Body Modifications!

Whilst I believe it is correct in saying that we all modify our bodies - be it by shaving, cutting or painting nails, or applying make-up, I feel it is also true to say that people are judged on these basic and common modifications in addition to the uncommon and 'extreme' modifications. Indeed, we judge peoples' hair colour and style, we judge clothes and makeup, and we all have an opinion on those who refuse to wash or shave! So it pretty much stands to reason that we will judge those who have extreme modifications like large body-covering tattoos, or multiple piercings that make you squirm with just the thought of them being done on yourself-whether you admire or are repulsed by such modifications, they are just another judgement of someone elses appearance that we make about everyone all the time, just maybe more-so because they are uncommon (relatively) and are bold statements.

I personally am in awe of some of the extreme modifications! Maybe not in awe, but I appreciate and admire them to some extent - I think they are fiercely courageous against the social stigma and judgements that are going to follow. I think many are artistic and have wonderful intricate details (with regards to tattoos), and I respect the amount of pain and the permanance of such decisions, but I probably wouldn't like to look at it all day and certainly I personally wouldn't like to be confronted for example, with a face full of tattoos and piercings in the mirror every day - its just not my style! As for individuality - I think althought the tattoo itself my be a personal, sentimental representation, the act of having these extreme mods are not unique, infact, the opposite, they are another popular trend or fashion to fit in within sub-communities or groups that we asign ourselves to. for example, the 'corset back' in one of the pictures would have been a unique idea for the very first person to design it and have it done, but not so for the many hundreds or thousands who have follwed suit.

Here is some stuff on exteme modifications to make the men squirm - discussing a 'nullo' - a man who chooses to have his genitalia, both testicles and penis, removed for aesthetic and sexual purposes. Apparently, one of the many reasons one may choose to do this, castration was common in 17th and 18th century Italy, and used to produce the famous castrati, valued for their high-pitched singing voice. Ooo eck!