Marked

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Tattoo-exploring docu is too intense for kids, tweens.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series -- which looks at the meaning of tattoos worn by gang members, prisoners, and other non-mainstream groups -- includes some interesting information, but most of the content is too intense for young kids. Expect lots of violent references, including stories and images of physical assaults (though no blood is shown). There's also some strong language, with the stronger terms bleeped out -- but tattoos containing words like the "N" word and other racial epithets are clearly visible. Some tattoos have images of naked women; one episode contains a very brief and blurry image of male backsides.

  • The meanings behind tattoos are informative, but they're often associated with violent acts, crime, and racism. The show somewhat glorifies tattoos, and impressionable kids may want one after watching.
  • Many of the people who have earned tattoos for violent acts are very proud of getting their marks that way.
  • Frequent conversations about violent acts (physical assaults, murder); tattoos are often “earned” by committing illegal and/or violent acts. Some episodes contain video footage of violent prison assaults (though no blood is visible). Tattoo needles and people tattooing skin are also visible.
  • Some tattoos include explicit images of naked women. One episode contains a brief and blurry image of male buttocks.
  • Words like “hell” and “piss” are audible; stronger curse words (like “f--k”) are bleeped. Tattoos containing strong language and racial epithets like the “N” word and the term “woody” are also visible.
  • Not applicable.
  • Lots of discussions about the use and selling of drugs as the topics relate to jail sentences and tattoos.

What's the story?

MARKED explores the meanings behind the various tattoos of people from various outlying groups in contemporary society. Members of modern-day clans -- like urban gangs, motorcycle clubs, and prisoners -- share their stories how they earned their marks and what the marks mean to them. Interviews with professional tattoo artists and other experts round out the stories by revealing the history behind the images and the techniques used to create them.


Is it any good?

 

Marked highlights the fact that the featured groups possess their own cultural characteristics -- even though they're usually considered frightening “outsiders” by mainstream society. It demystifies some of these groups’ identifying symbols, rituals, and traditions, while allowing their members to share their pride in what makes their group unique.

But while they have cultural significance, most of the personal stories shared in the series don't have many positive or kid-friendly messages. Many of the rituals described and/or shown here are extremely violent, and many of the tattoos proudly worn by some of the inverviewees boast of assaults and/or murders or include racial epithets. All of that said, mature viewers interested in tattoo culture will definitely find something here.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about tattoo-centric TV. Do you think the popularity of tattoo-oriented reality shows like Inked has made getting tattoos a more popular or acceptable practice? Why or why not?

  • What cultures used markings as part of their daily practices throughout history? What did they mean? What cultures and/or communities incorporate tattoos into their cultural practices today?

  • Do you know anyone who has a tattoo? Why did they get it? Does it hold a special significance? What are the drawbacks of getting a tattoo?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent
December 17, 2009
 
Marked
Good show. I am a big fan of tattoos, not particularly the ones dealing with gangs, but tattoos none the less.

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:History
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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