Body Modification Is a Form of Self-Mutilation - 1348 Words

Body Modification Is a Form of Self- Mutilation Summary-Response Essay One cant look in a magazine nor watch television without seeing the trend. It has become the newest trend in western civilization. Celebrities and the mainstream media glorify it the most. The practice has become as common as women getting their hair done, for some individuals. It is so accessible one or more of these procedures can be acquired by just a trip to the mall. The trend is known as body modification, deliberately altering the body for nonmedical reasons. The most common forms of body modification are tattooing, piercing and cosmetic surgery. Shelia Jeffreys, an associate professor of political science at the University of Melbourne, gives her†¦show more content†¦Although an impression is left on the reader it does not take away from the fact that Jeffreys points are insensitive and narrow minded. Jeffreys broadly classifies and judges the topic body modification by her standards only. By doing this Jeffreys proves herself to be very ethn ocentric, a belief in the superiority of ones own ethnic group. Grouping broad topics such as piercing and tattoos all under forms of self- mutilation shows a lack of sympathy and knowledge of long standing traditional cultural practices. In tribal regions of Africa, South America, India and Asia piercings and tattoos are a part of ones cultural identity. Tattoos and piercings define ones beauty, bravery, rite of passage, wealth, ritual beliefs and distinguishes tribes from each other. For many of individuals tattoos and piercings are far from self- mutilation. Tattoos and piercings carrying meaning and represent once identity, the distinguishing character or personality of an individual . ( PARAGRAPH ON TRIBAL TRADITIONS) Jeffrey states cutting ones own flesh, body piercing, tattooing and cosmetic surgery are all forms of self-mutilation which should be opposed(pg.1). How can Jeffreys imply that ones cultural traditions which have been practiced for over centuries be opposed? How can Jeffreys opposed ones identity. Many of these culturalShow MoreRelatedBody Modification And Human Physical Appearance1628 Words   |  7 PagesFrom culture to culture, body modification can be viewed as a true positive expression of one’s identity or viewed as forbidden and the person is shunned from society forever. In corporate America, it is considered taboo and will not earn respect or a job. In rural America, you are perceived as unclean and destroying the perfect body God gave you. But, in urban America on the streets of Brooklyn, the person is unique and exciting. 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