Barcode Tattoo


Unlike other tattoo designs that are mostly popular because of the way they look, barcode tattoos have come into style for another reason apart from their appearance. There is a strong, underlying meaning that is a collective expression of the youth, rather than a symbol of personal expression. The barcode tattoo design is a symbol of rebellion by the masses against materialism. People get these tattoos to signify that just like everything is commercialized, every product has a price, soon human beings will turn into products; particularly so because human beings have lost touch with their roots, their culture, and their traditions. They have lost their original identity, and the only way to get this unique identity is by means of a barcode, used to give every product a unique identity. The barcode tattoo then, has become one of the most meaningful tattoos that is now sported by the youth.

Apart from this rebellion, these tattoos are also increasingly becoming popular because of the way in which they have been depicted in movies and books. Fictitious characters have sported such tattoos for different reasons, mostly as a symbol of human cataloging. Whatever the reason, barcode tattoos have found their place among the youth, and are here to stay.

A Fashion Statement

As opposed to the rebellion against a consumer-driven culture, a lot of people simply sport barcode tattoos for the way they look. There are about three types of barcodes that are used to identify products, and if you want your tattoos to scan, then you may take a look at these ideas.
  • UPC Barcodes: These are barcodes that are used mainly on all types of products barring books and other copyrighted products such as movie CDs. They have 12 digits that give the product a unique identity. If you want these to scan properly, you cannot get any alphabetic message along with the tattoo. You may try scanning this tattoo at scanning points within a store and see whether you can be identified as a type of product that is available within the store.
  • Code 3 of 9 Barcodes: Being an alphanumeric code, you can go wild and have any kind of personal message printed with this type of barcode tattoo. For instance, if you get a tattoo on your neck and wish to have your full name, your mother's name, your girlfriend/boyfriend's name, or say short quotes with it, this is one tattoo design you are free to try this out with. This tattoo will not scan in regular department stores, but in places such as hospitals.
  • ISBN Barcodes: ISBN or International Standard Book Numbers are barcodes solely used to identify items that are copyrighted. This may include books and CDs. It may consist of ten to thirteen digits, and if you get this tattoo on your wrist for instance, you will be able to scan this on any machine that recognizes the Library of Congress books in Print service.
Only after trying can you decide if barcode tattoos do scan effectively. As much fun it is, ensure that you don't mess with the pricing machines at stores. This may cause a lot of mayhem for which you will be held responsible!

Where to Get Barcode Tattoos

The nape of the neck and the wrist are the most common places people choose to get these tattoos. However, a lot of the youth is now experimenting with other areas too. For instance, the lower back is becoming popular, as is the skull. Women are even getting it on their waist in a vertical design. Of course, the location of the tattoo will determine whether you can scan it or not. You are likely to have difficulty scanning a barcode tattoo on the waist. These are best as wrist tattoos or tattoos on the back of the neck.

If you are unsure about getting a barcode tattoo, feel free to try out fake or temporary tattoos to see how it looks. Finally, whatever the reason you wish to get this tattoo, you can definitely flaunt it to make a strong fashion statement, and spread a message too!

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