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BODY PIERCING AND BODY MODIFICATION

The thing about body modification is that it is definite and permanent statement. Having power over your own body and making deliberate changes is a statement of the self, so that's good! But whereas dyeing your hair interesting colours is a statement of individuality and non-conformity, and does give the impression that you don't work for a bank in the 1980s, it would eventually grow out. However, cosmetic surgery, body piercings, and tattoos, are a permanent change which won't go away*. So, if you're going to do it, you should do it! But think first - and if someone is telling you that you must not do it (eg. parents, teachers, authority figures), consider that after they stop telling you what to do, you'll still have the changes. So, whatever you decide, it should be a true self-expression, rather than reactionary. (It goes without saying that if someone is telling you you MUST do it (eg. your "friends"), then DON'T do it! Obvious, really!)

Other aspects of the body-alteration is that people have widely different attitudes to it. I might like it because it's a bold statement of self-expression, but then again some people are freaked-out. Different and unorthodox hairstyles also bring out a variety of extreme opinions in people. Funny world, isn't it?

Of course one of the advantages of having some piercings is that you can then attach all sorts of interesting paraphernalia off them. As seen at In2skin and various Alternative Market contacts. It was a pair of solid silver ankhs that eventually swung the balance of my decision in favour of having my ears pierced (it was a long time ago). However, I'd been carefully considering the pros and cons and the different aspects of the decision for some considerable time.

My final wise word on body piercing/modification is: Do it, or don't do it. But, whatever you decide, don't regret it!

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* Having permanent changes made represents a lifetime commitment. If you're happy about that and you've thought about it well and you are absolutely sure, then, fair enough. You have to take responsibility for what you are doing. In a way it's like a marriage, which can be done, but undoing it is difficult, awkward, expensive, ie a divorce! If you are in the unfortunate situation of having a tattoo which you feel you want to remove, then a divorce-quality drastic solution is available. It's Doc Wilson's Wrecking Balm. Of course it would be much better to avoid having the tattoo in the first place.