A few days ago I was talking to someone about various body modifications. They couldn't quite grasp why people would change their appearance, whether permanently or temporarily, other than to be noticed, or for attention. As I attempted to explain, he made a request. The request was specifically to write my next article explaining why we pierced and tattooed members of society "do the things we do." Why do we get piercings? Why do we dye our hair, or cut it in unusual ways? Why do we want tattoos? Why do we want to get all sorts of body or hair modifications to change our body from its 'natural state'? Here's my perspective — from the eyes of someone who's changed their hair-style endless times, and has several piercings plus a tattoo.
When I picture myself with a new piercing or tattoo, I don't dwell much upon what others will think of me. I don't consider whether their opinions of me will be altered. I would go through with a piercing or tattoo because of how it will make me feel. I can't quite explain why, but when I got my second hole pierced, or my cartilage, or my midway, I felt much more self-confident while I got used to having them. Getting various piercings is just one way that helps us express ourselves. Obviously, there are endless ways... most temporary, but some permanent.
Having my own specialized set of ear piercings distinguishes me from others. I know that I am not the average Joe (or, Josephine?). Why should I look like one? It would pain me to have that common college girl, or teenage girl look. I feel the need to express who I am on the inside through the outside. Think of it this way: why do you wear the clothes you do? Why do you paint your nails, or wear that pair of Mickey Mouse earrings, or that hockey jersey? Is it so that people notice you and take an interest in your choice of expression? Or, is it to make you happy and to reflect what makes you... you?
One of the main concerns people have with body/hair modifications is what professors, employers, and other various people (who have the power to change the course of our lives) we encounter may think. The truth is, as we progress as a society, hair color, tattoos, and piercings, are becoming more and more accepted in the workplace and in the classroom. The incoming generations are more open-minded than ever before, so naturally, they are realizing that these body modifications simply do not define a person. Some of the nicest, most open-minded and well-rounded people I know have tattoos, or piercings other than their ear lobes, or an unnatural hair color. My friends are the same people that they were before, if not even better — because now they are expressing themselves in the way they choose to. Personally, I know that if I were to get my nose pierced as I've wanted to for years, I would still be the same 'me' that I am right now. I felt more comfortable in my own body after I got my cartilage pierced, after I shaved the side of my head, after I chopped all of my hair off one time, etc. Feeling more comfortable in your body improves your outlook, your energy, your ambition, and even your work ethic. More and more employers are coming to this realization as we advance in America. Don't believe it? Google it. CBS News among other reputable online sources have informative articles with factual statistics. The acceptance of these body modifications is on a positive incline.
Think of a time you got a pair of shoes you really wanted, or found a new lipstick shade that suits you, or bought a new pair of pants that make you just feel so... you. Didn't you find yourself in a better mood, or looking forward to the day — simply because you feel that you look great? That is a form of self-expression. Dressing yourself every morning is self-expression. Getting highlights in your hair is self-expression. Just like those more common ways, piercings, tattoos, etc. are among the other ways.
If ever need be, piercings can be taken out and hair will grow out again. Tattoos are at the discretion of the tattooed. I do agree that thought should be put into the art and placement of tattoos — for the obvious reason that is regret. However, if you are sure you want something done, in that specific place, do it. Be you, express yourself, your values, your interests. Go for it. I believe that is the case with anything mentioned above. If it will make you happy and make you feel more comfortable in your body, you do that thing. Society is only moving forward in acceptance.
