signifying the death of friends.[7][8] Amy Winehouse had a teardrop tattooed to mark her distress at husband Blake Fielder-Civil remaining on remand at Pentonville Prison.[8] Basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire has had a teardrop tattoo since 2012; honoring his older brother Hazell Jr. who had died in a car accident.[9]
See also
References
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- ↑ http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3624-four-days-in-the-oaxaca-state-prison
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- ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2007/dec/10/amywinehousetattoo
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