Discriminate (di-skrim-i-nayt) v. 1. To have good taste or judgment. 2.To make a distinction, to give unfair treatment, especially because of prejudice. (Oxford American Dictionary, New York, 1980).
At A Glance Author Amanda M. Wallace Contact [email protected] When N/A Those of us in the body mod community certainly do have good taste and judgment, if I may say so myself! However, the greater populous of the world seems to think otherwise, and thus we experience the second, and most virulent, definition of this word. All of you, my comrades in modification, know what I am speaking of. Isn't it odd to see such ugly actions, gestures, and words that are directed at us defined in such a clean, academic manner? This is one of the USA's last condoned prejudices: The oppression of modified individuals.
Many people will swear up and down they aren't prejudicial, that they aren't discriminatory. They "give everyone an equal chance; white, black, green, or red!", as said by one of my fellow classmates. Then she gave me a long, hard stare. "What I don't get about you Amanda," she said critically, "is why you insist on making yourself look stupid with those... things! " Her voice dripped with disgust and disapproval.
Oh my! What a slap in the face! First of all, I don't think you can make yourself look stupid, stupidity is a culmination of actions, something that comes from within. Second of all, my piercings were minimized to mere things, detracting from the spiritual, personal, and cosmetic purpose they held for me.
Well, I'm not one for confrontation, and I'm afraid to say that just I laughed somewhat nervously, mumbled something about having to run a Xerox of my notes, and left my seat. I've found it a waste of time to try to have an in depth conversation to explain the meaning of my mods with most people. I finish a well thought-out, eloquent diatribe, only to be met with a bovine-dull gaze. I just wanted to escape an uncomfortable situation, not try to educate my obviously close-minded class-mate.
However, on my walk to the Xerox machine, the hypocrisy of what had been said struck me as ludicrous, and more than a little frightening. As far as the majority of public sectors go, it is not quite couth to openly discuss personal biases towards others of a different race, ethnicity, religion or creed. Please don't misunderstand me, I know it happens, and far too often, but it is not generally considered politically correct or intelligent to make remarks concerning those subjects.
However, the American (and Canadian) people seem to think nothing of disrespecting the modified; degrading and ridiculing us based upon the superficial reasoning concerning our appearance. It is not acceptable to turn down an individual for a job due to their race, but even when that does (illegally) happen, no one in their right mind would breathe a word of the fact that prejudice was the reason. However, I have been told quite candidly that I was not fit to be on display to the general public, and thus would not receive the job unless my visible piercings were gone.
People have no problem approaching me at the grocery to tell me I'm repulsive or that I've "ruined" my pretty face. People stare openly, whispering to their friends. Clerks glare at me as though I'm going to pocket every item I touch. I've noticed that since I've gotten pierced, many people seem to have problems maintaining eye contact with me.
Although I'm secure in myself and generally pleased with how I look, it has become downright unpleasant for me to go out in public sometimes. Being scrutinized all the time would be enough to make anybody a bit anxious! Certainly, most of you reading this can empathize, and probably feel quite angry at the discrimination, prejudice, and ostracism we face on a day-to-day basis.
So what do we do about this stereotype? Being angry about it all the time is quite frankly giving me a stomachache and a sore jaw from gnashing my teeth in frustration. I miss working, but I refuse to sell myself short, to remove the pieces of metal that have embedded themselves not only in my flesh, but also my sense of self, al for what? For a minimum-wage job flipping burgers? What about after I finish my degree? Will I be able to find a job that judges by my credentials, not my piercings? I miss having friendly smiles from strangers, being able to enjoy a shopping trip without being stared down, and just receiving general respect from the public when I leave my house! Once again, I am sure most of you can identify with my aggravation.
Let's get the rights we enjoyed prior to our modifications back! I don't have any exact answers but I do know one thing: There is power in numbers! Let's start lodging eloquent, calm, rational complaints with management about unfair treatment we receive. Let's complain to companies about the lack of employment opportunities available to us. If it is possible, take your money where pierced individuals are allowed to work. Write to your representatives, expressing what barriers you face as a minority and appeal for anti-discrimination laws.
Although you may feel alone and futile taking action, in numbers we can make a difference. With BME, Mr. Larratt and Co. have found a way to band together an otherwise alienated population. Let's make an attempt to further ourselves, as individuals and as a group, starting in our own communities. Grass-roots activism has often been the catalyst for sweeping national reforms. Let's take our anger, outrage, sadness, and frustration we experience from discrimination and channel it usefully. Let's try to make a brighter future for ourselves and future generations of modified folk.
Let's send a strong message to our communities: We are here, and we are not going away. We are not changing to fit their narrow ideas of what is acceptable. We are human, just like them, and thus we will command basic respect and decency. We are every bit anyone else's equal, and we are ready to prove it. They cannot, and will not, keep us down.