After the piercing was done I posted on rec.arts.bodyart about it and got a surprising amount of backlash from both professionals and individuals. It wasn't just the safety issue that bothered people -- It seemed that this was just not a piercing that people should be getting in the minds of many readers. I believe the reasoning was that it had no 'spiritual, functional, or aesthetic' purpose. Ok, fine... but...
I liked it.
Isn't that good enough? Why do people feel the need in the body art community, whose motives seem strange to people outside the community, feel the need to question this? I think the reason is the same as the one that drives the questioning from the un-initiated -- It's simply outside of their sphere of understanding.
Many people when they see a piercing, are able to say, "ok, that's a little strange, but it's sort of like my ears, just somewhere else." They may think it's "gross", but they can relate it to their own experiences. The uvula is one step beyond that because it isn't the same as a more commonly pierced body part. Outside of the safety issues, it nearly falls into the "piercing internal organs" joke... People just can't relate to that unless they're into it.
Take some of the implants done recently (the metal mohawk, the gargoyle look, etc.) -- How does somebody relate to these? Unless they have an internal drive to achieve or enjoy that aesthetic, it is very far removed from their sense of "what a human should look like." It just isn't right for them. However, why can't it be right for someone else, and who is any of us to determine what is natural and what is a proper aesthetic for someone else?
The only issue worth debating is safety and responsibility. That is, being aware of the consequences -- including the social consequences. Being heavily pierced reduces the chances of employment and acceptance in a large number of sectors. Luckily, piercing can be removed. Semi-permanent implants, heavily stretched piercings, and facial tattoos are another thing. While each can be surgically reversed, they are all a permanent stigmatization to most. As long as the receiver is aware of these issues and capable of making an informed and thought-out decision, why stop them?
The important thing to realize is that what is right for one person isn't right for another -- Looking at the rainbow of cultures that humans have produced makes it clear what is "normal" -- Anything you want. I for one enjoy diversity and would like to see more extreme visible modifications happening. It makes the world interesting.