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Marked

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: History)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Tattoo-exploring docu is too intense for kids, tweens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    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.

  • Role models:

    Many of the people who have earned tattoos for violent acts are very proud of getting their marks that way.

  • Violence:

    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.

  • Sex:

    Some tattoos include explicit images of naked women. One episode contains a brief and blurry image of male buttocks.

  • Language:

    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.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Lots of discussions about the use and selling of drugs as the topics relate to jail sentences and tattoos.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Marked

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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?
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