Body Modification

Body modification and tattooing have become very popular in the 20th and 21st centuries. They have been depicted as rebellious; associated with the lower classes and bad attitudes. Does this mean they be can considered bad?

Tattoos and piercing have been used in tribal cultures for hundreds and, if not, thousands of years. They can symbolise the transformation of a boy to a man; the fertility or wealthiness of woman; the identity of one member of a tribe to another. Tattooing such as Moko, or Ta-Moko, used by the Maori people of New Zealand, identify the member of one tribal member to another by the different face pattern tattoo they have.

Piercing is also significant in Inuit cultures: men pierce their faces to become almost Walrus like and show their status in the social hierarchy. In western cultures, the status of tattoos and piercings is that of a fashion accessory, although this is not in every person's case; some do it for religious reasons or a particular cult they follow. But are they bad?

If the tattoo is offensive then it could be considered bad, but then, is it any worse than committing a crime? I should think not! Piercing is never a bad thing, unless it is harmful toward yourself, especially some of the more extreme forms of genital and body piercing. It should be noted that body modification does come with its associated risks of health problems and potential fatal consequences! As long as people are old enough to make their own choices and go to regulated tattoo/piercing artists then it is relatively harmless and painless.

I personally believe tattoos are fascinating and nice to look at. I have a tattoo and piercings and I believe they have never done me any harm and I look forward to getting more in the future!!!

Here is a link to look at more pictures of tattooing, body modification and there is a forum and articles to read too: http://www.bodymod.org/home.asp