The Bar Code Tattoo

The Bar Code Tattoo explores the emotional impact that technological and digital advancements can have on society, for while they are immersed in mainstream society, many of the characters experience increased apathy, desensitized emotions, and a selfish disregard for the suffering of others. The increased influence of technology also impacts teen slang, resulting in commonly used phrases such as “banged” or “banged out” to mean that someone is out of luck, or is in poor condition. This inherently violent phrasing is meant to raise negative connotations of gun violence.

The lack of empathy transcends the world of teenagers to infect bureaucracies and education alike, and this dynamic is implied when Kayla’s guidance counselor, Mr. Kerr, informs Kayla that she will never receive an art scholarship or get into college at all due to her lackluster computer skills. As the narrative states, he “shook his head, full of sympathy manufactured for the moment” (3). Because Mr. Kerr fully bought into the conveniences of modern technology and even has a bar code, it is clear that he has also subscribed to the notion that computer skills hold more inherent value than other subjects.