In the book, everyone is forced to get the barcode tattoo. It has all your information stored on it. and its suppose to make your life easier. It ends up destroying people's lives. It's not a preference, but a law, and those who rise above it are rejected and shunned. I chose this as the symbolism, because in this book, everyone is all about getting the tattoo, and not even knowing the dangers of it. Just with knowing that everyone is forced to have a barcode tattoo on their arm or wrist, can tell you what the story may be about.