At A Glance
Author	kelly
Contact	[email protected]
IAM	Goblin
When	N/A

I read a lot of rants about people being persecuted for their modifications.
I understand where you are coming from. I'm visibly modified and I get my share of reaction as well. I sympathize. But in all honesty, I'm rarely shocked.

I think that perhaps the modified community has become somewhat jaded, in the idea that nothing is really "extreme". Not that this is necessarily bad, or true for everyone. But think of the average man, Joe Schmoe, walking down the street in his jeans and button down shirt, on his way to pick up some groceries. Or little old Ms. Schmoe, in her favorite embroidered-cardinal sweater, out to get her perscription (these obvious stereotypes are deliberate). It's not too likely that they surf BME, Joe reading subincision-experiences in preperation for is latest mod, and Ms. Schmoe fretting over which to pierce first, her septum or perhaps her bridge.

I'm not saying that this is the mentality of everyone who isn't modified. Not at all. I'm just saying that the majority of people have not been exposed to this sort of thing, and if they are, it's usually in a public situation where the thoughts and opinions of others are biasing there initial reaction. Take into account this persons past, as well. Perhaps they had a bad experience ("I saw this one guy, one time with lotsa piercings and tattoos. He was actin' normal...but he was up to somethin'. I could see it in his eyes. Gave me the willies."). It's quite possible that is has been drilled into their skull that modifications are evil, and thus associated with deviant behaviour.

>From a young age, we almost never see modified people portrayed as beautiful and unique. While I was growing up, the only time I saw piercings other than maybe a nostril, or ears, was on talk shows with the ever-so-catchy title "From Freak to Chic". (I credit my "rebellion" to Sally Jessie Raphael, thank you.) This is where people (mostly teenagers) would come out, and get picked apart by parents, audience members, and the all-mighty Sally, with the end result of being made-over into a more pleasing image. The audience claps when they come out, and so the guest puts on a smile and says "Yes. I love it. I'm very happy." Sometimes, true, sometimes not.

But people accept it. This is comforting. Feel-good TV. Fun for the family. Everyone is happy now.
Not everyone buys it, but for a lot of people, this is what they are presented with, and this is part of how judgements are made. It's just how society works, sometimes. Sad but true.

Look at the most-heard/reviled phrase for most of us, "Did that hurt?". It's an honest, and very understandable question. It certainly looks as though it hurts. When you think of needles, or scalpels, or pretty much anything, entering the skin...you think of pain. Thus coming to the conclusion "Hmm...lots of piercings. They like pain. They want to corrupt my children. I must destroy them with my keen witt. I will call them 'freak', and that will learn them." Maybe not in such simple terms.

It's true that we don't deserve the stares, comments, etc. But it's just ignorant not to expect it. I'm sure at somepoint in life, you, too, were shocked by the way someone looked (positively or negatively). Keep in mind, also, that peoples' opinions, no matter how much you disagree, are just as valid as your own. Although they may opt for the less courtious road of vocalizing their thoughts in a demeaning manner, or even becoming physical (which, by all means, warrants outrage, followed by a stern talking-to.).

This is not an article condoning the harassment, or close-mindedness of others. A lot of people need to learn some common sense. I get fed up sometimes too. There are times I just want to turn to someone and scream "Piss off! I'm trying to go about my freeking day!". We all have those. I'm simply trying to make it easier to understand some of the reasons people are opposed to modifications. If everyone just took the time to consider that we all come from different backgrounds, and different mentalities, then the world would be a much better place. (And, yes, I am very aware of how icky-sweet the preceeding statement was. My new album "Happy Rainbows and Fluffy Kittens" will be out next fall.)

Take it all with a grain of salt is what I'm getting at. You ARE going to encounter people who don't agree with you, mods or not. Move on. You'll be the better for it.

On a personal note, I'm happy with most of the attention I have gotten through my modifications, (although that wasn't a factor in my decision to begin modifying myself, at all.). I take it this way...If someone sees me, or anyone with visible mods, enough...then it won't be so shocking, now will it? And if I am polite, and considerate, then perhaps they will rethink their views. Maybe not. Nothing has been so horrible, yet, that I couldn't laugh at it (especially the nice man asking "How'd they get all dat metal up yo' nose?", in slightly more colorful terms.)

I'm sorry if you found this to be "just another rant", or somehow offensive. It was a tongue-in-cheek article, I felt the need to express. Thanks for your time.