TV Review: LA Ink
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this reality show is very much
pro-body art, and the risks of getting a tattoo aren't
addressed directly. Though viewers don't see blood, they do see
the tattoo needle piercing the skin. Some of the stories behind
clients' tattoos are emotionally gripping, such as those
involving the loss of a friend or relative. Some of the clothes
worn by the tattoo artists and their clients are fairly
provocative -- expect lots of black leather and tight denim.
Also expect to hear frequent bleeps as the show tries to keep
up with the profanity pouring out of both artists' and clients'
mouths.
Families can talk about professions that tend to be dominated by one sex or the other. Why do you think most tattoo artists are men? Which professions are dominated by women? What leads to gender domination in different professions? How does that one-sidedness effect the prestige and profitability of the job? Families can also discuss tattoos. What are parents' and kids' opinions on tattoos? If they differ, why? Do people's opinions about body art tend to change as they get older? Why? Why is getting a piece of body art a big decision? What are some of the risks in tattooing?
Common Sense Media Review
After tattoo artist Kat Von D split from the shop featured
in
Miami Ink
, she moved to Los Angeles to open her own shop -- and star
in her own reality show, LA INK.
Like the show's Florida counterpart, LA Ink tracks the behind-the-scenes action at a tattoo parlor. Clients come into the shop to get body art and share the reasons for their choices. Stories can be both sad and inspiring, like that of a recently divorced woman who gets a flower on her calf to represent truth and her desire to look toward the future. Other tales are more emotional, like those of folks who are getting a tattoo to remember a deceased friend or family member.
But the show's real draw is the tattoo artists. Not only are they visually interesting characters, but their personalities are warm and appealing. In contrast to the male-dominated world of Miami Ink (which reflects the broad gender divide within the tattoo subculture), Kat's shop is heavily female. The talented women (whose tendency to dress in tight and/or revealing clothes gives LA Ink a racier feel than its Miami counterpart) boast a variety of specialties, from pin-up images to portraits to colorful floral displays.
The show's focus on body art means that some parents may feel uncomfortable with some of its content, from dark images like skulls and weapons to piercings and other body manipulations (like a split tongue that twists and turns in potentially provocative ways). Though safety precautions are clearly taken throughout the tattooing process, the risks associated with needles or infection aren't explicitly discussed.
Fans might also enjoy Miami Ink or The Shop.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
