To live in America, a person is constantly pressured to be a unique individual, but is still repressed to fit into modern society. In response to this, many people have turned to the practice of body modification, which includes, but is not limited to, piercing, scarification, and tattoos. There are many fears and myths about these modifications that cause the general public to hate, or even fear, body art. In many circles, tattoos or piercings cause an individual to be considered unkempt or of low intelligence. However, tattoos and piercings are ways for individuals to express their chosen identity, show religious preferences, and can actually be done quite safely if done in the right healthcare environment. Despite the negative aura of body modification, many people still choose to participate in it. in practice. This may lead some to wonder why a person would adorn their body at risk of social exclusion, and the answer can be found by asking the tattooed person personally. Vince Cancasci, who lives in California, once stated, “Some people write in a journal, I write about myself” (Gay and Whittington 13). Other people may be interested in demonstrating their independence by leading their own life, or simply that each tattoo or piercing has a very significant meaning to an earlier time in their life (Gay and Whittington 12-13). Many people of today's older generation believe that this art is vandalism of the human body and hate it passionately. In younger generations, many people conclude that piercings and tattoos are, in fact, creative individualism and that they are treasures to be proud of rather than hidden. They believe that body art and jewelry personify unique opinions, express a person's story, or even simply... middle of paper... Self-mutilation. Ed. Mary E. Williams. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Tribal Identity Through Body Art". Skipping Stones 16.1 (January-February 2004): 34-35. Opposing points of view in context. Network. January 28, 2014.Keating, Anna Nussbaum. “Marked for Christ: The Sacred Symbolism of Religious Tattoos.” America, November 11, 2013: 30+. Opposing points of view in context. Network. January 28, 2014.Lloyd, JD Body piercing and tattoos. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven, 2003. Print.Reybold, Laura. Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattoos and piercings. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 1996. Print.US Food & Drug Administration. “Tattooing has health risks.” Body piercing and tattoos. Ed. Sharon Bahadosingh. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. In question. Rpt. from "Tattoos and Permanent Makeup". 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Network. January 28. 2014.