When someone looks at someone with a body modification, what do they see? What do they think? Why is a girl with a diamond stud in her nostril any more professional than a guy with stretched ears? Why is it that a military serving man with a US Marines tattoo on his right bicep is more appreciated than a mechanic with full sleeves? Why is a girl with her eyebrow pierced cuter than a girl with her septum?
At A Glance Author Scott Sherick Contact Scott [email protected] When N/A When people look at those with body modification, they assume that they are trying to express their individuality and uniqueness. This true, than why is someone with a tongue ring more unique or original than someone with a full face of metal? Although I love body piercings, and other modification, I do not condone them for everyone unless their hearts are in the right place. If there is no individuality in getting your ears pierced, why should there be anymore in getting your lips pierced. The only individuality is left for those who truly love to be modified. The differences are in your set up, whether it is off centered and random, or organized and symmetrical. I'm not saying that people shouldn't get piercings. Even aesthetics is a good enough reason to be modified. I suppose you are thinking I make no reasonable point, or nothing I have said hasn't been said before. That those with modifications must work twice as hard to get half as far. I'm not trying to repeat how unfair the world is, but to bring into attention the difference between the mainstream and the modified, and how we, the truly unique, have it harder.
To get a modification makes you no more modified than to get your hair cut, however, in some and most cases, hair styles are generally accepted. What about a guy who gets his hair cut short and flipped up in the front, or to get a crew cut or your head shaved? These are modifications are they not? But they seem to be more restricting individuality by conforming to a "normal" haircut, whereas it is "rebellious" to get a Mohawk. Even without purpose or meaning for your body modifications, why is one more accepted than another?
I bet you're thinking to yourself I am getting at how the world is run by the white collar, upper class, white man with his hair slicked back and a cigar in his hand, protesting what his thoughts on professionalism are, and that to be an individual, is to be an outcast. Even if I was, would you agree that the man who runs the system is an individual? He has set up the hardest system for the modified to live in, but he is no more or less different than I. He wears a business suit, I wear tight jeans and a hoody, he wears a gold watch, I wear stainless steal spools in my ears, he wears his class ring around his finger, I wear a ring through each side of my lower lip, he keeps his hair short, I like mine in my eyes, but no matter what he looks like, he is choosing to look that way.
Not in a long time have I used the term "poser" for aren't we all posing? Aren't we all trying to look how we feel best suits our internal self? I only pity those who wear the wrong feelings. Those who try to impress others before they learn to love themselves. I feel this way because I was once in their shoes, the wrong shoes. And I always hope someday the will wake and realize where they are, isn't where they wanted to be. Those who proclaim themselves as "Goth" carry a lot of connotation with what I speak of, though I honestly believe that there are some who are deserving of their dress. Here inlays their flaw.
The beauty of modification is to feel like your body reflects your internal beauty. There is no reason an obese girl shouldn't get her navel pierced, granted it is suitable for piercing. Take into consideration that I am using them as an example and what I say isn't true for all, but why should those that dress gothic act the same. Why do they crave attention to the point that the come off as being obnoxious. Why are they so opposed to label themselves (because being a poser is not cool), but a high class businessman, who we have already established as an individual as well as someone posing to be how he wants to look, is so proud of his title.
Think about this; those who run the system � doctors, dentists, teachers, real estate agents, entrepreneurs, et cetera, account for a percentage of genital piercings and unbeknown tattoos. Are they hypocrites, or are they the modified population that is truly trying to make a difference by changing the world form the inside. If so, they aren't doing a very good job. How are they helping the outside? But even if the majority is a growing population of modified, why are we still living in an old class society, not accepting the modified as professionals? Is a piercer or tattoo artist less professional than a plastic surgeon or automotive restoration mechanic? A reputable piercer has knowledge of the area that he specializes in no less than a dentist knows the mouth inside and out. Who is more of a professional? Let's take a jump in another direction.
African Americans and other minorities have faced discrimination since the 1800's, but laws have been passed protecting them from discrimination. The Equal Opportunity Act grants everyone equality in employment regardless of age nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, and so on. Why shouldn't this protect the modified as well? Why is it even considered criteria for work attire or dress code. We've already established that we are professionals.
Consider health code for the food industry. It is against health code to retain visibly body and facial jewelry because of the risks of insanitation; however, earring studs are acceptable. For those with ear piercings of an unsuitable gauge (i.e. those pierced by a gun) it is common for the back of the stud to come loose in bed, pools, during sports, and potentially in any case where a force, including gravity, is applied. A fresh piercing with a cbr may appear less healthy and more unsanitary, although, the jewelry has almost no chance of coming out unintentionally without the proper equipment. So earrings of an unacceptable gauge and quality that risk the sanitation of the establishment are acceptable, but a captive bead ring fixed into a healed or healing piercing is against regulations.
What is it that is so intimidating with body modifications? It is legal for the Ku Klux Klan to rally and protest against African Americans protected by free speech of the First Amendment. Free speech is broken up into two categories divided as pure and symbolic speech. Body modification may not be as rebellious as flag burning, nor is it less accepted than pornography, both recognized as legitimate examples of symbolic speech, then why should your right to be pierced by waved. Jon Cobb explains in an article defining body modification that we need not wear clothes more than we need to be pierced. This taken out of context may not make sense.
Fashion in a sense is also modification, clothing being an extension of your body. How often have you considered an article of clothing to be lucky, or your favorite? Yet, we need this modification. We are legally obligated to dress, however, we decide how to modify this choice. Instead they (the "professionals") try to force us not to modify ourselves. No one person's definition of boy modification would suffice, or be content for anyone who has conflicting views. To me, body modification is, but is not limited to, any change or alteration to the physical or mental state of ones being due to the intentional alteration of the body. By changing you body, you are affecting the way you perceive yourself, or the way you want others to perceive you. Every modification doesn't necessarily require a significant or spiritual meaning, but the after effect of you modification should leave you with something to think about. You body is an extension of you heart, soul, and mind, and with each modification you are left with a new thought to dwell upon at each glance.
I have one last note, whether or not you choose to agree with me. Vanity is a Blessing! With each reflection let your beauty shine, for you are who you see yourself. Modification is a wonderful thing. It is the only way to obtain the true beauty one holds within, whether it be my favorite; piercings, or tattoos, cosmetology, fashion, scarification, or whatever you do to make yourself look the way you do, never forget why you are doing it.