| Tattoo significance |
Question:
I heard that an army base in Washington (state)
was inspecting all personnel for tattoos that might indicate gang- or
hate group-related activity. Presumably, this was inspired by the
murders at Fort Bragg a couple of years ago. Personnel with such
tattoos are to be referred for counseling or something.
The story mentioned that the specific tattoos they're looking for
include swastikas (no big surprise), shamrocks, Celtic crosses, and
"bunnies with a black star on one ear."
What's the gang- or hate group-related significance of these last
three? I was halfway considering getting a Celtic cross for my
shoulder, but wouldn't want to broadcast any message other than my Irish
roots. What's the Straight Dope on these symbols?
Answer:
I seem to remember that some fascist group used a Celtic or Solar cross
meaning a cross with a circle (the arms of the cross extend to about
twice the radius of the circle). But that's a simple sketchy design,
two strokes and a circle; if you get some ornate stone cross on your
body, I doubt it can be misunderstood.
If my half-informed reassurance fails to reassure you, how about
a band of knotwork around your arm?
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