A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Hitler Portrait Tattoo

My friend Joseph who tattoos at Visual Orgasm in Singapore got me wondering… Is this like the equivalent of someone getting an Attila the Hun tattoo just because you know he’s a bad ass or something? I really wonder what the meaning is in the context of Singapore…

After all, people get plenty of evil characters from fiction tattooed on them because it appeals to them on some level, even though they’re not endorsing the evil actions or anything… Is this different somehow because it strikes a more real and current nerve? I don’t know. That said, I can say with 100% certainty that I would never personally get a Hitler tattoo!!!!

Comments

286 responses to “Hitler Portrait Tattoo”

  1. Rockerbaby Avatar

    I am not offended in the least if I saw this tatto on somebody. It just doesn’t strike any chords in me :/

  2. Rockerbaby Avatar

    I am not offended in the least if I saw this tatto on somebody. It just doesn’t strike any chords in me :/

  3. Rockerbaby Avatar

    And it IS a very well done portrait.

  4. Rockerbaby Avatar

    And it IS a very well done portrait.

  5. Stasha Avatar

    I can’t view someone getting a Hitler tattoo without neo-nazi connotations. I’d equally look down on someone getting an Idi Amin or even a Charles Manson tattoo in the West though. It’s one thing to glorify a fictional evil character (Freddy Krueger, Jason Vorhees, etc.) but to glorify someone who’s acts of murder still affect people today? Rubs me the wrong way to say the least.

  6. Stasha Avatar

    I can’t view someone getting a Hitler tattoo without neo-nazi connotations. I’d equally look down on someone getting an Idi Amin or even a Charles Manson tattoo in the West though. It’s one thing to glorify a fictional evil character (Freddy Krueger, Jason Vorhees, etc.) but to glorify someone who’s acts of murder still affect people today? Rubs me the wrong way to say the least.

  7. Whitney Avatar

    Without knowing a thing about the person’s motivation for this tattoo I don’t really think it’s fair for me (or anyone else) to pass judgement on them. Something about this tattoo really appeals to me. I think it’s just that it’s so… opinionated. I like that this is evil and inappropriate. I guess I’m just attracted to offensive things.

  8. Whitney Avatar

    Without knowing a thing about the person’s motivation for this tattoo I don’t really think it’s fair for me (or anyone else) to pass judgement on them. Something about this tattoo really appeals to me. I think it’s just that it’s so… opinionated. I like that this is evil and inappropriate. I guess I’m just attracted to offensive things.

  9. trinityva Avatar
    trinityva

    I don’t think this is a good idea, but I’d never tell someone he can’t…

    That said, my first thought would be to wonder if I’m interacting with someone who thinks he’s clever, or some sort of Neo-Nazi.

  10. trinityva Avatar
    trinityva

    I don’t think this is a good idea, but I’d never tell someone he can’t…

    That said, my first thought would be to wonder if I’m interacting with someone who thinks he’s clever, or some sort of Neo-Nazi.

  11. james Avatar
    james

    try getting a job with that asshole

  12. james Avatar
    james

    try getting a job with that asshole

  13. Cindy Vega Avatar
    Cindy Vega

    wait- Did this “Joseph” do the tattoo or personally encounter the tattoo? What does he say about it?

  14. Cindy Vega Avatar
    Cindy Vega

    wait- Did this “Joseph” do the tattoo or personally encounter the tattoo? What does he say about it?

  15. Sneezy Avatar

    hmm himmel just aint cool neither is the guy with the dumb mustache well i hope you got your monies worth on the tat

  16. Sneezy Avatar

    hmm himmel just aint cool neither is the guy with the dumb mustache well i hope you got your monies worth on the tat

  17. Stewy Avatar
    Stewy

    *rolls eyes* good one james. Intelligent and thoughtful

  18. Stewy Avatar
    Stewy

    *rolls eyes* good one james. Intelligent and thoughtful

  19. JackFord Avatar
    JackFord

    If you’ve ever used the reason “It’s my body” for getting a tattoo then you open up a flood gate. There is no line that can be drawn, it’s the body of the individual that they are getting tattooed and they have the choice to get whatever they want done.

    I don’t agree with getting a Hitler tattoo, but I can’t really argue against it.

  20. JackFord Avatar
    JackFord

    If you’ve ever used the reason “It’s my body” for getting a tattoo then you open up a flood gate. There is no line that can be drawn, it’s the body of the individual that they are getting tattooed and they have the choice to get whatever they want done.

    I don’t agree with getting a Hitler tattoo, but I can’t really argue against it.

  21. milquetoast Avatar
    milquetoast

    I’m under the impression that the guy doesn’t understand the full significance of that image. Everyone knows Hitler was a bad guy (major understatement) Maybe he doesn’t understand the raw emotion and pain that image evokes. It’s his body and he can do whatever he wants; it’s still a bad idea. There is an element of time and distance that desensitizes people to bad events and the disparity of different cultures can change the meaning of imagery, but when is ignorance ever a good excuse?

    Any reasonable person can distinguish between fictional and real violence. I like horror movies and they glorify violence but no one really gets hurt. Some people might argue that skin removal and scarification glorify violence as well. I like mods, none of them make me feel like I’m a victim. Glorifying real human suffering and victimization is another matter. I think it’s tacky when people get tattoos of or even wear t-shirts depicting real-life mass murders and serial killers, that shows no respect for the victims. A Hitler tattoo goes beyond glorifying violence; it embodies evil, hatred, and genocide.

    It’s his body, his choice, but I can’t imagine any context that would make a Hitler portrait tattoo appropriate.

  22. milquetoast Avatar
    milquetoast

    I’m under the impression that the guy doesn’t understand the full significance of that image. Everyone knows Hitler was a bad guy (major understatement) Maybe he doesn’t understand the raw emotion and pain that image evokes. It’s his body and he can do whatever he wants; it’s still a bad idea. There is an element of time and distance that desensitizes people to bad events and the disparity of different cultures can change the meaning of imagery, but when is ignorance ever a good excuse?

    Any reasonable person can distinguish between fictional and real violence. I like horror movies and they glorify violence but no one really gets hurt. Some people might argue that skin removal and scarification glorify violence as well. I like mods, none of them make me feel like I’m a victim. Glorifying real human suffering and victimization is another matter. I think it’s tacky when people get tattoos of or even wear t-shirts depicting real-life mass murders and serial killers, that shows no respect for the victims. A Hitler tattoo goes beyond glorifying violence; it embodies evil, hatred, and genocide.

    It’s his body, his choice, but I can’t imagine any context that would make a Hitler portrait tattoo appropriate.

  23. redredred Avatar
    redredred

    you did not learn from history, right?

  24. redredred Avatar
    redredred

    you did not learn from history, right?

  25. Pip Avatar
    Pip

    Considering that this tattoo was done in Singapore, and their skin does not look too fair, it makes me wonder what the hell they were thinking. I don’t think it is meant as a white power neo-nazi tattoo, but really don’t know what kind of messed up statement this person is making here.

  26. Pip Avatar
    Pip

    Considering that this tattoo was done in Singapore, and their skin does not look too fair, it makes me wonder what the hell they were thinking. I don’t think it is meant as a white power neo-nazi tattoo, but really don’t know what kind of messed up statement this person is making here.

  27. hannah Avatar
    hannah

    While I think it is in poor taste, I have to admire the persons bravery. Let’s face it, he now has a significantly higher chance on having the shit kicked out of him.

    Time and distance as well as culture play such a huge role. For example, in Mongolia Genghis Khan is now considered a sort of national hero, a symbol of the countries rich history and military brilliance. While I would think that it is much more appropriate to admire Genghis Khan than Hitler, that’s only because my close ancestors weren’t conquered or killed by his army, and even if they were, it was so long ago. Whose to say that in a thousand years Hitler won’t be viewed in a more positive light?

    However this isn’t the future, and I’m sure this guy realises the implications of his tattoo and the possibility of offending many people. Serial killer, dictator and pornographic tattoos are great if they float your boat, but I think they should be concealed when in public, if not out of respect for other people’s feelings, then at least to protect the wearer from being beat up.

  28. hannah Avatar
    hannah

    While I think it is in poor taste, I have to admire the persons bravery. Let’s face it, he now has a significantly higher chance on having the shit kicked out of him.

    Time and distance as well as culture play such a huge role. For example, in Mongolia Genghis Khan is now considered a sort of national hero, a symbol of the countries rich history and military brilliance. While I would think that it is much more appropriate to admire Genghis Khan than Hitler, that’s only because my close ancestors weren’t conquered or killed by his army, and even if they were, it was so long ago. Whose to say that in a thousand years Hitler won’t be viewed in a more positive light?

    However this isn’t the future, and I’m sure this guy realises the implications of his tattoo and the possibility of offending many people. Serial killer, dictator and pornographic tattoos are great if they float your boat, but I think they should be concealed when in public, if not out of respect for other people’s feelings, then at least to protect the wearer from being beat up.

  29. exitus84 Avatar

    ok hello together. i’m from germany and i can’t understand how somebody want thsi face as a tattoo or what for a artist can make this with a pure conscience. sorry but i dont understand, when you here show a tattoo like this most ppl. want smash your head . . . no chance for fascism

  30. exitus84 Avatar

    ok hello together. i’m from germany and i can’t understand how somebody want thsi face as a tattoo or what for a artist can make this with a pure conscience. sorry but i dont understand, when you here show a tattoo like this most ppl. want smash your head . . . no chance for fascism

  31. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    exitus – That’s because you’re from Germany and you’ve spent your entire life being pounded with that message. But honestly, hiding the symbols and history of fascism is the best way to have fascism RETURN. One, because anything that’s suppressed tends to grow, and two, because those who try and erase history are doomed to repeat it.

    I’ll also add that when I was in Mexico, swastika shirts (full on Nazi style) were sold at the supermarket next to the knock-off West Coast Choppers gear. If there’s no direct cultural context, it just becomes something that people think represents strength (a valid enough argument, although I don’t personally agree with this implementation!).

  32. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    exitus – That’s because you’re from Germany and you’ve spent your entire life being pounded with that message. But honestly, hiding the symbols and history of fascism is the best way to have fascism RETURN. One, because anything that’s suppressed tends to grow, and two, because those who try and erase history are doomed to repeat it.

    I’ll also add that when I was in Mexico, swastika shirts (full on Nazi style) were sold at the supermarket next to the knock-off West Coast Choppers gear. If there’s no direct cultural context, it just becomes something that people think represents strength (a valid enough argument, although I don’t personally agree with this implementation!).

  33. oreoner Avatar

    that suck! go to hell u nazi shit!

  34. oreoner Avatar

    that suck! go to hell u nazi shit!

  35. vampirina Avatar
    vampirina

    We are all individual and have the right to do whateva we want to ourselves. We all believe in different things and have different oppinions on whats right and wrong. I DON’T agree with anything hitler stood for but i have some friends that do. That doesn’t bother me because thats how they feel… NOT ME, so i dont judge them and visa versa.. I agree with Amanda, what eva floats ur boat…

  36. vampirina Avatar
    vampirina

    We are all individual and have the right to do whateva we want to ourselves. We all believe in different things and have different oppinions on whats right and wrong. I DON’T agree with anything hitler stood for but i have some friends that do. That doesn’t bother me because thats how they feel… NOT ME, so i dont judge them and visa versa.. I agree with Amanda, what eva floats ur boat…

  37. TristaniA Avatar

    As a Jew, and as someone who lives in Israel, I don’t think I need to say what I think about this tattoo. As much as it makes me sick, It’s his choice. There’s a basic thing called freedom of speech, and even though I think it’s un-human and disgusting to have a tattoo like this done, no one has the right to tell him what to do.
    I’m hurt, that there are people around the world that still want the Jews to be dead, and I’m even more hurt by the fact that people are proud of those things and thoughts.

    Well… I’m rambling, but the point is that he’ll live with the consequences, and it was and is his choice to do this tattoo, and it’s his right – as painful as it is for me to say so.

    At least, from a technical aspect it’s done correctly :\

  38. TristaniA Avatar

    As a Jew, and as someone who lives in Israel, I don’t think I need to say what I think about this tattoo. As much as it makes me sick, It’s his choice. There’s a basic thing called freedom of speech, and even though I think it’s un-human and disgusting to have a tattoo like this done, no one has the right to tell him what to do.
    I’m hurt, that there are people around the world that still want the Jews to be dead, and I’m even more hurt by the fact that people are proud of those things and thoughts.

    Well… I’m rambling, but the point is that he’ll live with the consequences, and it was and is his choice to do this tattoo, and it’s his right – as painful as it is for me to say so.

    At least, from a technical aspect it’s done correctly :\

  39. Ant Avatar
    Ant

    lsifer “i’m for freedom of speech, but i’m also for freedom of beating the shit out of this guy if i see him.”

    ummmm….

  40. Ant Avatar
    Ant

    lsifer “i’m for freedom of speech, but i’m also for freedom of beating the shit out of this guy if i see him.”

    ummmm….

  41. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    TristaniA – I don’t *think* this is an anti-Jewish tattoo in INTENT. But I do agree it will be interpretted that way in the West.

  42. Shannon Larratt Avatar

    TristaniA – I don’t *think* this is an anti-Jewish tattoo in INTENT. But I do agree it will be interpretted that way in the West.

  43. trinityva Avatar
    trinityva

    It’s interesting to me how no historical figure is quite taken to embody evil in the way Hitler is, and there’s been a hell of a lot of terrible atrocity in the world.

  44. trinityva Avatar
    trinityva

    It’s interesting to me how no historical figure is quite taken to embody evil in the way Hitler is, and there’s been a hell of a lot of terrible atrocity in the world.

  45. poz Avatar
    poz

    hey great…let them where signs like this so we can sort them out…it is the way they did it…its the way they want to be handled…;-)
    but serious :
    the tattoo and the fact that it gets public attention is avulgar display of arrogance against history and millions of dead people…and it gives more nazi-shit the hint :”oh.. i can show that in public…so its not as cruel as i thought….”
    .
    a big “GOOD NIGHT WHITE PRIDE” from germany…

  46. poz Avatar
    poz

    hey great…let them where signs like this so we can sort them out…it is the way they did it…its the way they want to be handled…;-)
    but serious :
    the tattoo and the fact that it gets public attention is avulgar display of arrogance against history and millions of dead people…and it gives more nazi-shit the hint :”oh.. i can show that in public…so its not as cruel as i thought….”
    .
    a big “GOOD NIGHT WHITE PRIDE” from germany…

  47. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    Shannon: “But honestly, hiding the symbols and history of fascism is the best way to have fascism RETURN.”

    I think that there are much more tasteful ways of doing so. See: http://www.snopes.com/disney/wdco/dismural.htm

    Not saying he shouldn’t be allowed, just saying that if this was his intent, it’s in poor taste.

  48. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    Shannon: “But honestly, hiding the symbols and history of fascism is the best way to have fascism RETURN.”

    I think that there are much more tasteful ways of doing so. See: http://www.snopes.com/disney/wdco/dismural.htm

    Not saying he shouldn’t be allowed, just saying that if this was his intent, it’s in poor taste.

  49. the ray Avatar
    the ray

    how do athiests feel about jesus tattoo’s? maybe this guy agrees with hitler, and his basic intent to purifie the world to a single blood line, or no jews blood line. as wrong as it is, or may seem to those that don’t share the same idea. i’m not saying it’s not going to offend some one. he killed alot of people. but the usa is killing people in iraq right now, and the irai’s and such are killing lots of people right now. what do american flag tattoos stand for then to those from countries that have been bomber by us armies? again, i’m not saying jesus is evil, but thosands of people were killed in the inquisition and in the name of christ. millions were tourtured, and killed even by a currupt church under with currupt leaders, so just because our views don’t line up with his and his tattoos is offensive (even to me) think about every thing else that every one else has done, and like it has been said in a hundred years what will this guys tattoo mean to any one. he probably isn’t going to change anything by this one tattoo. so i guess i’m saying i cann’t judge him just because i don;t believe what he does.

  50. the ray Avatar
    the ray

    how do athiests feel about jesus tattoo’s? maybe this guy agrees with hitler, and his basic intent to purifie the world to a single blood line, or no jews blood line. as wrong as it is, or may seem to those that don’t share the same idea. i’m not saying it’s not going to offend some one. he killed alot of people. but the usa is killing people in iraq right now, and the irai’s and such are killing lots of people right now. what do american flag tattoos stand for then to those from countries that have been bomber by us armies? again, i’m not saying jesus is evil, but thosands of people were killed in the inquisition and in the name of christ. millions were tourtured, and killed even by a currupt church under with currupt leaders, so just because our views don’t line up with his and his tattoos is offensive (even to me) think about every thing else that every one else has done, and like it has been said in a hundred years what will this guys tattoo mean to any one. he probably isn’t going to change anything by this one tattoo. so i guess i’m saying i cann’t judge him just because i don;t believe what he does.

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