I came across a man today in Santee who reminded me of Ray Bradbury’s short story, “The llustrated Man” (also the title of a book of Bradbury’s short stories). The central character in the short story is a man whose body has been covered with tattoos by a woman from the future. The tattoos are animated and have the power to tell the future. The unnamed narrator is warned not to look at the tattoos, but he does... and what he sees become stories: “The Veldt,” “Kaleidoscope,” “The Other Foot,” “The Highway,” “The Man,” and several others (eighteen altogether) including my favorite, “the Last Night of the World.” I gave the man my BLOG address so he could see the photographs I took... and so I could thank him again.
The Illustrated man has a somewhat less thoroughly illustrated friend. He was willing to let me get pictures.
6 comments:
I'm torn on this one, Jerral. I suppose it's journalistically or artistically "cool" to broadcast these images. But at the same time, you're giving a platform to messages of hate (e.g., swastikas, ss symbols, confederate flags and "heroes"). I'm sure this platform is small (not to "dis" your blog, but I assume the readership is less than, say, CNN's), but it's a platform nonetheless. To be sure, this is the world-the-way-it-is, and the world-as-you've-encountered-it, as you have every right to publish the photos; but I hate to think that these guys are checking out their photos on your blog, getting fired up on their message (and booze), and going out and beating up "fags" or "niggers." Just another responsibility to think about, I guess.... With love, Alan.
Alan,
I know what you mean... and I appreciate and respect your response. I suppose I've come to a place where I consider this BLOG a publication... and I'm still struggling to know where to "draw the line." I have to report that I like the guy with the most tattoos, the one who reminded me most of the Bradbury stories... The other guy, with his "Lakeside Gangster" tattoo on his left chest, made me uncomfortable. His southern general images over the confederate flag... also something to think about.
Thanks, Alan
Jerral
maybe it's just me, but I have yet to have my opinion changed on any subject, because some guy painted a swastica or scary faces on themselves.
I clicked on each image, and marveled at things like, darn, that must have hurt, and wow, that there is beautifully illustrated. I looked at each image as a piece of art and was amazed at the vast amount of ink that guy pumped into his body.
I didn't get any message except,this guy must be nuts and that must have really really hurt.
I think they are great photos.
I just read anonymous's comment again, and I believe he has some issues.
Looking at those pics, not once did the word niggers or fags come into my mind.
Mark,
Anonymous and I taught together once upon a time... in an inner-city school where we actively worried about our students... I confess that i don't know what all the tattooing means... what it means when it becomes a cultural norm. I am more fascinated than disturbed by it... in a "Ray Bradbury sort of way."
Jerral
Ahh, that's beautiful "Klan-tee" for you! Most of the time I'm embarrassed to live here. I wouldn't if not for the fact the housing is affordable. Between the Swastika tats and the fake testicles hanging off trailer hitches, frankly I'm just waiting for the banjo music to start playing.
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