You Can Now Remove Your Racist Tattoos For Free At This Tattoo Parlor, And Here’s 10 Before & After Examples
Dave Cutlip, the owner of Southside Tattoo in Baltimore, Maryland is helping people cover up their racist and gang-related tattoos, and he's doing it for free.
“It started because someone came in and asked me to remove gang tattoos from their face,” Cutlip tells GOOD. “I could see the hurt. But to be honest, I couldn’t help them.” After a long conversation with the guy, Cutlip was moved by his story and how he went from being in a gang in prison to becoming a “productive citizen” with a job, wife, and kids. Cutlip's wife then pulled him aside and said, “You can help people, Dave.” That's when they decided to write a note and post it on GoFundMe, asking people to donate money for the removal of unwanted gang and racist tattoos, as many people can't afford it themselves. To Dave's surprise, this whole idea went viral and what was meant to help just a few people in Baltimore, received 7000 likes in just three hours. Now, Cutlip has helped a lot of people already and is hoping to open more shops around the world. “The media has asked me what is the most memorable removal I’ve worked on,” he said. “To be honest, they’ve all been that memorable. All of these people, I don’t believe they were racist to begin with. I believe they did what they had to survive at the place they were at that time in their life.”
More info: GoFundMe (h/t: good)
“It started because someone came in and asked me to remove gang tattoos from their face,” said Dave Cutlip
He provides the service for free thanks to donations he receives from GoFundMe
Watch the video below to learn more:
This post may include affiliate links.
Redemption Ink
Redemption Ink
Could have just made it patriotic by adding RED and BLUE on each side. Less pain too.
Redemption Ink
Redemption Ink
Redemption Ink
Can anyone shed some light on what DWA means? I tried googling it but the only racist result was 'Driving While Asian', referring to when Asian people are pulled over for no reason. Is the tattoo ironic? And 'DME' too (further down the list) - I'm pretty sure Durable Medical Equipment isn't offensive to anyone.
Redemption Ink
Redemption Ink
Redemption Ink
I really can't believe how dumb people are, getting these racist tattoos... WE ARE ALL EQUAL
Redemption Ink
DMI. Dead Man Inc. The gang was started by a man named Perry Roark, who court records show is from Bel Air and is currently being held at the Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center, known as Supermax. Roark, who is white, wanted to join the established Black Guerrilla Family, and though he was respected and knew BGF members, he was not allowed to join because of his race. So he started Dead Man Inc. in the late 1990s to serve as a white off-shoot of the BGF. The main beliefs were anti-government and anti-religion; homosexuals, rapists and snitches need not apply, members said.
Redemption Ink
Dead Man Inc. The gang was started by a man named Perry Roark, who court records show is from Bel Air and is currently being held at the Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center, known as Supermax. Roark, who is white, wanted to join the established Black Guerrilla Family, and though he was respected and knew BGF members, he was not allowed to join because of his race. So he started Dead Man Inc. in the late 1990s to serve as a white off-shoot of the BGF. The main beliefs were anti-government and anti-religion; homosexuals, rapists and snitches need not apply, members said.
This a wonderful idea :D I been told that its harder and really painful to remove tattoos than to get them! And its awesome that these people had a change of heart (It sort of gives me more hope in the world). I hope that more people will do the same 😊
borklaser : I'm actually laughing at your ignorance ... I'm sorry 😂😂😂
Load More Replies...The "white" tattoos puzzle me. If I'm looking at your skin, I can see what color it is. (Although "beige" would be a more honest label).
I think some of the "white" tattoos had "pride" also tattooed somewhere else. But I loved your comment "beige" would be a kick a*s tattoo!
Load More Replies...So much respect for people that make the choice to change their fundamental belief when realising it is not right and that hate only breeds more hate. Considering the outcome of this change usually means isolation as they are so used to being surrounded by others with the same mindset and could suffer backlash. This is a lovely way to show support for choosing kindness over hate
It can be extremely difficult to completely set aside a life long mindset. Some of my friends have a constant inner struggle. Agree 100%
Load More Replies...It is sad to see how What-his-name-is ruined Svastika after making it Swastika.
These tattoos aren't removed. They're covered up. But the idea and sentiment is nice.
The laser removal of a $100 tattoo can cost into the thousand, and leave scarring
Load More Replies...I couldn't say what made these people get a controversial tattoo like that but it makes me happy they might have learned to tolerate or even love their fellow man. Much love to the tattoo artists as well, that's work and it's pretty great they did this.
This is so inspiring! It's like all these people suddenly realize they want to turn around, they realize that they have the capability to be kind and loving. They have gone through tough times, but those times helped them grow. That's what I think it symbolizes, this one period in their life turning into a better period. I am genuinely happy for all these people, and I hope they can keep going on the great track they are going on.
He's either on something or needs to be (from an actual dr., of course)
Load More Replies...Out of all the races in the world why are white people the only racists?
This a wonderful idea :D I been told that its harder and really painful to remove tattoos than to get them! And its awesome that these people had a change of heart (It sort of gives me more hope in the world). I hope that more people will do the same 😊
borklaser : I'm actually laughing at your ignorance ... I'm sorry 😂😂😂
Load More Replies...The "white" tattoos puzzle me. If I'm looking at your skin, I can see what color it is. (Although "beige" would be a more honest label).
I think some of the "white" tattoos had "pride" also tattooed somewhere else. But I loved your comment "beige" would be a kick a*s tattoo!
Load More Replies...So much respect for people that make the choice to change their fundamental belief when realising it is not right and that hate only breeds more hate. Considering the outcome of this change usually means isolation as they are so used to being surrounded by others with the same mindset and could suffer backlash. This is a lovely way to show support for choosing kindness over hate
It can be extremely difficult to completely set aside a life long mindset. Some of my friends have a constant inner struggle. Agree 100%
Load More Replies...It is sad to see how What-his-name-is ruined Svastika after making it Swastika.
These tattoos aren't removed. They're covered up. But the idea and sentiment is nice.
The laser removal of a $100 tattoo can cost into the thousand, and leave scarring
Load More Replies...I couldn't say what made these people get a controversial tattoo like that but it makes me happy they might have learned to tolerate or even love their fellow man. Much love to the tattoo artists as well, that's work and it's pretty great they did this.
This is so inspiring! It's like all these people suddenly realize they want to turn around, they realize that they have the capability to be kind and loving. They have gone through tough times, but those times helped them grow. That's what I think it symbolizes, this one period in their life turning into a better period. I am genuinely happy for all these people, and I hope they can keep going on the great track they are going on.
He's either on something or needs to be (from an actual dr., of course)
Load More Replies...Out of all the races in the world why are white people the only racists?