Generation Z TikTok users have been debating on the new “generational tattoo”, and, while this generation has had its fair share of dumb moments, this idea is on another level of irresponsible.
TikTok user and Generation Z member “smoothavacados” posted a now deleted video on TikTok to suggest all of Gen Z (those who are currently 5-24 years old) tattoo some kind of symbol to signify unity and rebellion. Her original idea was a “Z” with a singular line through it.
While this may seem like a cute way to bond over our similarities as Gen Z, the symbol she chose looks strikingly similar to the Nazi Wolfsangel symbol– an italicised “Z” with a singular line through it. Nazis have used the symbol to point each other out, and it’s even banned in Germany due to its historical use.
Supporters of the tattoo say we can reclaim the symbol and erase its negative history. However, the Wolfsangel is not for non-Jewish Gen Z to reclaim. The symbol was a hate symbol against the Jewish people and showed a person was in support of Nazi Germany’s plans of a mass genocide. It is not for non-Jewish people to reclaim a symbol that was never used to harm them or their people.
The user who posted the original video explained in a follow-up video that she did not know the historic background of the chosen symbol. This is understandable as many fonts and typefaces use a “Z” with a line through it, including vintage tattoo and gothic fonts. However, the widespread support only shows how irresponsible Gen Z is and solidifies why there are tattoo age requirements.
The video received over two million views and thousands of people have shared and reposted the video on all social media platforms. People had already gone out to shops and received the tattoo before knowing its historical context.
Since most of Gen Z is under 18, making it illegal for them to get a tattoo, some commented they were going to use a stick-and-poke method of tattooing. Others said they would write the symbol on their body with a permanent marker every single day until they could get a tattoo.
Many of these non-professional practices to create this mark can be dangerous. If young adults and teenagers are not going to research the symbol they are marking on their body, why would they research how to properly stick-and-poke a tattoo on themselves? Additionally, permanent markers often have toxic chemicals which can lead to blood poisoning and organ damage.
This overwhelming support shows the impulsive and reckless decision making capabilities of Gen Z. Thousands of people were ready to tattoo Nazi imagery to their bodies. If somebody wants to permanently mark themselves, that’s their choice. However, they should do research to make sure what they are tattooing is appropriate.
Having a generational tattoo may have seemed like a cute bonding moment, but Generation Z misses the mark again. The irresponsibility and lack of research put into this idea only shows why teenagers are not allowed to receive tattoos in the first place.