Body Modifications

Body Modifications

Is it impressive to be different? Some people think they need to be different to fit in. Body modification is the art of altering some parts of the human body to look different. The most common body modifications are tattoos and body piercing. The extreme body modifications are scarification and suspension. If people want to be different, why are they following a trend that has been around for thousands of years? Even though some people think it is destroying the human body, body modification is a beautiful art form with a rich history.

So, why do people perform body modifications? They are seen as a form of personal expression. Body modifications have different meanings; their significance is endless as the options the options they choose from. Their intentions range from the intent to shock, documentation of a memory, or simply for a decoration. These decorations have been around for thousands of years. “However, there are lots of people who just enjoy being different from other people and therefore – experience various body modification types with neither external nor underlying reasons,” (Piercings…, 2006).

Body piercing is used in many cultures as religious and social purposes. “Body piercing also entails cutting a part of the body to be able to create openings for jewelry,” (Conner, 2008). Ear piercing dates back to ancient Egypt, which was only practiced on royalty. The Egyptians would pierce their ears and navels to show their wealth and accentuate their beauty. Gay men pierced their ears in the 50’s and 60’s to show their femininity. “The Mayans, Aztecs, and American Indians were also known to pierce their tongues as part of their religious rituals,” (Conner, 2008). Many different cultures used different items to pierce with; bone, metal, tusks (or ivory), shells, and glass. Lip piercing is becoming more popular, but the Alaskan Eskimo used lip piercing to define social status amongst groups. Some body piercing is done...