fiftyfifty

Yea I'd be skeptical about keeping it unchanged. Hell, I get a slight sense of nervousness just having a "13" on me in fear of running into an MS13 gang member.
I will say I'm really glad I opted out of the original design inwas going to get with my Friday the 13th tattoo. My buddy just bought the Russian criminal tattoo book, and we were going through all the symbols. At the last second I opted out of getting one next to the 13. Although it would've been cool, I share the same sentiment that its a bit disrespectful because it holds no meaning to me other than being a tattoo.
Plus I just don't wanna get stabbed. It's a bad look for me

If you're really regretting it or afraid of consequences or anything BUT you don't want to deal with removal, you can get it covered up or altered....a lot. I'd say that'd be a cheaper choice and still OK as long as the image is changed enough. Maybe keep the owl itself and have something else cover the hat and replace the crowbar with something else? Toss in some extra junk, roses, a banner, whatever.
I love those books and designs. But getting one would be like getting an American gang tattoo. I'm not a criminal first of all, and don't want anyone to think so. Secondly I don't want to disrespect those people who are by making their life some novelty (not saying you did, just speaking in general.) Finally, I've heard people who've gotten them say things like "Well I'll never go to Russia" or "I'll just not show it if I go." Still, it's not like there's not Russians here. Or others who know. Or that doesn't make it "OK" to me.
Anyway, I don't care what country or gang or whatever it's representing, to make a novelty out of it is disrespectful and the last thing I wanna do is disrespect guys like that. I may not agree with their lifestyle or choices, but shit, some didn't even choose it ESPECIALLY in Russia (and even more so the USSR where many of those originated.)
Again, not saying you did any of that, I was just saying in general.

Yeah I've read they cut or burn it off.. can't argue it's not effective but.. somehow i don't particularly want to find out just how painful that is. Guess i'll have to behave if I'm ever in Russia.

Yeah I've read they cut or burn it off.. can't argue it's not effective but.. somehow i don't particularly want to find out just how painful that is. Guess i'll have to behave if I'm ever in Russia.