In some cultures, newborn girls get their ears pierced shortly after entering the world and in other cultures, body piercings of any kind are forbidden. A puncture in the skin (piercing) has been around for over 4,000 years, dating back to the Biblical period. The nose piercing was first recorded during that time in the Middle East and a golden earring was given to Rebecca as a gift. Several cultures follow traditions upon marriage, which denote wealth and in India for example, the nose stud is supposed to lessen childbirth suffering for the woman.
The most popular body parts for piercings seem to be the ears, belly button, and nose, however you can find people with just about any part of their body punctured these days. What is the fascination with piercings though? Do individuals actually like to punish themselves, suffering the pain and possible infection associated with piercings? I don’t know exactly what the motivation is, but I suppose people have various reasons for obtaining body piercings. Personally, I consider myself to be a conservative person, yet I have several ear piercings and 2 tattoos. My desire for these modifications simply progressed slowly throughout my life from age five when I got my ears pierced for the first time.
I believe like with any other form of body modification or anything in life for that matter, there are extremes to which people take things and I have found the following blog to be interesting:
http://andrewlanderyou.blogspot.com/2006/10/tragic-body-piercing-big-mistake.html
I think we all can agree that the image found on the front page of the blog is chilling; Sure some people will find innumerable piercings (not to mention atop a fully tattooed face) appealing while others will find it absolutely horrific! Where does conscience come into play here? That’s what I can’t figure out. Do people who totally transfigure their bodies have any concern about the response of those at their workplace or perhaps there isn’t such an issue? I view it as the desire to be different, to stand alone, and truly wear the message: “I don’t care if you don’t like it! Screw You!” Maybe I am just cynical…
Posted by: Jackie
5 responses so far ↓
bodymod313 // November 16, 2008 at 7:14 pm |
I don’t think anyone need be concerned what others think of their appearance. In fact, I think the desire to make yourself “attractive” to others in whatever culture you are a part of is much more destructive. Someone with a beautiful, unique face might get a nose job, for example, to look more conventional, and maybe lose some of their individuality in the process. On the other hand if you want to do something for yourself, truly for yourself because you will love it and not because someone else will, then why not?
-Amber
Steven Stanton // November 18, 2008 at 7:49 pm |
Humans separated themselves for other creatures in that they have the ability to abstractly interpret objects and such. They can recognize the beauty in something like a sunset, a vast, open sea, the beauty of ones face and all alike.
Humans, for as long as history can recall, love to decorate themselves with items in which they perceive to be beautiful, as an expression of who they are. Piercings, tattoos and the like are NO exception, and are also NOT a new thing.
This is something we as a species have been doing and will continue doing until our demise. It is very special, an unique to us only.
Whether it is culturally influenced or psychological, piercings and the like can indeed be beautiful, whether it be in the eyes of other or the eye of the beholder.
Joyce // November 23, 2008 at 7:32 pm |
That’s true. It has been around for thousands of years. So why was it taboo for a while in the US? It makes me kind of wonder about our culture. About UK and the US…. maybe there’s something wrong with us.
Steve Stanton // December 1, 2008 at 5:22 pm |
The problem with “body mod” and tattoos in America today is that it has had the misfortune of being associated with gangs and crime. Especially in the 80s and 90s, gangs cover their bodies in tattoos displaying messages of hate, gang signs, and affiliations. It is definitely taking a new turn, since it has more recently become popular amongst youth culture as a form of personal expression. It is slowly gaining ground each passsing year, so much so, that it isn’t that uncommon anymore to see a young couple with children to be tattooed up or having piercings.
Perhaps in the next generations it shall be much more acceptable to decorate ones body…
Arlin Vartanian // December 15, 2008 at 4:53 pm |
Body modification is no new practice and is even a part of many cultural traditions and practices. In western society today, all is possible and probable if you have the imagination and will to do it. Many people modify their bodies in order to create a sense of satisfaction within themselves, others might do it for acceptance or identity. However, there are many people in the world who do it to uphold tradition within their culture or society. Some people may even do it for spiritual and religious practice. But something that I’d like to consider is that cosmetic surgery in itself is modification as well and in some instances not as much of a shock compared to other forms of modifications. Why is that?