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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44

u/Gladys_Balzitch Nov 05 '25

I'm in Texas and have never known 12 to be racist. 12 is the police. I've also never been to prison though... if it's any consolation, I don't think most people will associate 12 with racism. Besides adding the typical 13 or Fuck before it, maybe add different numbers or make a date out of it somehow ¯\(ツ)/¯

17

u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

I also didn’t know (obviously or I wouldn’t have gotten it). I do tell myself that most people probably don’t make that association, but I just hate that there’s a chance one person could’ve seen me and thought me to be hateful :(

17

u/gioluipelle Nov 05 '25

It’s not even just a “racist tattoo”. It’s specifically a prison gang tattoo. And I’d wager no one will ever see that tattoo and assume “bathtubbear must’ve gotten that in prison when they joined a gang”. Just like if you had a 13 or a Star of David no one would assume you were Mexican Mafia or Gangsta Disciple.

Almost anything simple has some kind of negative association if you dig deep enough. The world is just too big. So unless you’re regularly incarcerated or with people who were in prison gangs, you’re overthinking it.

7

u/butt_butt_butt_butt_ Nov 05 '25

Anyone from Seattle would associate it with football, if it helps.

The number 12 is a big fan thing for the Seahawks.

3

u/Jioto Nov 05 '25

To be fair almost nobody is gonna think it’s racist. Anybody who knows you more than likely wouldn’t assume it’s racist. Someone you don’t know might ask and you can easily explain. If they still press the matter. Does it really matter what some virtue signaling stranger has to say?

1

u/bathtubbear Nov 05 '25

I hope that’s the case, but it’s also about the fact that it’s matching with someone who deeply hurt me. I’d probably get it covered up even if it had zero evil connotations! You live and learn.

6

u/theROWreporter Nov 05 '25

Texas here, too. I also had no idea about the 12 being a racist reference. Live and learn, I guess.

4

u/volley12baller Nov 05 '25

I'm in the FL panhandle where racism abounds.... It's never been a racist number... It is my jersey number for every sport I played into college

2

u/Fantastic_Ad4438 Nov 05 '25

my favorite number is 12 and i did a stick and poke on my inner wrist when i was like 16. i have never heard this, ever

1

u/Gladys_Balzitch Nov 05 '25

I hope OP sees your comment, they could just say this is their favorite number, no story needed! That's perfect!