At A Glance
Author	anonymous
When	N/A

Body Piercing

The subject of body piercing is a much-heated debate. Conservative parents view it as threat, while younger generations use body modifications to express themselves. This controversy is inevitable. But a problem occurs when body piercings become the basis for discrimination. A man with a small stud in his chin will find it harder to gain employment then an un-pierced man. Likewise, a woman who receives a piercing can be subject to immediate dismissal from work or school. This is clearly a violation of every Americans' right to free speech; which is why I feel that body modifications, including piercings, should be viewed as a legitimate form of self expression and should not be a source of discrimination.

The most common reasons for the disapproval of body modifications (mods) are safety concerns, appearance, and the commonly associated social deviance. However, those are also the most common misconceptions of body piercing. The safety aspect, for example, is frequently over exaggerated. Piercings are most often related to infections. Sharon Upton, owner of a San Antonio tattoo and body piercing studio confirms, "Most infections are usually caused by the person being pierced, not by the piercer" (Cantalano). Worries over the transmission of disease have been highly disregarded by professionals due to new advances in sterilization techniques. In fact, from 1985-1997 there were no known cases of HIV/AIDS transmission from tattooing or body piercing. And though possible, the transmission of hepatitis by this method was unlikely (Cantalano). Another risk of piercings is keloids, or scar formations. They are purely cosmetic and removable with simple surgery. Of course, there is a reasonable amount of risk involved in every activity. You could fear the dangers of piercings; you could also worry about the hazards of lightning or being eaten by wolves, all of which have happened but are highly implausible. This information leads to the conclusion that an investment in a clean and reputable studio will nearly guarantee a safe piercing experience.

Secondly, every American is guaranteed the first amendment right to free speech, whether or not society agrees with the message they try to convey (Liotard). Body piercings are used to express a feeling or evoke an emotion. Ask Beth columnist explains the other possible reasons for a mod:

For some it's for attention or to make a political statement. For others it's like a sacred ritual. Many are searching for meaning and trying to find something that is true and worthwhile... it helps give you identity like a tribal initiation does. It represents being older and being able to do what you want with your body. Some do it for the thrill or to feel good about their body. And some do it because they are hurting. ("Meaning")

Tattoos, in moderation, and plastic surgery have been acceptable forms of body modification for decades. Piercings can be the same, an easy way to change your physical appearance. "People have cosmetically expressed themselves throughout history. Body adornment is a way to assert yourself" ("Meaning"). Also, with the changing of the times, body modifications have become an art form. The stiffening of this artistic expression would be a blatant violation of our right to free speech. Professor at Lawrence University, Judith Sarnecki, "Sees nothing alarming about what she calls the current 'cultural turn about', as long-standing myths and stereotypes of tattooed people are being shattered" (Cantalano).

The shift of society towards conformist the styles of mainstream America brings about the need for people to resist the system to preserve our freedom of individuality. This philosophy is taught to every kindergartner in the form of: how much fun would the world be if everyone looked the same? Philippe Liotard explains, "...This avant-garde [piercing] is holding up the body as one of the last bastions where individual freedom can be expressed" (Liotard).

Though it is highly individualized, piercings are also a current fashion trend. A small tattoo was once considered taboo. More recently an earring on a man would draw criticism and controversy. But just as those arguments have subdued so too will the debate over uncommon piercings. Currently, body piercings have drifted from the punk rock and homosexual scenes to pup culture. In fact, half of surveyed college students say they have "non-traditional" piercings (O'Neil). And many 'upper-class' people are accepting body piercings in the form of navel or eyebrow rings, especially in economically prosperous countries including Great Britain and the U.S.

There are numerous emotional benefits to body piercing, centralizing around a better self-image. Studies also show an increase in modifications for middle-aged America. "As baby boomers realize they are becoming their conservative parents, body piercing helps them to recapture their youthful days of radical rebellion during the late 60s and 70s" (Robinson). Often associated with Native American and tribal beliefs, piercings are regularly used in religious practices to strength one's connection with a god (Liotard). Also practiced are suspensions and scarification. These people feel that they gain something, perhaps insight, through the pain that comes from piercings.

Nearly every form of piercing can be traced back to a cultural heritage. Nose rings, for example, are one of the oldest forms of body modification. They were first found in the Middle East 4,000 years ago. It was, and still is, a sign of social standing associated with the royalty ("All"). Most piercings originated as symbols of wealth or courage. And while less frequent in the United States, this is still practiced universally. An American's willingness to have a cultural modification shows the acceptance of other cultures and helps to teach tolerance (Robinson). Philippe Liotard describes piercings as, "A way to educate people by preserving the memory of extinct cultures and passing on their beauty" (Liotard).

This is why discrimination based on a body modification is not only morally wrong, but also illegal. An American has the right to express their own cultural heritage, even if that heritage included modifications. The practicing of your religion is greatly protected in the work place as well. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states, "Employers cannot... maintain a restrictive dress code" in regards to religious expression ("Equal"). "Whether or not the employer believes there is a religious basis" for the employees piercing. Meaning, the employer is not in a position to decide the initial purpose of the mod nor are they able to discriminate based on it.

Many employers still chose eliminate prospective and current workers based on piercings. "In a recent survey by Valut.com... more then half the managers surveyed regarding body modifications said they would be less likely to hire someone with visible tattoos or body piercings" (Mallory). A select few innovative businesses have, however, begun to see the change in times. Charisa Matheson, of Habanero's Human Resources Administration says their company believes in, "A culture of fun. We are looking for people who like to express themselves" (Hudson). As a website developing company, Habanero encourages individualism mainly due to the artistic nature of their work. But more traditional companies such as Martz Inc. and the YMCA have also adopted a relaxed view on piercings because they believe that is the direction the future will take.

The benefits to body piercings are endless. Whether the purpose of the piercing was for personal satisfaction and an adrenalin rush or if it was to show an appreciation and respect for other cultures, it still provides many advantages. Another sellable feature of piercings is their temporary nature. They can be removed at any time with little or no scaring. Leaving the client the opportunity to change their mind later in life. Employers and managers should adopt a more contemporary viewpoint on the matter and support the decisions of their workers. The Constitution demands that the freedom of speech shall not be infringed. And I believe that unless a modification is excessively vulgar or offensive that it should be permitted in the work field and should not be a factor in hiring.

Works Cited

All Body Piercing. 22 April 2002. All-Body Piercing. 22 April 2002. <http://www.all-body-piercing.com/2.html>.

Cantalano, Julie. "When The Body Is the Canvas, Safety Counts." APB News. 29 April 2002. <http://www.apbnews.com/safetycenter/campus/2000/03/17/tattoos0317_01>.

"Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" 15 Jan 1997. 7 May 2002. <http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-relig.html>.

Hudson, Repps. "Body Art in The Business World Tattoos, Piercings, and Wild Hair Colors Are More Accepted and in Some Cases Welcomed by Business Managers and HR Managers." St. Louis Post-Dispatch 11 June 2001. 24 April 2002. <http://www.proquest.umi.com>.

Liotard, Philippe. "The Body Jigsaw." Unesco Courier July 2001. 20 April 2002. <http://www.web7.infotrac.galegroup.com>.

Mallory, Maria. "Make Style Work: Got Tattoos or Body Piercings? Don't Count on Getting the Job." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 24 June 2001. 24 April 2002. <http://ww.proquest.umi.com>.

"The Meaning behind Tattoos and Hair Dye." The Boston Globe. 5 April 2001. 1 May 2002. <http://www.proquest.umi.com>.

O'Neil, John. "Piercing Popularity, beyond the Ears." The New York Times 22 Jan 2002. Late Ed. 24 April 2002. <http://www.proquest.umi.com>.

Robinson, Karen R. Homepage. University of Virginia/ English Department/Nameless Museum: Body Piercing. 22 April 2002. <http://www.engl.virginia.edu/~enwr1013/karen/kerr3p2.html>.