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://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