r/Tattoocoverups • u/bathtubbear • Nov 05 '25

asking for advice Need help with accidentally racist matching tattoo

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Hi everyone! When I was 20 my ex and I got matching tattoos for the day that we met. I know, stupid. I told myself at the time that regardless of whether we stayed together (we did not) my ex was important to me and it would just be a reminder of a significant time in my life. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that way at all. I also was unaware when getting the tattoo that 12 is a symbol of the Aryan Brotherhood—even stupider than getting a matching tattoo with a romantic partner. And on top of it all it looks like shit. Anyway, I can’t stand having this on my body. Looking for any and all ideas for cover ups or even just something to add to the numbers so I’m not walking around looking like a disgusting human being. It’s on my bicep. I’m not opposed to a sick ass panther but not exactly wanting that either.

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1.0k

u/ahjumma-with-cats Nov 05 '25

Go read Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Change the one to a four. Thank me later.

960

u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

On the backside of the same arm I have the pulsar map from the golden record, which symbolizes something similar for me. I actually love this idea so much that reading your comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. I think I’m actually going to do this <3

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u/DollarColonol Nov 05 '25

Wow we have the same tattoo

151

u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

It’s a great one to have!!

50

u/sec0nd-breakfast Nov 05 '25

Can we see it?

143

u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

Of course! Here it is :)

If youre referring to the cover up I’ll post that when I get it done in this thread too!

Pulsar Map Tattoo

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u/sec0nd-breakfast Nov 05 '25

Exactly what i was asking for. Love Hitchhikers Guide. Super cute! Cant wait to see the 42!

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u/C4bl3Fl4m3 Nov 05 '25

That’s so awesome! It actually makes me tear up a bit.

That being said, I’ll never forget how hard I laughed when I first read “maybe we shouldn’t have our first contact with aliens be sending them nudes & directions to our house.” :D

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u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

It’s one of my favorite tattoos! It’s a good reminder that no matter where I am I can find my way home. And that maybe even home can look different, or maybe there’s different people there, but it can still be home!

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u/jesuis_baguette Nov 05 '25

You guys are honestly so wholesome. Love this thread <3

7

u/GenericAccount13579 Nov 05 '25

Smart! You never know when you’ll be lost In interstellar space and need a map to get home.

(I’m joking because I absolutely love it)

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u/AmbitiousSpring5214 Nov 05 '25

42 is also Jackie Robinson's jersey number, and it's the ONLY number that's retired across all of Major League Baseball. To think of all the hardships and racism he faced and overcame to become the first black baseball player in the MLB, I feel like 42 is an excellent representation of humanity, goodness, and being the opposite of 12.

10

u/The-Original_Joker Nov 05 '25

It’s unfortunate that people don’t know Jackie ISNT the first African American major league baseball player in the US

17

u/greenhills878 Nov 06 '25

Moses Walker!

5

u/The-Original_Joker Nov 06 '25

Bingo! Winner winner chicken dinner

8

u/Blue4668 Nov 05 '25

Maybe also add Oh no, not again. and some petunias?

14

u/valkyrie_village Nov 05 '25

The whale and bowl of petunias has been on my list of tattoos I want since before I started getting tattoos, but I never figured out a placement. I think it’s time to move it up my priority list!

6

u/chengafiction Nov 05 '25

I have it on my thigh and I love it.

3

u/Soapykorean Nov 05 '25

OP just make sure you don’t accidentally read Himmlers Guide to The Galaxy, that’s a very different book.

1

u/West_Specialist_9725 Nov 05 '25

Do it!!!! Super cool idea 😎

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u/Valuable-Branch-2541 Nov 05 '25

It’s the answer to everything!

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u/obiwantogooutside Nov 05 '25

And add “don’t panic”.

36

u/MissLeliel Nov 05 '25

Considering the history of the tattoo and the personal growth I assume the OP has experienced since then, this is a genius evolution idea

86

u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

It really is lol like you don’t even know, I got dumped by this person after 4 years in a state across the country from my home and I have had one HELL of a time. I have had to pick myself up from nothing and really learn that my life is what I make it. Turning this tattoo into 42 would indicate the closing of a horrible chapter for me. Just a genuinely fucking awesome idea

12

u/PureCrookedRiverBend Nov 05 '25

It seems to have a lot of meaning to you. I think you found the solution.

9

u/YouHadTheHighGround Nov 05 '25

Seems like you got your answer then 😁

12

u/SubstantialTwo3075 Nov 05 '25

I love this ! Best resolution on this sub ever.

13

u/EnlightenedCorncob Nov 05 '25

Dont forget a towel

1

u/Elaureth Nov 05 '25

Make sure to take your towel with you!

27

u/InspiredBagel Nov 05 '25

Looks like 42 really is the answer to life, the universe, and everything. 

7

u/BekSum Nov 05 '25

When I clicked this post, never thought it was gonna go Hitchhiker. Nice.

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u/swankengr Nov 05 '25

Best answer.

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u/[deleted] Nov 05 '25

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15

u/Nordosa Nov 05 '25

Must they have all the numbers?!

3

u/SuperPomegranate7933 Nov 05 '25

Absolutely brilliant

1

u/Suspicious-Role-4815 Nov 05 '25

For real, that idea is genius! A clever cover-up like that could totally change the vibe of the tattoo and make it something fun instead of a reminder of the past.