Body Mods..

Piercings. Tattoos. Stretchers. Now that’s an image that would make a lot of the older generation cross the street to get away from a “scary youth”. It’s a little ironic that the parents and grandparents, who teach us not to ‘judge a book by its cover,’ do the opposite. What exactly are you walking away from? Does a ‘piece of ink’ or a stretched lobe really define a person’s character? I don’t think it does. However, countless people judge others based purely on their appearance, even though tattooing has become especially prominent in the last few generations. Even more so in the 21^st Century but, those who wear their marks proudly are often looked down upon.

Every generation has started a new phase, that’s hit the last nerve of the generation before them. It’s just how the world works; the young annoy the old and vice versa. But, what confuses me is that the old were once young, so shouldn’t they be able to understand youths need to try something new and exciting? Therefore I believe that our younger generation shouldn’t be judged for wanting to express themselves, and outwardly show our personas. In the 20’s women shortened their hair, and with it gained independence. The 40’s allowed women to switch roles with men to help defend our country. And in the 60’s short skirts, drugs and the hippy generation emerged, but they eventually became an important part of history. In comparison to the 60’s furious drug taking how are a few piercings’ any worse? Especially when the hardcore scene (the face of the new wave of stretching and piercing) following is what is called “straightedge”; a lifestyle without drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. So, is there really any comparison? Our generation aren’t out of control, and a few body modifications aren’t the end of the world. Tattoos and other body modifications isn’t quite history book worthy, but they need to be accepted as part of the new generations identity.  

People who make the choice to get tattooed and pierced consistently face discrimination, when trying to find employment and in general society. It’s their choice so why should those around them judge it? Does it really make a difference if they have a little bit of metal through their lip, or a stretched ear or two? They’re not asking everyone else to do it as well. A choice is a choice for a reason, just because some youths wear their choices on their faces or ink them on their skin doesn’t make them any less of a person. So, what I don’t quite understand is why a piercing or a tattoo removes a persons right to be who they want to be. Those who wish to express themselves artistically are continually forced to submit to constant rules and regulations, preventing people from showing off the things that define their style. Body modifications are constantly hidden due to strict regulations in the work place, forcing people to hide their identities in order to conform to what society tells them is most appropriate. But, surely it’s individual choice what a person wears and displays to the rest of the world, and it definitely shouldn’t be up to the rest of the world to judge.

What is the difference between a canvas in a gallery and beautiful ink work on a person’s skin? A blown up bin bag or brick wall can be called modern art, and be respected; yet body modification is often looked down upon as disgusting and disgraceful in our society. What happened to the older generations teaching us how not to judge a person by personal choices? They got to create their identities the way they wanted, so isn’t it our turn now? I know that this isn’t universally speaking, because body modification is gradually becoming more acceptable, but I wish that I could walk into a work place with my bright blue hair and tattoos on show and be respected, not ridiculed for not being ‘smart enough.’ If I’m still dressed smartly what does it matter if I have a few piercings, tattoos and funny coloured hair?!