First, so you can further understand this article, I will give you a brief summary of my personal modifications. In piercings I have both my earlobes stretched to one inch, I have my septum pierced at six gauge, my labret done on both sides at ten gauge, and the middle at a two gauge, and one cartilage punched at a zero. Tattoo wise i have two nautical stars, one on each wrist, and a revolver on my right forearm. I have chosen to modify myself, because it makes me a whole person. I would not be myself if it were not for my modifications.
At A Glance Author Matthew Brown Contact [email protected] When It just happened Location Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Canada. All the time, wherever I go I have people approach me, and ask me questions about my modifications. Things such as, if it hurt, what made me choose the modifications I did, how much it cost, all sorts of stuff. I seriously do not mind one bit answering questions for someone who's curious. By doing so I further their knowledge of the modified, and hopefully break down prejudicial barriers between the modded, and non-modded.
Just the other day, I went out to the mall with my girlfriend, and my best friend. Both of whom are un-modded. The reason for my trip, was I wanted to see the movie "The Notebook" which I recommend to everyone and anyone. But I digress! While in line waiting to purchase our tickets, I overheard a woman behind us pointing out my ears to her husband. This did not bother me, as I am used to being pointed out. After a while, she continued to talk about me, and in a more and more negative manor. I just kept my cool, and paid no attention to her.
Unluckily enough, the line was quite long. So after a few minutes, I suppose she had worked up the courage to talk to me. She tapped me on the shoulder, and when I turned around and politely asked if I could help her with something, she replied "Why would you EVER do such a thing to yourself" referring to my mods. I responded that I have transformed my body this way, because to me, this is pure beauty. I tried to explain that my mods were a personal decision, and that I loved them very much. She came back with "how can you think those are beautiful? All that metal in your face!" "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" Is exactly what I said to her. She rudely and loudly responds to this" well the beholder must be fucking blind." and makes a large scene out of the whole thing. I then and there left the line and had to go cool off. I did not want to say anything hurtful or unnecessary to her, so I waited to get my ticket.
This brings me to the point of writing this editorial. Are we all not human? Are some better then others because they choose to live their lives differently? Just because I have visible piercings and tattoos, does not mean someone else is any better then me. I get scared when I think what she would of said if she had been disturbed my someone who was obese, or with a physical deformity. Would she have reacted in the same way? Because not everyone can handle abuse like that. I did not let it get to me to the point i did something drastic, but what if someone teased all their life for being overweight was pushed to the limit, and snapped? She would of gotten what she deserved, because I highly doubt im the first person whom she has harassed like that.
This woman, and many others like her are just going on to prove how closed minded the world really is. For the simple fact I have piercings and tattoos, they think they are better. I will be refused jobs, receive unfair service, and be on the receiving end of many crude comments. Why is this world so judgmental? It would work so much better if everyone were given equal rights, and were allowed to express his or herself freely. Some people paint pictures. My body is my canvas. I design it the way I see fit. I think modifications are beautiful, and they are an old and wonderful art form.
This brings me to my conclusion, the world does not need bigots. It needs people who see everyone for who they are on the inside, not on the outside. Just because I have piercings or tattoos, am obese, have a physical deformity, or something else of that nature, does not make anyone better then me. I am who I am, and no one can take that away from me. I was free at birth, and I hope to remain free until death. Thank you for your time, and i hope my writing in some form helps you, or someone you know.