Warning: The following article includes the opinions and ideas of students who have pieces of metal protruding from various parts of their bodies. However, these students aren't necessarily the typical persons who are negatively associated with body piercings, but rather people who are intrigued by taking body modification to another level.
At A Glance Author Alicia Contact [email protected] When N/A "I didn't do it for shock value," said sophomore Jamie Vernon, who has a captive bead ring through her nose and a 14 gauge barbell in her tongue. "I liked [the way the piercings] looked and it was a totally personal decision," said Vernon. Of the thousands of possible types of piercings, sophomore Kelli Mack has one of the most common among teenage girls: her navel. "A lot of my friends had one and I thought it was cute," said Mack. Her "journey" began when she received a pair of earrings as a gift, which resulted in her parents allowing her to have her ears pierced to wear them. She later had second holes pierced in both ears because she "wanted something else".
The majority of people who have piercings other than their earlobes think that their "mods" are aesthetically pleasing, but aren't for everyone. "Most people are too flighty," said sophomore Jim Cable, whose inspiration behind his double labret (lower lip) piercings is lead singer David Draiman of Disturbed. The issue of age restriction for piercings is a constant obstacle for underage (below 18 years of age) teenagers whose parents won't allow them to have holes poked in their bodies. "If someone is old enough to make that choice, they should be legally able to have the piercing done without parental consent," said sophomore Alex Folmar. Folmar's modification experience began in the fourth grade when he had his ears pierced and later stretched all four holes to a ten gauge.
When teens aren't able to have their piercings done professionally because their parents haven't given their consent, they resort to more dangerous methods such as self-piercing with safety pins. Establishments that call themselves piercing parlors lure in desperate teens who may later have health complications because the materials used during the procedure were not properly sterilized. Respectable and acknowledged establishments will and should have everything from an autoclave (tool/jewelry sterilization device) to an acceptable health department grade. When piercings are done in a clean environment by a trained professional, the risk of health problems greatly decreases, but only if the piercee carefully follows aftercare guidelines. Areas of the body that receive very little blood, such as the ear's cartilage, run a higher risk of being infected if injured. In accidents, jewelry can become shrapnel or hooks that literally rip the jewelry though the skin. Tongue barbell s often yield chipped teeth. Labrets and other piercings that are placed on the gums are prone to slowly erode the gums if poorly placed or worn for years on end. The solution to this is to wear jewelry with a silicone end or simply remove the jewelry. Gauged piercings will "blow out" if the area is stretched too quickly which results in the skin being forced out of the back or front of the hole. Sensitive skin may try to "migrate" or reject the jewelry if a metal allergy occurs which is irritates the skin and often leaves scars. Thorough investigation and research are a must when considering any type of piercing.
The negative connotations that piercings carry are prevalent, but are slowly diminishing. "It's more accepted now because many more people have them, and it's not as risqu� as it used to be," said Mack. Senior Collin Norris said there have been instances when he has been criticized for his 7/16 inch gauge ear piercings. "I can't really say what their personal prejudices were, but people find it fun to point [out] physical traits, whether natural or manmade, and harass that person," said Norris. Despite the criticism that pierced teenagers receive, Mr. Elrod thinks that the students' appearances reflect just that, their appearance, and not what's inside. "Conduct is far more important than appearances. As long as the piercings are not a health concern or disruptive, it's not a problem," said Mr. Elrod.
Despite health risks and the common fear of needles, piercing is a rapidly growing "trend" for people of all ages, genders, and races. Piercing is seen as a positive pain outlet versus harmful alternatives that teens may indulge in. "I don't believe body piercing is as destructive as drugs or alcohol because it's for vanity, so it's not literally harming your body," said sophomore Adriana Aguirre. Norris hopes that stereotypes tied to body modifications will be eliminated permanently. "[Someone's] personality and music tastes are not defined by the piece of metal in their face or ears. If you want to know what type of music I like, ask me instead of making judgments based on my piercings."
-- This is the article that I wrote for the school newspaper that I'm currently a staff member of. I dedicated a great deal of time to this article and wanted to share it with as many people as possible. --