Marked (History)

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.

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.