Television Review: Marked
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this series -- which looks at the
meaning of tattoos worn by gang members, prisoners, and other
non-mainstream groups -- includes some interesting information,
but most of the content is too intense for young kids. Expect
lots of violent references, including stories and images of
physical assaults (though no blood is shown). There's also some
strong language, with the stronger terms bleeped out -- but
tattoos containing words like the "N" word and other racial
epithets are clearly visible. Some tattoos have images of naked
women; one episode contains a very brief and blurry image of
male backsides.
MARKED explores the meanings behind the various tattoos of people from various outlying groups in contemporary society. Members of modern-day clans -- like urban gangs, motorcycle clubs, and prisoners -- share their stories how they earned their marks and what the marks mean to them. Interviews with professional tattoo artists and other experts round out the stories by revealing the history behind the images and the techniques used to create them.
Marked highlights the fact that the featured groups possess their own cultural characteristics -- even though they're usually considered frightening “outsiders” by mainstream society. It demystifies some of these groups’ identifying symbols, rituals, and traditions, while allowing their members to share their pride in what makes their group unique.
But while they have cultural significance, most of the personal stories shared in the series don't have many positive or kid-friendly messages. Many of the rituals described and/or shown here are extremely violent, and many of the tattoos proudly worn by some of the inverviewees boast of assaults and/or murders or include racial epithets. All of that said, mature viewers interested in tattoo culture will definitely find something here.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
