Within our personal lives, it is inevitable that we encounter cultures and realities that differ drastically from our own. This holds especially true within the realm of sociological studies, in which we find both familiarity and explanations for things we have personally experienced, as well as gateways into realms that are foreign and new.
The novel, “The Tattoo,” is a story teeming with insight into both Hawaiian culture, as well as prison culture. Through the characters, the audience is allowed a glimpse of two very distinct realms, and experience characters that embody principles both familiar and foreign.
Throughout the first chapters of the novel, it is interesting to recognize the strikingly different norms present in prison life. While norms outside of jail generally rely on being polite and amiable, the very ability to survive within prison depends on brutality and being able to prove one’s worth and potential threat. For example, within the first two pages, the author exemplifies the method of establishing hierarchy, when he indicates that it is custom for the new cellmate to have his pillow and blanket taken away from him as a sign of authority (pg. 2). In this way, status positions are established. This plays into the idea of material culture- whereas life outside of prison might use such things as Armani suits or nice cars to indicate wealth or status, the novel quickly shows that in prison, the ability to obtain another’s belongings (which are rare and sparse as it is), demonstrates dominance and status. Furthermore, this type of hierarchy exemplifies social structure. Social relationships in the novel are determined by a mixture of time spent in prison, as well as demonstrations of dominance.
Another concept visited by “The Tattoo,” is the concept of assimilation. Assimilation is crucial in prison life, as conforming to the norms and social structure are integral to one’s safety. However, even more fascinating is the personal story told by Ken, and how he became the person he is. Throughout Ken’s family life, he is ridiculed by his father for not being brave enough, or tough enough to fight. However, Ken assimilates to the violence at his school, after having his “ass kicked,” (pg.46) while running away from someone who was chasing him. As if that humiliation wasn’t enough, his father berates him for not fighting back. Ken then adopts his father’s values of being the “predator,” instead of the “prey,” (pg. 46). This ideology is one that gains his father’s respect, as well as leading Ken down a path of violence. He develops a persona that is intimidating, thus losing his former image as someone to ridicule. This is further exemplified when Ken mocks Tavares, and accepts his abuse with a laugh, thus establishing that he lack fears, a quality that also helps establish status within the prison system. Additionally, assimilation is also show by the use of pidgin instead of English- in the study of communications, this is called “code-switching,”- the practice of adapting one’s language to others in order to be better understood and accepted.
In my personal life, I have not had much experience or exposure to prison culture, but I feel that the idea of assimilating into one’s environment is crucial in everyday life, and relatable to every situation. Whether it is a new work environment, a new neighborhood, or a new country, we often find ourselves in the position of adapting to a different culture in order to “fit in.” The novel, “The Tattoo,” gives one clear example of an environment in which social structure and assimilation to a culture is crucial for survival. While most of us might never see such an extreme case within our lifetime, the lesson is universal.
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