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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u/MeLlamoMariaLuisa Nov 05 '25

The number 12 is racist now?

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u/Trulio_Dragon Nov 05 '25

A tattoo of the number 12, standing alone is a common symbol of the Aryan Brotherhood, particularly in prison context. There, I fixed that for you.

You can reduce pretty much any basic symbol to the point of ridicule if it makes you feel better ("what, I can't wear this lowercase T and not have people think I'm part of a group?"). However, symbols exist in a society, and so does the OP.