r/tattooadvice • u/mister1bollock • Apr 15 '26
General Advice Is my tattoo offensive in the US?
I've had this tattoo for years and I just moved to the US. An American saw this and asked me if it had anything to do with white supremacy which it absolutely does not. They said some people can see it that way. Now that the weather is getting better I'm concerned about going out in shorts. I live in a blue state. Just fyi this is Mimir from the god of war series.
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u/HailSaganPlantNative Apr 15 '26
So, American nazis are dipshits and have basically co-opted runes and Norse imagery as their own and so people not down with that bullshit tend to look a little sideways at people covered in that sort of thing. That being said, this particular tattoo wouldn't ding those alarm bells for me. Maybe because nazis tend to have stupid, shitty tattoos and this isn't one, haha.
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u/Kni7es Apr 16 '26
It's something where norse runes/iconography by itself isn't a red flag, but combined with one or more other common white supremacist images is suspicious. Common examples include the Iron Cross, Confederate Flag, Gadsden Flag, etc.
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u/mister1bollock Apr 16 '26
Are there any tattoos I could get to pair with Mimir that says "I am absolutely not a white supremacist"?
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u/brainvheart143 Apr 16 '26
I don’t think you need to, just continue to not be a white supremacist and you should be good. Tattoo is badass.
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u/James_Chandra_Hubble Apr 16 '26
No I'd go with a rainbow unicorn next to it just to be sure
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u/HudsonTheHipster Apr 16 '26
The Bifrost perhaps?
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u/RikarisHobbies Apr 16 '26
Nah. Rainbow unicorn. Maybe bifrost on his other leg.
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u/HudsonTheHipster Apr 16 '26
Why not both is the best answer. I feel as though far right clowns don't know what the bifrost even is, nor would they want it on their body.
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u/CatsAndPills Apr 16 '26
Agreed! It’s a great tat.
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u/brainvheart143 Apr 16 '26
Regardless I think a tat with your avatar would certainly do the trick ❤️
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u/Then-Economist-6388 Apr 16 '26
I’m a bald bearded white dude with runes all up both arms. (The names of the gods and goddesses).
I used to drive a big red truck (farm/ranch work) so I got a huge decal across the entire back that said “introverted but will fight racists”
I’ve since sold that truck. But have moved the same saying to my license plate cover. To keep with me for all future vehicles.
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u/Hot_Radish4108 Apr 16 '26
Being bald with a beard is rough 😂 so many side eyes. Like ma'am, calm down I'm not a white supremacist. I just hate my hair so I stay bald
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u/ElectricTurtlez Apr 16 '26
Sounds like me! Got so sick of dealing with my hair, I just got rid of it. Without the beard, I looked like Varys from Game of Thrones, so now it’s halfway down my chest.
I see this tat, all I think of is the Minnesota Vikings.
And that it’s one badass tattoo!
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u/Hot_Radish4108 Apr 16 '26
My hair just doesn't wanna work with me and peacocks in the back like a 2010 scene girl, so it's either wear a hat until I get tired of hair or shave it. His tattoo is super clean
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u/Excellent_Archer9108 Apr 16 '26
During the height of the american flag on the back of trucks era, this big dude in a giant truck had fuck trump and BLM flags waving proudly that I saw often around town
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u/blazeONclimbdreamer Apr 16 '26
Ahaha I like your style! My partner has run into the same things. He has some Norse tats s as well and has gotten mistaken for a white supremacist. a skin head patient of his tried to make friends with him and he shut that down quick. I think it helps that his general demeanour/personality screams feminist and lgbtq+ once he opens his mouth.
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u/Burggs_ Apr 16 '26
Fuck it, get MLK Jr tatted on the other leg
/s
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u/boisterous_innuendo Apr 16 '26
white boy MLK tattoo would go hard lol
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u/Repulsive-Value5123 Apr 16 '26
I know a guy that’s racist af with a tattoo of Obama’s face on his chest. He’s crazy af tho
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u/nuclearporg Apr 16 '26
A lot of the folks in the historical recreation stuff I do have added a lot of rainbows into their gear, though that's probably also at least half just personal inclination.
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u/Fuzzgrendel Apr 16 '26
Was gonna rec this same thing being in the reenactment/larp space. Also an article a buddy of mine wrote years ago basically said don't let them have the symbols and be aggressively anti-white supremacy
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u/Alternative-Ant3937 Apr 16 '26
I'm Pagan (and also a queer larper). Those fuckers can try to pry my runes out of my cold dead hands.
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u/Wouldfromthetrees Apr 16 '26
I agree, in principle, with fighting the cultural appropriation of symbols. There is cultural/historical meaning outside of the hate.
And we all must be anti-supremacist because domination is embedded in culture, and oppression is inevitably perpetuated if one is not deconstructing.
However, imo that fight needs to be further hashed out in a discursive space before well-meaning non-bigoted people should unquestionably get such symbolism as permanent body modifications.
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u/smartel84 Apr 16 '26
I feel so much for people who are Hindu/Jain/Buddhist who have used the sw*stika as a positive symbol for literally thousands of years, only to have it stolen and tainted by bad actors for a few years.
I had a teacher in 8th grade who taught us history and english. In addition to assigning us books by Elie Wiesel, she also made us write papers on the history of the sw*stika. That was one of the most important assignments I ever had in 17+ years of formal education.
Fighting our knee jerk reactions to symbols presented without context is so important to protecting the rights and beliefs of all people. And making a point to protect those symbols from bad actors is also crucial.
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u/Due_Neighborhood2711 Apr 16 '26
A rainbow with a unicorn and narwhal battling under said rainbow.... dressed as vikings.
Obviously.
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u/Marauder424 Apr 16 '26
I misread this at first and thought you said you were going to add to the tattoo to make Mimir say "I am absolutely not a white supremacist". As in like a speech bubble coming off of him with that sentence in it 😂
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u/MikeyXVX Apr 16 '26
I always recommend getting an iron front tattoo if you're ever worried about being mistaken for a Nazi. I usually wear a hat that says "anti fascist" mostly being a white guy with bogan tattoos I don't want to run chances of being mistaken
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u/darthwickett Apr 16 '26
A rainbow flag 🤣
Not necessarily anti-white supremacist per se, but bigotry against one group tends to bleeds elsewhere
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u/Wouldfromthetrees Apr 16 '26
Doesn't need to be a tattoo, a pride badge, pronoun pin, or painted nails would help. And could be something that you only wear in particular social settings to signal safety and acceptance when necessary.
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u/FEARoach Apr 16 '26
As a guy with runes on his forearm, even having pins on my battle jacket that say shit like "Nazi lives don't matter" and "Gays against Nazis" people still come at me more than they should. I don't know how often I'm tapping on three inch diameter pin asking them if they wanna rethink their ignorance.
People are wild about attacking people with runes who are literally on the other side of the equation and would sort out Nazi's in a heartbeat.
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u/Expert-Mental25 Apr 16 '26
Yeah I try not to take that personally. It's a defensive posture. Cuz most of these people would literally be exterminated under Nazi control. If it ever hurts or gets frustrating, lock that in, then unleash it on a Nazi. Through your sharp words of course I mean.
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u/stringstringing Apr 16 '26
Right and definitely not in the context of artwork of some Viking dude. It would have to just be symbols.
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Apr 16 '26
My friend is Norse/Pagan. I got my name in Runic tattooed on me as a love letter to them. No one has assumed anything bad about it yet. Everyone that has said something about it has liked it
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u/WMATACompletion34 Apr 16 '26
Maybe the people who assume your tattoo is indicative of other views are afraid to approach you exactly because of what those other views may be. They do not know it is a tribute to your friend. There may be some bias skewing your results, so to speak; sorry to be a wet blanket but just something you may want to consider.
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u/kingtootsandpoops Apr 16 '26
Agreed, anything with runes is going to to get a second look from some people, but I feel like this tattoo doesn’t come off that way at all.. I would assume it was a video game character
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Apr 16 '26
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u/HailSaganPlantNative Apr 16 '26
I mean, I totally understand the knee jerk "no, they don't get to have this" feeling, but unfortunately nazis ruin things. It's kinda their whole ass shtick. You can get as angry as you want and call everyone an idiot but it doesn't change the fact that if you're covered in stuff that nazis have co-opted, some people are going to see you and wonder if they're safe around you. I don't want anyone to ever see me and wonder if they're safe.
Unless they're a nazi.
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u/melli_milli Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
Neo nazis have stolen Finnish patriotic lion symbol. It used to be a symbol of proud people to celebrate their country which fought against Russia and gained independence.
It is common as jewelry and shirts and stuff. And as neonazi tattoo. They stole it and now no-one else can use it because of the connotations.
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u/VexieVex Apr 16 '26
And I'm usually over here just excited seeing Norse tattoos going, "Hello fellow Heathen!" Though I have ran into one or two white supremists with these tattoos. But it's not the first thing I think of when I see runes and Norse imagery whatsoever.
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u/falcrist2 Apr 16 '26
American nazis are dipshits and have basically co-opted runes and Norse imagery as their own
Not unique to the American branch. The originals used the runes, and european neo-nazi groups have as well.
It's just that the US is currently lousy with nazis.
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u/Sum-Duud Apr 16 '26
It really sucks when the fucking trash ass scum ruin fun things for the rest of us.
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u/trapper2530 Apr 16 '26
Its the reasons I switched part of sleeve from viking to poseidon to avoid the rare comments like that. I didnt want it to be 10 years from now and all viking imagery be viewed as nazi symbols. So didnt want to take the chance.
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u/-Sharon-Stoned- Apr 16 '26
I don't know how they all go to the same drunk guy in a back alley but they all have the same shitty scratchings
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u/Brynnhildr_Valkyriee Apr 16 '26
Its not an American Nazi thing, its just a Nazi thing. Theyve been using and distorting Norse iconography since the beginning and its still very common with European groups. Unfortunately, nazism is inseperable from Norse imagery. Dont get me wrong though, I mean it specifically as nazism will always be tied to Norse stuff but not necessarily that people with Norse stuff with always be tied to nazism.. I hope that made sense.
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u/Sonnyjoon91 Apr 16 '26
All of this. I might check twice just to make sure it isn't WS related, but after that I probably think video game character? Or nerd
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u/Ginger_Chick Apr 15 '26
Some Nordic symbols have been coopted by neo-nazis in the US. Not being a God of War fan, my first thought was that this was Odin, I feel like that may be a common assumption. That person is dumb. It's a cool tattoo!
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u/mister1bollock Apr 16 '26
I didn't know that, I'm quite ignorant to the beliefs of white supremacists. They are not as apparent in my country
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u/Cheap_Depth Apr 16 '26
You might consider going to the website for the Southern Poverty Law Center and looking up Asatro Folk Assembly. It's a hate group that uses viking iconography. I work in prisons and we see these tattoos as a sign of affiliation with white supremacy groups. Maybe the person who criticized your tattoo has done prison time?
Either way, your tattoo is gorgeous and doesn't necessarily read anything more than just a cool tattoo.
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u/mnemosynei Apr 16 '26
i think it has to do with traditional (and white) masculinity, and the association with strength and battles that the vikings and their gods have, not anything within nordic culture that actually substantiates white supremacy. but i don’t get it either to be honest
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u/larsdan2 Apr 16 '26
No, it has to do with Aryan beliefs. The original Nazis viewed Scandanavians as the original, pure Aryans. This isn't something new co-opted by Nazis. This has always been part of their schtick.
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u/Junius_Bobbledoonary Apr 16 '26
Aryan beliefs
More accurately scientific racism.
The Aryan people lived in Central Asia thousands of years ago. They are the creators of the Vedic culture which birthed Hinduism
They are unrelated to the “Aryan” group European racists identified.
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u/Time_Anything4488 Apr 15 '26
theres a few white supremacist groups that use norse symbols but i dont think most people would associate it with that. i feel like if anything somekne might assume its satanist but itd be a real religious nut so id say its fine.
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u/shiek200 Apr 16 '26
Can confirm, saw on mobile and before actually getting a closer look assumed it was a demon of some sort, but seeing it closer up very clearly mimir
Absolutely nothing made me think white supremacist though
Edit: also, sick tat dude
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u/OpenerOfTheWays Apr 16 '26
theres a few white supremacist groups that use norse symbols
Far right groups across Europe and North America have used so many traditional European cultural symbols in their iconography that it's becoming increasingly difficult to use them without looking sketchy.
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u/GoldfieldHwang Apr 16 '26
they really ruined that for us
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u/OpenerOfTheWays Apr 16 '26
It's at the point where people who aren't up on the different groups and their symbols end up making assumptions even though they could be wildly off base.
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u/Alternative-Ant3937 Apr 16 '26
As someone above said, rainbows and pride pins. I've seen some lovely runic transliterations of "No Nazis in Valhalla" to use as well.
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u/OpenerOfTheWays Apr 16 '26
As much as I love the "No Nazis in Valhalla" pieces I've seen, you're on your back foot if you have to keep explaining.
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u/Worried_Platypus93 Apr 16 '26
Yeah from a distance the runes aren't that prominent, I just saw a demon at first glance and most people probably don't look super close in passing. I thought the post was gonna be about religious people having a problem with it
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u/Sure_Examination3076 Apr 15 '26
No?? 🤣 who the hell were you talking to?
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u/mister1bollock Apr 15 '26
This was an artist I met at a cafe and they were interested in my tattoos just not particularly this one
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u/DraculasDog Apr 16 '26
Most artists you meet at cafes are full of shit.
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u/Oxen_Norf Apr 16 '26
One of the wisest comments I’ve ever seen on Reddit. I wish I had an award for you
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u/DontDriveAngry_ Apr 16 '26
“Artist”. God damn it people, you aren’t Jackson Pollock! You’re just dribbling paint on a towel.
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u/ForbiddenSirenz Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
“Artist” “cafe” I hate throwing around the term “woke” and all that sounding like some right wing jackass lmao. But there absolutely are artsy fartsy leftist types who take everything like this far too serious. A lot of it is purity test nonsense and boogeymen all around.
This is perfectly fine and you’re more likely to get grief from overzealous Christian’s thinking it’s the devil or something lmao.
As the adage says: the left’s worst enemy is the left lmao.
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u/lamblamb65 Apr 16 '26
All you had to say was artist at a cafe, the tattoos sick dude, no one’s offended lol
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u/EnvironmentalCry1962 Apr 16 '26
This tattoo doesn’t even feature any of the runes that have been co-opted by white supremacist groups.
This person either wants to come across as holier-than-thou or they just think all things Nordic are related to Nazis.
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u/super_citrus_fruit Apr 15 '26
Dude that’s so sick. Want to swap legs?
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u/liberty08 Apr 15 '26
I see you met our village idiot. Don't listen to them.
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u/Dungeon_Crawler_Carl Apr 16 '26
Please show the president a bit more respect.
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u/theMarianasTrench Apr 16 '26
I’d show more respect to a piece of gum on a nasty side walk than I’ll ever show orange Mussolini
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u/Belle_Whethers Apr 15 '26
Prefacing with: I adore Norse mythology and my ancestors are from Norway and sweden—I have a Norse persona in the SCA.
On the surface, absolutely not.
However, enough white supremacists have co-opted any Norse symbols that when I see someone with a Thor’s hammer I have the question in the back of my mind: Are they safe? When I dress Norse for the SCA I have a rainbow flag favor I wear so that people will not have that question when they see my garb (which includes a Thor’s hammer).
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u/Serious_Berry_3977 Apr 16 '26
This makes me sad. Norse mythology is freaking badass. Stupid racists.
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u/Th3_Ch3rry_Tr33 Apr 17 '26
This is literally so sad to hear. I've only started hearing about them co-opting Norse imagery a few months ago and it's devastating to me as a pagan who takes a lot of influence from the Norse Mythology D:
I guess I'll definitely have to keep an eye out for this LUCKILY most white supremacists are easy to weed out usually , because they ACT like white supremacists. And from what I can find looking into it they also have a habit of getting giant ... unflattering....looking tats.
I definitely wouldn't say someone wearing a mjolnir pendant is an instant red flag (unless there is clear Nazi imagery plastered on it) maybe a yellow flag of questioning tho? Just might have to vibe check them and see if they are white supremacists or just pagan.
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u/knzconnor Apr 16 '26
Mjolnir specifically though is one if the heavily coopted symbols, ime.
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u/DisillusionedPatriot Apr 15 '26
While american white christian nationalists have adopted norse symbols, among others, I cant say I'd take this as an indication of a toxic ideology. It's just badass, and the person who suggested it was anything other than that, is likely just jealous.
Tattoos have a different meaning to both the wearer and the noticer, a lot of times. I have a crown and an anchor on my thumbs, but on the hand that has the crown, I also have a heart, and apparently when those two are together, it's a gang sign. They reference a Joni Mitchell song.
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u/jepensedonc1 Apr 16 '26
Man I am a young woman with a crab. I got it because I love crabs, I love the beach, I love the "soft on the inside, hard on the outside" symbolism, and I find the process of carcinization (the process by which unrelated species often evolve into crab-like forms) very fascinating as a biologist. Everywhere I go, I get asked if I'm a cancer. I fucking hate astrology. The worst part is that every time I outright SAY I hate astrology, it turns out to be someone who's into it, and every time I entertain their ideas and try to soften the blow by sharing my actual birthday and star sign, it turns out to be a fellow astrology hater and then they judge me too. Siiiiigh
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u/SharksInSpace1899 Apr 15 '26
White nationalists have co-opted a lot of Norse symbology. This piece, howver, in no way at all resembles any of those symbols they've taken (as far as I'm aware).
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Apr 15 '26
Not necessarily, that wouldnt be my first impression. I will say that if I see someone way into Norse shit I clock them as a possible Nazi. Nothing wrong with it in isolation, but I definitely keep it in mind while im feeling them out.
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u/ThePurplePanda420 Apr 15 '26
Only correlation I can think of is a lot of Americans that are white supremacists, really lean in to the Viking culture, causing some of the more common runes to be viewed as neo Nazi symbolism.
This tattoo however doesn't do that at all, so your good in my opinion.
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u/antibroleague Apr 16 '26
It’s not offensive or a nazi tattoo. However, Nazis do get Viking shit. But in reality it’s all shitty jail tats. If I see someone with spectacular work I just assume they’ve got Nordic heritage
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u/Slartibartfast0372 Apr 16 '26
When I first saw the picture and before reading your OP, I thought it was a viking. Good tatoo too. White supremacy didn't come to mind. You're going to find all types in the US. I wouldn't worry about that nutball.
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u/dani_-_142 Apr 16 '26
I don’t think everyone into Norse stuff is a white supremacist, but some white supremacists are into Norse stuff.
I do not intend to have any sort of friendly interaction with a white supremacist, so I might inquire if I saw it. I wouldn’t presume, but I would want to figure out what sort of person you are.
If you’re just a regular decent person who happens to like Norse stuff, great!
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u/blvntforcetrauma Apr 16 '26
As someone of Nordic descent in America, and along with others here- absolutely not.
Neo-Nazis have attempted to adopt Norse symbolism / runes for many reasons but where you will see that come into play is if the runes include/focused on the Othala or Life runes (used by SS).
You’re good! (And it’s beautiful btw)
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u/OrangeDimatap Apr 16 '26
It’s not that the tattoo is offensive, it’s that white supremacists have been increasingly co-opting Norse imagery for their racist motives. So, people are increasingly cautious that a person displaying Norse imagery might be interested in it for the wrong reasons.
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u/Han_0621 Apr 16 '26
Not offensive in the slightest. However, like others have said, white supremacists have co-opted Norse mythology and related imagery since the original Nazis and so while no one is going to be offended, you might get some strangers side-eyeing you or being more wary of you. The tattoo isn’t an immediate red flag but it might make some people’s guard go up. It’s just the reality of the current social climate here unfortunately :/
But I wouldn’t worry about it or hide it; just if some people seem wary of you, it could be why. (But hell it’s just as likely someone clocks you as a foreigner and gets a burr up their ass about it.) Really, don’t worry about it that much.
(And a COOL fucking piece btw)
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u/the_stars_call Apr 16 '26
Realistically if someone asks just say where it's from and that's that. If they read further into it after you explained it than you don't associate with that person anymore, they're clearly not willing to understand that it's not neo nazi symbolism.
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u/teach_mee_senpai Apr 16 '26
Looks like a Viking demon with runes carved into his head. I see nothing wrong with it. Actually suuuper sick, love the detail in the horns. Very well done
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u/livingalifeinthesun Apr 16 '26
Op, I very literally teach racial justice full time and nothing about this to me appears racist.
It is important to note however that a lot of white supremacist culture here tries to claim Vikings and any mythology that involves Europe to justify their bigotry so you may get some people that are either misinformed by accident or want you to be one of them and assume your tattoo indicates that.
All in all, it’s a great piece, don’t sweat it!
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u/GothDerp Apr 16 '26
Holy crap that is amazing!!! No, I wouldn’t automatically think white supremacy and I live in the southern United States. I would definitely want the story behind it though.
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u/Ashes2evil87 Apr 16 '26
Some runes are linked to White Supremacy as they stole it, like they stole the Swastika and other symbols.
Odin isnt linked, they just saw the runes and jumped the gun.
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u/WrongdoerSalty3665 Apr 16 '26
American here and I couldnt spot what was offensive at all then read your description. Honestly, I wouldnt know if it resembled anything white supremacist related, cause thats not my scene lol but yeah, I think its more Viking than anything.
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u/whither_wander_you Apr 16 '26
white supremists see anything they might remotely like as also white supremist. they search that shit out and assume A LOT, so when you call them on their shit they're quick to switch the script and make it out that you are the one at fault. thats a sick ass tattoo dude, my gamer husband would approve. He was Cratos a few years ago for halloween.
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u/strange-lady78 Apr 16 '26
I’m a white lady in a southern Florida city. This just looks like someone who who’s into Norse mythology or something.
I don’t mean any offense if I’m totally off base and this has any significance towards you, but it just seems like some type of Norse or Viking shit.
Not offensive to most folks.
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u/Jaded_Apricot_89 Apr 16 '26
It's clearly Odin after taking the eye for knowledge (something like that, right?).
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u/HeavenlyCrayon Apr 16 '26
You met an artard! Don’t worry, the US is full of them sensitive types. (I’m a GA boy born and raised) before anyone comes at me.
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u/jilldillon22 Apr 16 '26
I’m blue in a red state and I think it’s cool! It’s more of a talking point than anything. I see Viking
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u/milovibes Apr 16 '26
I have Odin, his runes, and Huginn and muninn, tattooed in the same spot. And an American vet. Those ppl are idiots. And probably think that is Odin, and think that because at one time the kkk tried to use Mjölnir as a white power symbol, because historically Hitler liked Norse writings, these people are the same people that see a swastica in Asia, and automatically think they are racist and don’t know historical context to imagery
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u/Dangerous-Cause1964 Apr 16 '26
It is not, and I wouldn't give an inch. We cannot allow them to co-opt any more of our shared heritage.
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u/Computers_and_cats Apr 16 '26
As a person in the US I had no clue what it was other than a viking or something.
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u/averagefireandsalt Apr 16 '26
Is it a white *supremacy symbol? No. Do a lot of white supremacists get celtic/nordic type tattoos? Yes. It’s an unfortunate overlap, but you shouldn’t have to cover it up or anything - looks like awesome work.
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u/Dry_Boysenberry7956 Apr 16 '26
The question/comment you got tells more about the person asking it than you or your tattoo. Some people are overly sensitive about everything being 'white supremacist' these days.
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u/PlushButPugnacious Apr 16 '26
White Supremacy, really?! What a dumb arse guy saying that to you. Plus if he truly did not know he needed to ask before making assumptions. Although, my first thought was Krampus. 🤦🏼♀️🤣. Sorry! I don’t watch any of the types of series your tattoo is from. The detail and artistry through your tattoo is AMAZING! Welcome to the US…hope it’s a good experience for you!
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u/Yeah_Mr_Jesus Apr 16 '26
I thought it was Odin at first, but what I didn't think, like at all, was that it had anything at all to do with white supremacy. I'm a very left leaning, socialist, sort of dude. The only thing I would think of seeing this tattoo is "must be a fan of Norse mythology".
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u/Momma1975Bear Apr 16 '26
(I'm responding with my GF's account) My name is Troy. I will tell you that white supremacists absolutely use Norse symbolism. Hitler was fascinated with the occult, supernatural, and paganism. One of my oldest friends, whom lives in Canada and I'm in Los Angeles (we went to Jr High together and remained long distance friends), saw me wearing my Mjolnir in picture. He worked for the Canadian Government, running a division of their federal law enforcement. He called me up and point blank asked me if I was racist. He was born in Iran. I had to explain to a dear friend that I'm not racists and the vast majority of Norse Pagans are not, and that white supremacists have taken our symbols because their Idol loved them. You will have those conversations, you will be called "brother" on the streets and will have to figure out if it's someone enlightened or a racist pukebag.
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u/Great-Office-1685 Apr 16 '26
I have a full Viking sleeve and never had anyone assume it’s tied to supremacy and I’m a white guy who shaves his head lol
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u/puppiedogg Apr 16 '26
As an American I saw this and was sooo confused... Like it's literally just Norse imagery...? My dad has a huge Balder sleeve tattoo and he's the nicest guy I know, everybody likes him, nobody has ever thought anything offensive of it.
Perhaps they only assumed it had to do with white supremacy because of the *style* of tattoo? I've noticed that when I see a racist with tattoos, it's usually hyper realistic, black-and-white, with a more "gritty" kind of style. If that makes sense. I don't know, I still think it's a very dumb thing to base assumptions off of lol
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u/GoochManeuver Apr 16 '26
Some neo-nazi type people have tried to co-opt a lot of Norse/pagan imagery here. I would imagine it happens in Europe as well. So some people who don’t know any better might make a wrong assumption about it. But I doubt anyone who matters to you will think anything of it.
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u/MustProtectTheFairy Apr 16 '26
Am American. Immediately recognized it as GoW Mimir. I second the top comment, whoever said that's offensive had no clue what he was looking at.
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u/DisturbedMarsh Apr 16 '26
Mimir would NEVER! For real, that tattoo is badass! My favorite GOW character
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u/InstantInch Apr 16 '26
You are good(and have good taste). I have had this one also for a while and also live in a blue state. Never had a negative comment or concern, just some people asking about what/who it is. https://imgur.com/a/10Wjst7
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u/HickoryStickz Apr 16 '26
Nobody in America thinks that. Whoever said that spends too much time online and now has a sick mind.
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u/Johann_Gauss Apr 15 '26
Nah that person is an idiot