Understanding the Reasons Behind Body Modification, Essay Example

There are many different aspects of human nature that specifically define the reason behind the existence of body modification both then and now. In a way, body modification is a form of art that humans use to express themselves. This however is the modern day definition of the act of subjecting one’s body to several adjustments and recreation of form. In the past, body art [which includes both tattooing and body piercing] is used to set the individuals and their being in a certain status. Some consider this form of act as a response to the rituals they ought to complete in consideration with their religion and their cultural traditions. True, body modification had a much deeper in the past among those who have cultural definition in consideration with the said matter. More than just an art, the process of defining one’s body with figures and forms and adding in accessories directly to the skin used to be a form of statement.

Back then, people who have tattoos in their bodies were noted as elders and wise men who were recognized to be the administrators of the community. It is a must that they decorate their bodies with intricate designs so as to set themselves apart from the slaves. Male body-modification and female-modification was considered to be different in meaning. While most body-modifications for men define social status, for women, it was more of a part of their clothing, an adornment that further decorates their physical being. With this in thought, it could then be realized that more than just an art, body medications back then had specific functions for the individuals who undergo such procedures of putting in decorative designs in their skin.

What about the present years of recognizing the role of body modification in the human society? Due to research and comprehensive studies on how body modifications affect the integrity of the skin and at some point the health of the individuals accepting such design creations on their body, the recognition of body modification as a necessary art has slowly been disregarded. Nonetheless, this did not complete erase the existence of such activity in the face of the human society. Human individuals at present are regarded to consider such process as a form of art that defines that expression of they have on themselves. Human individuals are trying to incur such body-designs to make a statement, to satisfy their desire of being noticed or simply being different.

Although not much accepted in the society, body modifications have been considered by many groups of young individuals as a coinage of their individuality. This is why social critics define individuals who undergo body modification to have specific issues that they have to deal with in consideration with their social status. While some undergo such process for themselves, others acquire such modification to help themselves be defined along with a group or gang they hope to be identified with. There is however a line that differentiates body modification and body mutilation.

While some adhere to the art that is presented through body-modification, body-mutilation is the destruction of one’s body. Some incur over-piercing and dyeing their eyes directly as a form of art. These matters endanger the function of the primary parts of their body hence defined as a direct defiance of the law on the need of one to protect and take care of his own body. This is currently highly unacceptable as it does more damage than good to the person aiming to create his body as a form of canvas to his own art.

True, everyday, humans incur body-modification. The simple act of taking a bath for hygiene and better appearance is already a form of modification. For women, putting on makeup everyday is also a form of modification. Humans are entitled to adorning themselves in any possible way they want to so long as they are not destroying their systems. Body modification, no matter how simple or how intricate should be considered out of respect to the original function of the human body which is to provide persons a source of life and not as a form of canvas. One’s respect for his own being is a source of proper modification that could allow one to define the good aspects of his physical being while not endangering the life that he has. No matter how one hopes to modify himself with any particular resources available, it is very important to note that respect to one’s body and one’s health should always be the primary concern.

At present, this aspect of body-modification is becoming a controversial question especially for those considering medical body-modifications which include inserting substances into the body to enhance one’s figure and physical appearance. In a way, researchershave found out that body-modification that are undergone through medical procedures at some point cause damages to different parts of the body through time. This is the reason why it is often asked how important body-modification when it comes to measuring up to the desire of one to become beautiful and pleasing to the eyes against that of the fact that one puts himself or herself in danger when undergoing such scrupulous procedures of modification.

References

Favazza, Amando. Bodies under siege: self-mutilation and body modification in culture and psychiatry.

Shannon Larratt (March 18, 2002). ModCon: The Secret World Of Extreme Body Modification. BMEbooks.

Windrow, John. (September 1, 1998) Star Tribune. The Scary Guy brings a message of the spirit. Section: Variety; Page 1E.