Living in America, a person is constantly pushed to be a unique individual, but always 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, body piercings, scarification, and tattoos. There are many fears and myths surrounding these modifications that lead the general public to hate or even fear body art. In many circles, tattoos or piercings cause an individual to be considered trashy or unintelligent. However, tattoos and body piercings are ways for individuals to express their chosen identity, show their religious preferences, and can actually be done safely if done in an appropriate sanitary environment. Despite the negative aura of body modification, many people still choose to participate. in practice. This may lead some to wonder why someone would adorn their body at the risk of social exclusion, and the answer can be found by asking a tattooed person themselves. Vince Cancasci, living in California, once said, “Some people write in a journal, I write about myself” (Gay and Whittington 13). Other people may want to prove their independence by leading their own lives, or simply that each tattoo or piercing has a very significant meaning from an earlier time in their lives (Gay and Whittington 12-13). Many people in today's older generation view this art as vandalism of the human body and hate it with a passion. In the younger generation, many people conclude that piercings and tattoos are, in fact, creative individualism and that they are treasures to be proud of rather than hidden away. They believe that body art and jewelry personify unique opinions, express a person's story, or even just...... middle of paper...... Self harm. Ed. Mary E. Williams. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Views. Rep. from “Tribal Identity through Body Art”. Skipping Stones 16.1 (January-February 2004): 34-35. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. January 28, 2014. Keating, Anna Nussbaum. “Marked for Christ: The Sacred Symbolism of Religious Tattoos.” » America November 11, 2013: 30+. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. 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 tattooing and body piercing. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 1996. Print. US Food & Drug Administration. “Tattooing carries health risks.” Body piercing and tattoos. Ed. Sharon Bahadosingh. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At issue. Rep. of “Tattoos and Permanent Makeup”. 2006. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. January 28. 2014.