Body Piercing

            
             Could you imagine one of the kids of today's age that is all pierced up going back fifty years into the past. People would either think that he or she is from a foreign culture, has severe mental problems, or is the Anti-Christ. The person would probably not be able to live through all of the stares and comments made to them. He would be made fun of and laughed at everyday on numerous occasions. Today though it is very popular and hard to go anywhere without seeing at least one eyebrow, belly-button, lip, or tongue piercing. It is like being in some exotic culture and seeing all of the weird things that people do to their body there.
             "[B]ody piercing [is a] common form of body art that has become more socially acceptable and increasingly popular in the U.S. over the past several years."(Sandager, 1) This same art has been used in many different cultures for thousands of years. Though, in those other cultures their piercings meant something. We do it to show belonging to a particular group, rebel, and to go with a fad. These are the same reasons that American teens do a lot of things.
             Body piercing "was first practiced in Africa and Asia, and was used by the Roman athletes and slaves, Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans." (Hawaii.edu, 1) It was used for many different reasons. These reasons include: to keep them safe from spirits, to show their position in society, and just for decoration. Religion is also a big reason that people pierce themselves. This is the same in many cultures. It seems that Americans take things that other cultures do for a reason and do it just to do it.
             There are many dangers of piercing. The first is that your body may reject it. If you are pierced with an unsterilized needle, you can contract HIV, Hepatitis, or other blood-transmitted diseases. If not done professionally, you can damage vital body tissues. You can hit a vein or artery. Also there is the risk of it getting infected.