New TikTok Trend Accidentally Attempts to Popularize a Hate Symbol

A TikTok user accidentally tried to make a Nazi symbol into a tattoo for members of Generation Z. 

Generational unity is great. It’s wonderful to look around and feel a sense of pride in the accomplishments and shared values amongst one’s peers. Generation Z (Gen Z) is a good example of this unity. Gen Z is made up of people born from 1996-2015. We have lived through two economic recessions, a myriad of school shootings, a pandemic, an endless war in the Middle East, and are watching the destructive effects of climate change before many of us can even drive. 

Gen Z is often acknowledged as one of the more socially conscious generations, but we are not immune to history’s repetition. One of the most recent trends on the app TikTok is the idea that Gen Z should get a matching tattoo to signal to each other that we are members of Gen Z. If this sounds familiar, it is because neo-Nazis and white supremacists have been doing it for years now. Not only is tattoo signaling a common hate group practice, but the tattoo design suggested, a Z with either a line or an equal sign through the middle, is uncomfortably similar to the Wolfsangel, an ancient runic that was appropriated by the Nazi Party and is now a commonly used hate symbol. 

It does not seem like this design was made with malicious intent from the TikTok users. As of right now, the similarity in the designs is deemed an unfortunate mistake. What is even more unfortunate is that videos have already surfaced not only of people getting the tattoo but also covering it up as soon as the resemblance was pointed out to them. 

Some are arguing that because the meaning is not the same, it does not carry the same offense. It is also being argued that this could be an opportunity to reappropriate the symbol into a symbol of revolution and equality, as intended by the equal sign. Symbols have been reappropriated in the past, but historically it has not been for the better. Those who labeled themselves as skinheads used to use the haircut as a symbol of solidarity amongst the working class. Now, it is a common signal of white supremacy. 

It’s difficult to re-appropriate symbolism that has been claimed by hate groups. There is generational trauma rooted in these images, and even with good intentions, tattooing Nazi adjacent imagery onto oneself could put the person in physical danger from both hate groups and anti-racism/fascism groups alike. Both sides are on the lookout for this imagery. At their most extreme, neither take kindly to those who do not take the history behind these symbols seriously.

So how did we get to this point? What brought on this need to define ourselves and single each other out by our age? As previously stated, it’s no secret that Gen Z has been around to see a lot of horrible events in a short amount of time. Growing up with the Internet has placed us in a constant state of information overload. As soon as a tragedy takes place, the death toll is available at our fingertips, along with a couple of graphic videos played on a loop to get the point across. We only know a world of post 9/11 paranoia, and none of it matters anyway because we can’t get anyone in charge to do something about climate change. 

With that gloomy outlook in mind, it makes sense that Gen Z would be eager to seek out a sense of comradery in each other. It makes sense to search for people who can relate to the ups and downs of youth that everyone goes through, regardless of what generation they’re in. However, utilizing a method of communication so commonly used by hate groups is not a wise or safe solution. As a whole, Gen Z is fluent in the use of social media. We have so many outlets to find each other and form communities that serve the purpose of fighting for equality whether they are formed in person or online. It is important for anyone who is considering getting this tattoo to stop and consider what is being communicated with this image and what other methods can be used to connect with like-minded people.