Body Taboo

There are always new ways to push the envelope and break away from the norm in our society. Body art has become a generation’s way to express this defiance and create new customs. Throughout history body modification has been used for religious purposes and cultural reasons. In the past decade, however, we have seen these once sacred rights of passage become apart of our everyday lives.
Walk down any street in America these days and you are bound to spot someone with a tattoo or piercing. In some places almost every one you see is adorned with these creative works of self-expression. But only a short time ago these forms of art were thought of as unusual and even looked down upon by some. Americans often associated tattoos with criminals and piercing with circus freaks, but now teenagers, soccer moms and even businessmen decorate themselves with images of things that they hold dear or represent something in their past. We have taken body art and integrated it into what we are accustomed to.
In many ancient cultures warriors were adorned with tattoos that depicted their triumph in battles. They would display their loyalty to countries, governments and clans. Now many of our own war heroes and loyal military wear their dedication on their skin. “Semper Fi” is popular among marines and wings among the navy. They are also used in memoriam of those lost in combat and help in the grieving process.
In the past people ornamented themselves to show allegiance to a tribe or religion or to show distinction from others. There is no known origin for any of these methods, but in almost every culture they are present. Tattoos were seen as sacred representations of their identities and served to tell the story of their people’s lives. We now view tattoos to be part of a movement of self-expression and individualism. And in an age of going to the extreme, these forms of self mutilation fit right in.
The magic number of eighteen is often highly anticipated for today’s youth. Just as young Samoan leaders would receive tattoos once they reached puberty, today’s adolescents see it as a right of passage; as a statement of entering adulthood. It is often seen as a way to go against the mainstream, but as we go further into the 21st century it has become almost commonplace. I know that I wasn’t the only graduate at my high school to go out and brand myself to mark my independence and even though I shocked some I drew comfort from the fact that I will always remember this moment in my life. The obtaining of a piercing or tattoo can often times be a bonding experience. Friends go together to acquire these personal pieces of art and ornamentation, as well as family. The experience draws people closer and the commonality we share makes us feel accepted.
Of course this form of expression is not for everyone and is often looked down upon in many professional situations. But the body is easily concealed and people that don’t fit the “self mutilation” mold have dark, little secrets in hidden places on their skin. For example, in Britain royalty have reportedly kept up a tradition of getting a small tattoo in an easily concealed spot. This custom goes as far back as Queen Victoria.
How we view our bodies and what we do with them have changed dramatically with each new sway in our culture. From total disassociation with our bodies in the Victorian period, to embracing ourselves and “free love” in the 60’s we have gone from one extreme to the next. Currently the world is finding a place for this custom of permanent ornamentation and slowly we are embracing the fact that we should all be able to express ourselves, even if that means going against beliefs and traditions. Body art has found a niche in our culture among a generation that will use it to create a history of self-expression and body awareness.