Body modification has been practiced for centuries and can take various forms such as piercing, tattooing, branding, and scarification. While some view it as a form of self-expression or art, others see it as taboo. The document discusses the history of body modification in cultures like the Aztecs and discusses various types of modifications practiced today. It also includes interviews on people's experiences with and views on modifications.
2. Modify: to change somewhat the form or
qualities from
Body modifications have been around for centuries. The Aztecs
and Mayans of Mexico and the Alaskan Eskimos are documented
for using piercings as a form of body art. The reasons behind these
piercings back then symbolized different things such as good
health or good luck. Now, piercings or other forms of body
5. Tooth Filing
Filing of a tooth or teeth in order for the tooth to
appear sharper, rounder, etc.
6.
7. Body piercer interview
Me: Have you or your any of your co- workers got in trouble after having a minor pierced?
Piercer: There have been a few parents that have come to the shop to confront us, but we
make the person getting pierced sign a sheet basically saying that they give us permission
to pierce them.
Me: How sterilized are the tools and materials you use before piercing/ tattooing a person?
Piercer: Each and every needle, gloves and jewelry we use are brand new. They all come in
individually wrapped bags, and they are never used twice. Once they have been used, we
throw them away in a container used for needles.
Me: What is some advice you give to any new people getting a piercing?
Piercer: Always make sure you want the piercing 100%. Research the piercing as much as
possible and be sure that it’s what you want, because piercings leave scars and depending
on your skin tone, the scars can be noticeable or not noticeable at all. If you’re under 18
make sure that your parents know to avoid any future conflicts. Go to a place that you trust
is clean. A professional piercer always has a license. Surface piercings like your
nape, sideburn, or belly button can reject easily so be sure to keep those areas as clean as
possible.
8. MichaelMe: What made you get the brand?
Michael: Personal choice after I joined my fraternity. Scared of needles so I couldn’t do a tattoo so I decided to
go with a brand because it was different
and the frat meant a lot to me.
Me: What was the experience like? Can you give me details?
Michael: It was nerve wrecking. A brand is done by shaping metal hangers into Greek letters. In my case it was
the last two letters of my frat which means I was burned twice. Once they shaped the hangers, they sterilize
the hangers and skin. With baby powder, they create the outline of the letters on your skin. All this is
happening while you’re sitting and watching not knowing how painful it will be. Also, you can’t be under the
influence of anything because it will thin out your blood and cause heavy bleeding.
Me: Can you describe how it was during and after the process of getting branded?
Michael: Once the trace is done, they fire up the hangers until they are scorching and have a bright red burn.
They pick up the first letter and you brace yourself for the burn. It doesn’t hurt that bad and I have bros who
say their tattoos hurt more than the brand. The brand is quick, but it takes longer to heal. It takes about 3
months for it to heal.
9. Miss Morgan Denise
Me: There’s always people saying “don’t get too many tattoos, you won’t get a good job.” Do you agree or
disagree?
Morgan: I disagree strongly. My body is filled with tattoos from head to toe, and I am continuing to get more
and more. I am only 23, and my whole body is marked up. I own my own tanning salon and business. I am the
owner, and nobody has looked down on me, or has looked at me differently. I believe my body is a canvas, and I
shall continue to mark it up.
Me: What has inspired you to get so many tattoos?
Morgan: Growing up I always saw my aunt Candice get tattoos. Me and her were very close, and still are to this
way. Of course I’m going to grow old and my body is going to sag, but every part of my body has a story to tell.
Each part that is tatted is a memory. Some people express themselves through art, and so do I. The only
difference is I like masterpieces to be put on me permanently.
Me: What are your favorite pieces on you and why?
Morgan: My favorite pieces are the portraits I have on my left arm of my grandmother, my father and mom.
These are the three people that mean the most to me and have helped my through a lot in life. I look up to
them, and I permanently want them apart of me.
10. Controversy over nose
piercing?
In 2010 a 14 year old girl, Ariana Iacono from North Carolina was
suspended from school for having her nose pierced. Her mother claimed
that according to their religion, having your nose pierced is to keep good
health, and as a sign of faith. The school thought of this as violating
school dress codes. Ariana’s mother, Nikki, took the schools suspension
as in offense to their religion. Nikki Iacono took school officials to court
because she believed they were violating constitutional rights.
11. Follow Up…
In order to find out more
information about body
modifications you can check out:
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not
magazines, books, museums.
- Guinness Book of World Records
- Taboo the show on National
Geographic
- Your local piercing/ tattoo shop
12. - At what age do you think would be appropriate to
get a body modification?
- Where do you think the most painful piercing would
be?
- Should you be under the influence while deciding
to get a body modification?
- Would a piercing set off a metal detector?
- Should body piercers/ modifiers numb the body
area before modifying it?
- Should you get something modified on your body
because it’s a “trend” or because you actually like
it?
- How would you take care of your piercing/ tattoo?
