An incredibly disturbing video — probably the most offensive tattoo video to date — is currently doing the viral rounds. In it, the tattoo artist (whose face we never see), tattoos what appears to be a small “666″ on a toddler that screams in pain and terror while he’s doing it. A woman that I assume is the mother is holding the child down the whole time. Since there is parental consent in the process, it is 100% legal. Arguably this isn’t any worse than the doctors that have have cut off the ends of millions if not billions of baby boys’ penises to satisfy their parents religious or cultural leanings, and of course there are indigenous cultures (many of them idolized by the “modern primitive” movement) all around the world that do a wide variety of heavy mods on babies and children… But wow… I don’t think I could bring myself to be involved in something like this, either as the artist or the parent. But I wonder — how many of you who are willing to denounce this video are also willing to denounce the tribal cultures who do similar things in much larger quantities and to a more horrific extent, or even denounce circumcision which is still commonplace in America (although not many other Western nations at this point as the cruelty and needlessness is recognized)?
YouTube pulled the video — click here to download our backup or play it here:
Update: If I had to guess [edit #2: this is now confirmed, and if you listen in the video you can hear them say that the child is now “blessed by Jesus”], I would say these people are followers of Jose Luis de Jesus of Growing in Grace. Followers of this fringe religion often get 666 tattooed one them as a part of their faith. The question is, do you believe in freedom of religion? Where is that line drawn for you? This group even has billboards around Toronto where I live — this isn’t just some isolated event. Below are some other similar tattoos done by their followers:
Update #2: Trying to find examples of tattooed children in Western culture, I was hoping to dig up an old story in BME’s old newspaper archive of historical mod stories because I remembered one about a father taking his identical twin sons to a tattoo artist in order to get a beauty mark tattooed on one of them as a way of telling them apart more easily. Anyway, I couldn’t find the actual article I was searching for, but I did find another from the October 19, 1899 Twin City News which mentions how an increasing number of parents are tattooing their children with a hidden ID mark (I believe this was in the midst of abduction paranoia).
Also, I mentioned above that the parents were “100%” legally in the right (although not ethically in my opinion), but I should point out that there have been cases — for example, this North Carolina mother arrested after allowing her 11-year-old to get a tattoo of a small heart on her shoulder — that suggest the opposite. However, courts in America are very unlikely to call the actions of an established religion “child abuse”, so don’t expect to see Jews being jailed over circumcision any time soon.
Comments
156 responses to “Tattooing “666″ on a Baby”
ugh.. too scared to watch.
ugh.. too scared to watch.
honestly,…that made me feel sick. And im COVERED in tattoos. I would NEVER do that to my kid.
I couldnt even watch it all.
honestly,…that made me feel sick. And im COVERED in tattoos. I would NEVER do that to my kid.
I couldnt even watch it all.
This was too hard to watch and too hard to stomach. As a mother of a nearly two year old I couldn’t ever justify doing such a thing against my childs will like that.
This was too hard to watch and too hard to stomach. As a mother of a nearly two year old I couldn’t ever justify doing such a thing against my childs will like that.
religion…the opium of the masses.
religion…the opium of the masses.
that kids a pussy
that kids a pussy
1) don’t ever push your religious choices on your children. 2) wait till the child is old enough to ask for it themselves. i an disgusted and horrified.
1) don’t ever push your religious choices on your children. 2) wait till the child is old enough to ask for it themselves. i an disgusted and horrified.
“But I wonder — how many of you who are willing to denounce this video are also willing to denounce the tribal cultures who do similar things in much larger quantities and to a more horrific extent, or even denounce circumcision which is still commonplace in America (although not many other Western nations at this point as the cruelty and needlessness is recognized)?”
That kind of goes into the realm of cultural/moral imperialism, doesn’t it? Is it ever acceptable for someone to go into a foreign land (or a minority community) and scold others for their cultural practices? Would it be better to help empower and defer to the dissenters within that culture so as they can decide what is the best future for themselves, not some outsider?
“But I wonder — how many of you who are willing to denounce this video are also willing to denounce the tribal cultures who do similar things in much larger quantities and to a more horrific extent, or even denounce circumcision which is still commonplace in America (although not many other Western nations at this point as the cruelty and needlessness is recognized)?”
That kind of goes into the realm of cultural/moral imperialism, doesn’t it? Is it ever acceptable for someone to go into a foreign land (or a minority community) and scold others for their cultural practices? Would it be better to help empower and defer to the dissenters within that culture so as they can decide what is the best future for themselves, not some outsider?
I couldn’t watch all of it his screams were horrible poor thing 🙁
I couldn’t watch all of it his screams were horrible poor thing 🙁
All the people involved in this child abuse,should be arrested,and those that find it amusing,should be investigated.they are not only a shame to every spanish speaking race,but an abomination of humanity.
All the people involved in this child abuse,should be arrested,and those that find it amusing,should be investigated.they are not only a shame to every spanish speaking race,but an abomination of humanity.
To correct you, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE. In Alaska, for example, a person has to e 18 or older before they can be tattoed NO EXCEPTIONS. Wonder where these people live. Like drinking, a child has to be 18 before he/she can decide for themselves if they want a tattooed. This is CHILD ABUSE AND THESE PEOPLE SHOULD BE PUT IN JAIL AND PERMANENTLY LOSE CUSTODY OF THIS CHILD.
To correct you, DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE. In Alaska, for example, a person has to e 18 or older before they can be tattoed NO EXCEPTIONS. Wonder where these people live. Like drinking, a child has to be 18 before he/she can decide for themselves if they want a tattooed. This is CHILD ABUSE AND THESE PEOPLE SHOULD BE PUT IN JAIL AND PERMANENTLY LOSE CUSTODY OF THIS CHILD.
I applaud the comments from Mr Larratt re ‘tribal’ cultures and whether thosewho denounce the tattooing of this Western child would also disagree with ‘tribal’ child tattooing. Barf answers that question with a big NO. Sorry barf but your comment is every cliché I am tired of hearing – if you disagree with a ‘tribal’ practice it’s imperialism! Yes we should just wait for those ‘tribal’ children to dissent, right? They can just magically be empowered through some expensive ‘pc’ programme delivered by intervening imperialists on their world saving gap year. Barf your clichés are such a common response to cultures other than your own-let’s all sit on our hands whilst a child is abused, right? I personally feel it is racist to not fight for all children’s human rights regardless of their culture.
I applaud the comments from Mr Larratt re ‘tribal’ cultures and whether thosewho denounce the tattooing of this Western child would also disagree with ‘tribal’ child tattooing. Barf answers that question with a big NO. Sorry barf but your comment is every cliché I am tired of hearing – if you disagree with a ‘tribal’ practice it’s imperialism! Yes we should just wait for those ‘tribal’ children to dissent, right? They can just magically be empowered through some expensive ‘pc’ programme delivered by intervening imperialists on their world saving gap year. Barf your clichés are such a common response to cultures other than your own-let’s all sit on our hands whilst a child is abused, right? I personally feel it is racist to not fight for all children’s human rights regardless of their culture.
Horrible. I went against my cultural tradition and did not circumcise my sons. I think that the comparison in the post is fair. My sons can grow up and choose for themselves regarding tattoos, foreskin, and faith. Their bodies, their choice.
Horrible. I went against my cultural tradition and did not circumcise my sons. I think that the comparison in the post is fair. My sons can grow up and choose for themselves regarding tattoos, foreskin, and faith. Their bodies, their choice.
Shannon,
This took place in Florida, where it is not legal to tattoo anyone under the age of 16, even with parental consent. The only exception is for medical procedures.
Shannon,
This took place in Florida, where it is not legal to tattoo anyone under the age of 16, even with parental consent. The only exception is for medical procedures.
I’m horrified by all of it. No child should have his or her body altered in any way. It’s absolutely child abuse to hold a child down and tattoo, circumcise, or anything else. Why are all these “cultural practices” always done to children? Probably because if the cultures allowed the children to decide as consenting adults, then the practices would quickly stop. It is the harmed children who grow up to harm their children, and so it continues for generations…
I’m horrified by all of it. No child should have his or her body altered in any way. It’s absolutely child abuse to hold a child down and tattoo, circumcise, or anything else. Why are all these “cultural practices” always done to children? Probably because if the cultures allowed the children to decide as consenting adults, then the practices would quickly stop. It is the harmed children who grow up to harm their children, and so it continues for generations…
That mother deserves to be shot point-blank between the eyes. Disgusting beyond words.Religion must be stopped.
That mother deserves to be shot point-blank between the eyes. Disgusting beyond words.Religion must be stopped.
that toddler’s gonna get so much tang come schooltime
that toddler’s gonna get so much tang come schooltime
I do not believe that you can compare a circumcision of a newborn with tattooing a toddler. First off, with circumcision the foreskin area is numbed; my son slept through the entire procedure and never showed any signs of discomfort during the healing process. As a tattooed person, I know that no anthestic is used to numb the pain during or after the procedure. As for respecting religious preferences; not if it causes physical or emotional distress. This has held up in court before with those religions that do not believe in modern medicine as well as those who try to perform exorcisms on children. No one person’s rights can prevail when they infringe on anothers.
I do not believe that you can compare a circumcision of a newborn with tattooing a toddler. First off, with circumcision the foreskin area is numbed; my son slept through the entire procedure and never showed any signs of discomfort during the healing process. As a tattooed person, I know that no anthestic is used to numb the pain during or after the procedure. As for respecting religious preferences; not if it causes physical or emotional distress. This has held up in court before with those religions that do not believe in modern medicine as well as those who try to perform exorcisms on children. No one person’s rights can prevail when they infringe on anothers.
A while ago I used to think those tribes that practiced ritual tattooing and body modification were (sic) admirable. Now that I am older and even more of an individualist I saw those practices for what they were. A violent and graphic means at excersizing control and conformity.
I watched the video, and as a parent (and enlightened human being) I found it vile. This poor child. I have to say the video makes me a bit angry. I find this practice or all others to be cruel. Even done to an animal I would agree that this practice is cruel. When it is time for this person to die they will realize that they tortured their child for a lie, a myth. They lived their entire lives according to some toxic vomit spewing out of this preacher that condones that nonsense. I think that would constitute a version of “hell”. Just think about how frightening to that person it will be when they are dieing and realize that it is all a lie……that is their punishment in my opinion.
A while ago I used to think those tribes that practiced ritual tattooing and body modification were (sic) admirable. Now that I am older and even more of an individualist I saw those practices for what they were. A violent and graphic means at excersizing control and conformity.
I watched the video, and as a parent (and enlightened human being) I found it vile. This poor child. I have to say the video makes me a bit angry. I find this practice or all others to be cruel. Even done to an animal I would agree that this practice is cruel. When it is time for this person to die they will realize that they tortured their child for a lie, a myth. They lived their entire lives according to some toxic vomit spewing out of this preacher that condones that nonsense. I think that would constitute a version of “hell”. Just think about how frightening to that person it will be when they are dieing and realize that it is all a lie……that is their punishment in my opinion.
fucking discusting as a prittty well tattood mother i wld never do this to my child i wanted to cry an religion my arse thats an excuse her child shld be taken off her an they shld all go to jail cause this is a crime its not even my child an im so angry!!!!
fucking discusting as a prittty well tattood mother i wld never do this to my child i wanted to cry an religion my arse thats an excuse her child shld be taken off her an they shld all go to jail cause this is a crime its not even my child an im so angry!!!!
This lady is a gimp and deserves to be beaten with a dead fish until she bleeds, whatever this religion is that has inspired such a stupid idea such as tattooing 666 onto this kids wrist must have been inspired by a bad acid trip. I bet she doesn’t even believe in the religion and it is just some kind of egotistical rebellious childish smirk of a religion for spoiled hipster freaks who don’t know what the meaning of going to fat means, I believe in love and peace, I believe in freedom of expression and of religion for the most part but I don’t believe what I just read, what a pathetic joke, poor child!
This lady is a gimp and deserves to be beaten with a dead fish until she bleeds, whatever this religion is that has inspired such a stupid idea such as tattooing 666 onto this kids wrist must have been inspired by a bad acid trip. I bet she doesn’t even believe in the religion and it is just some kind of egotistical rebellious childish smirk of a religion for spoiled hipster freaks who don’t know what the meaning of going to fat means, I believe in love and peace, I believe in freedom of expression and of religion for the most part but I don’t believe what I just read, what a pathetic joke, poor child!
@BARF
moral universalism/realism is not the same as moral imperialism.
the difference is, basically, that you have to judge your own actions and culture by the same standards that you judge others on. imperialism relies on a supposed difference that allows different treatment.
it’s sometimes helpful to encourage people to be more skeptical about their own beliefs than those of others, since they naturally fit best with their experience.
but abandoning judgement altogether brings you nowhere, and denies the possibility of any progress.
empowering criticism from within is a promising option for moral progress, but when supporting minorities you still have to pick and choose which are actually critical movements and which are fanatic fringe groups. there is no ‘neutral’ way of doing that.
also, how could one be able to actually criticize imperialism in an imperialist culture?
anyway, painfully making permanent modifications to a child’s body without medical benefit or consent is not a harmless tradition. and letting it happen is in itself a choice that requires justification.
@BARF
moral universalism/realism is not the same as moral imperialism.
the difference is, basically, that you have to judge your own actions and culture by the same standards that you judge others on. imperialism relies on a supposed difference that allows different treatment.
it’s sometimes helpful to encourage people to be more skeptical about their own beliefs than those of others, since they naturally fit best with their experience.
but abandoning judgement altogether brings you nowhere, and denies the possibility of any progress.
empowering criticism from within is a promising option for moral progress, but when supporting minorities you still have to pick and choose which are actually critical movements and which are fanatic fringe groups. there is no ‘neutral’ way of doing that.
also, how could one be able to actually criticize imperialism in an imperialist culture?
anyway, painfully making permanent modifications to a child’s body without medical benefit or consent is not a harmless tradition. and letting it happen is in itself a choice that requires justification.
yo tengo 2 dos y a mi me dolieron…No lo puedo creer como unos padres pueden dejar que esto pase…..
yo tengo 2 dos y a mi me dolieron…No lo puedo creer como unos padres pueden dejar que esto pase…..
That’s horrible, no parent has the right to do that to a baby.
And culture is no excuse for mutilating children; culture is worthless in the face of the right to bodily autonomy. Culture is worthless in the face of ANY Human right. That’s not Imperialism — that’s Humanism.
That’s horrible, no parent has the right to do that to a baby.
And culture is no excuse for mutilating children; culture is worthless in the face of the right to bodily autonomy. Culture is worthless in the face of ANY Human right. That’s not Imperialism — that’s Humanism.
This is disgusting! what is this world turning into? The parents should be in jail and be raped many times while in there.
This is disgusting! what is this world turning into? The parents should be in jail and be raped many times while in there.
Yvonne wrote “No one person’s rights can prevail when they infringe on anothers.” Why doesn’t this also cover the topic of circumcision? Not bashing, just asking.
The main difference between tattooing a baby and circumcising is that the medical community (more often than not) wrongfully endorses circumcision. They choose profits over their Hippocratic Oath. The one that says “do no harm”. I believe that NO medical procedure should take place unless medically warranted. Routine Infant Circumcision happens before there is an actual need. Less than 1% of properly cared for intact males will ever have a medical issue worthy of considering circumcision.
The mother here is having her baby tattooed for religious reasons. Some parents choose to have their sons circumcised for religious reasons. I don’t see how they’re different. This child should have been allowed to choose whether he wanted this tattoo as an adult, the same way that religiously circumcised boys should have the right to choose for themselves when they are old enough. Parents should have no right to brand their children with THEIR beliefs.
Oh, and PLEASE do not respond with “circumcision hurts more later”. That’s nonsense, plain and simple.
Yvonne wrote “No one person’s rights can prevail when they infringe on anothers.” Why doesn’t this also cover the topic of circumcision? Not bashing, just asking.
The main difference between tattooing a baby and circumcising is that the medical community (more often than not) wrongfully endorses circumcision. They choose profits over their Hippocratic Oath. The one that says “do no harm”. I believe that NO medical procedure should take place unless medically warranted. Routine Infant Circumcision happens before there is an actual need. Less than 1% of properly cared for intact males will ever have a medical issue worthy of considering circumcision.
The mother here is having her baby tattooed for religious reasons. Some parents choose to have their sons circumcised for religious reasons. I don’t see how they’re different. This child should have been allowed to choose whether he wanted this tattoo as an adult, the same way that religiously circumcised boys should have the right to choose for themselves when they are old enough. Parents should have no right to brand their children with THEIR beliefs.
Oh, and PLEASE do not respond with “circumcision hurts more later”. That’s nonsense, plain and simple.