TATTOOS, PIERCINGS, AND BODY
MODIFICATION
By: Sophia Batistatos
Body modifications are when you change your
appearance . Many people get piercings and tattoos
others get sex changes , implants and other
surgeries to have their appearances changed.
Every time you shave, put make up on, or squeeze
into tight jeans is an attempt to alter your
appearance. Whenever you do this your following in
the footsteps of your ancestors, who had equally
ingenious ways of doing the same thing. Body
modifications started when our ancestors' from all
over the world made these methods of painting and
piercing their bodies over the past 30 ,000 years .
The earliest signs of human interest in self
decoration appeared when handprints, and
ornaments were found by cave paintings.
“ S H O W M E A M A N W I T H A T A T T O O A N D I ' L L S H O W Y O U A M A N W I T H A N I N T E R E S T I N G P A S T. ”
― J A C K L O N D O N
In ancient Egypt, humans were grinding natural
substances into eye makeup. Many traditional
cultures also use tattoos as a sort of passport to the
world after death .Several mummies have been
recovered that date to as early as 2160-1994 BC that
exhibit tattoo art forms. More recently, Nuba men in
the Sudan painted their bodies as traditional signs of
changing status-from boy to adolescent to
adult. .Even monks have body modifications. Monk’s
are tattooed with a sharp rod near a Buddhist temple
in Thailand. The monks usually get prayers or animal
images. Tattoos the monks get are believed to get
give them spiritual powers and enlightenment . In
the late 1800’s the Japanese women thought
painting their teethe black was beautiful. Even
though these techniques were strange it was a sign
of beauty , culture and self expression.
ANCIENT PRACTICES OF BODY MODIFICATIONS
There are many reasons people want to
change their bodies. Most people do it
for beauty purposes , as a sign of
change or rebellion. Others alter their
bodies to show higher status, to mark a
moment, to be able to wear a certain
ornament, to show group membership,
or so they can show gender distinctions.
Many teachers, employers, and other
adults disapprove of them. Some
parents don’t agree with piercings or
tattoos .Others are more lenient, letting
teens decide for themselves.
WHY DO PEOPLE ALTER THEIR B ODIES?
FACTSAbout 25 percent of Americans have tattoos,
according to the American Society of
Dermatological Surgery
Tattoos are designs made by inserting ink
under the skin.
Approximately 39 million people in America
have a tattoo.
The oldest earrings found was found in a
grave dated back to 2500 BC
72 % percent of women have piercings
Percent of Americans who have had their
earlobes pierced 83 %
WORDLE
ARTICLE
In many states, the law requires that anyone younger than 18 must have the consent of a parent or a legal guardian before getting piercings or tattoos.Removing a small tattoo can cost more than $1,000. Removing a larger tattoo may cost thousands of dollars.Getting body modification may cause risk of exposure to infectious diseases caused by dirty, previously used instruments and inks.Many people go to foreign countries to get black market body modifications like boob jobs, nose jobs and other cosmetic sugeries for really cheap prices.
I interviewed my best friend
Matina for my project. She is a
sophomore in Francis Lewis. She
has her ears pierced and came
with me to get my belly pierced so
I thought she would be a good
person to interview on this topic.
INTERVIEW
Questions –
1.Would you let your future children get tattoos ,piercings and other
body modifications?
2.What age do you think is appropriate ?
3.Do you think body modification is good of bad?
4.Years after people get tattoos when they get old and wrinkly do
you think they will regret it ?
Answers –
1. I would let my future children get body modifications but at a
good age .
2. I think that 18 is a good age because you’re legally an adult and
can do whatever you want.
3.I think that most body modification is good unless it’s the creepy .
4. I don’t think people will regret getting tattoos when they get
older because Its still a memory and it can remind them of being
young.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/fashion/tattoos-peek-out-at-offices-but-
only-at-some.html?_
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http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-
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http://search.proquest.com/docview/
1034979185/13DF1CBD9D37ABDE6E8/6?accountid=10967
FOLLOW UP
"Skin Deep Keeping Their Art to Themselves." New
York Times. JOANNE KAUFMAN, 17 Apr. 13. Web. 8
May 13. – Online Article
America’s Worst Tattoos- Tattoo show
The Body Art Book: A Complete, Illustrated Guide
to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modification –
book
REFERENCE
"Skin Deep Keeping Their Art to Themselves." New
York Times. JOANNE KAUFMAN, 17 Apr. 13. Web. 8 May
13.
Rowh, Mark. "Making Your Mark: What You Need to
Know about Body Art, from Piercings to Tattoos."
Go.galegroup.com. N.p., 11. Web. 8 May 13.
Nowick, Ed. "Tattoos, Piercings and Personal
Expression." Proquest.com. N.p., 2 May 2010. Web. 9
May 2013.
Tanne, Janice H. "Body Art: Marks of Identity."
Proquest.com. N.p., 1 Jan. 2000. Web. 30 Apr. 2013.
EASY BIB