But what is body modification? Tattoo's and piercings is the first thing that pops into most people's heads, but if we take the idea that when we are born we are a 'blank canvas' things such as the clothing or hairstyle we choose would be classed as a modification.
This being the case I think body modification includes:
- Tattoo's and piercings
- Hair styles and change of hair colour
- Make-up, henna and jewellery
- The clothes we choose
- Plastic surgery - cosmetic or medical
- Glasses and contact lenses
As for why people choose to have body modifications include:
- Religious reasons
- Cultural reasons
- to be part of a sub-culture
- for artistic reasons
Corsetry
Henna
Pericings/Tattoo'sIn terms of whether body modification is 'bad' in some cases, yes it is. For example the Giraffe Necked women of Kayan and foot binding in China. These are bad because they are not voluntary modifications. They are also bad because they are for the control and repression of women.
Links
The 'Giraffe Woman' who cast of her brass coils - an article that outline the repression and control experiencd by the 'giraffe women'
BMEzine - a body modification network
2 comments:
I agree about what you've written in comment on my blog. But years ago tatoos had a story: hippie or punk rebel, sailing, army or war, even prison, but what now? you go to guy who's doing tatoo, everyone, even your parents are ok with that and treat it like new haircut or something, there is no interesting story at all;) Won't you agree?
I don't agree with that, nope. I'll agree that it's become more common and less controversial but it doesnt mean that the interesting stories have been lost. But I'm sure if you ask someone from one of the groups (punk, soldier, sailor - especially old skoolers) & I'm sure you'll get some great stories from them
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