Literature Review
Tattoos and Body Modifications, an Evolution of Self Expression
Beatrice Meza
3/25/11
Saenpoch
Abstract
This literature review takes a look at different types of tattoos and body modifications and how, mainly in North America, we will see how different issues arise and dealt with because of this new trendy movement. The topics discussed include what are tattoos and body modifications and why are they so popular, what issues are commonly experienced, and what the effects of these issues have on those with tattoos and modifications. It even goes into ways tattoos and body modifications are becoming more accepting and popular.
Tattoos and Body Modifications, a Fight Against Discrimination
Tattoos and various body modifications have existed for centuries up until the present. Many different cultures have incorporated different modifications into their rituals and way of life. Tattoos and body modifications have become increasingly popular, mainly in North America where oddly enough they are most discriminated against. This literature review looks at where this growing trend in America might end up in response to these questions:
1. What are tattoos and body modifications?
2. How did tattoos and body modifications begin?
3. What issues are commonly dealt with in this area?
4. How are these modifications seen in the workplace?
While there are many pro-modification spokespersons and groups in existence, not to mention the thousands with modifications themselves, the work towards world wide acceptance is a long one.
What are Tattoos and Body Modifications?
Every single person has seen either a tattoo or a piercing on someone as those are the most popular of modifications. But the list goes on from there. Nowadays, virtually any part of the body can be pierced, and here in America, the most popular ones are: eyebrows, nose, ears, lip and tongue, naval, nipples, female genitalia and male genitalia. (Larkin, 2004). More extreme modifications include: scarification, implants, tongue splitting, amputations, corseting or waist training, ear cropping, suspensions, etc. (David, 2010). Other modifications that people might not be aware of include breast implants, liposuction, hair dying, make-up, even simply getting a haircut. Those are all alterations to your body that are done everyday and fit into today’s meaning of “normalcy” and if anything they are highly promoted and encouraged in society today.
How did tattoos and body modifications begin?
The existence of tattoos has come about for different reasons. One of the earliest records comes from the native Maori. There is a myth that originated describing how the great hero Ma Taora, while at the underworld like Odysseus, learned tattooing from his dead father in law as a way to make painted designs permanent. (Vlahos, 1979). Just like in the native Maori tribe, many different cultures and religions have implicated tattoos into their practices and way of life. This has ultimately evolved into a form of self-expression and personal meaning. To many, tattoos can serve as a significance of rank or honor, similar to battle scars. Most serve as a way of personal expression, but what really paved the way for tattoos and modifications today started in the 1960’s. As punk rock, a new genre of music emerged onto the scene in North America, it became accompanied by rebellious youth, tattoos and body modifications, all known as the straight edge movement. The straight edge movement differs from others in that it requires a lifetime commitment. Straight edge means giving up alcohol, drugs and in some cases sexual relations to live a sober happy life. (Haenfler, 2006). This is usually presented by receiving various types of tattoos stating your commitment, most commonly getting three X’s somewhere on the body.
What Issues are Commonly Dealt With in this Area?
Tattoos have become the most accepted of modifications, and although they have existed for so long in so many regions, they, along with other modifications are often frowned upon. In the Bible it is stated in Leviticus 19:28: “Never cut your bodies in mourning for the dead or mark your skin with tattoos, for I am the Lord.” (Larkin, 2004). This is just one of many various ways religion plays into the un-acceptance of tattoos and body modifications. Despite this, as modifications keep progressing and becoming more and more “extreme”, a common issue people must deal with is discrimination. Cases of discrimination exist by the thousands, and one way modifiers are fighting it is by turning to religion. The Church of Body Modification or COBM, has thousands of members, religious practices, and has been established as a real congregation. It has a board of directors that review applications for those who are interested in joining the COBM. It is led by president Chris Carter and to this day is gradually increasing its members. (COBM, 2000). Ariana Lacono, a teenager in North Carolina is not allowed to wear her nose stud to school despite being a member of the COBM. Contrary to what most people might believe, this isn’t just a case of teen rebellion, her mother is a member as well. (Petri, 2010).
How are these Modifications Seen in the Workplace?
Many employees have tried to make cases of discrimination in the workplace against their employers but they must have a strong case in order to succeed. In the case of Edward Rangel, an employee at a Red Robin in Seattle will be given a total sum of $150,000 dollars to resolve a religious discrimination lawsuit. Rangel was fired after a new manager saw his religious inscriptions on his wrists, despite the fact he had been working there for six months with no complaints from customers, fellow employees, or even mangers. (EEOC, 2005). Claims of religious discrimination are commonly argued as being a violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act or a state law equivalent. This title prohibits employers from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee based on the individual’s religion. (Kramer, 2006). In a recent survey conducted by Beatrice Meza, a student from the University of Texas at El Paso, the managers of the local Wal-Mart store 1015, who have decided to remain anonymous, gave their standings on the issue.
Figure 1
Q1. Is an employee with either a tattoo or body modification of some kind any less qualified to perform their job?
Q2. Should Wal-Mart’s policy on tattoos and body modifications be changed or removed?
Q3. Is the policy strictly enforced?
Q4. Work aside, do you think tattoos and modifications are acceptable in general?
As you can see, while ninety percent of managers believe a tattoo or body modification doesn’t affect a person’s ability to work, only fifty percent believed the policy should be changed. (Figure 1). Additionally, forty percent don’t think the policy is strictly enforced leading to a possible reason to why it shouldn’t be changed. (Figure 1). When asked if tattoos and modifications are acceptable in general, eighty percent agreed they were, an obvious majority. (Figure 1).
Conclusion
Tattoos and body modifications have existed for centuries, but the lack of support by many cause them to remain in a state of delinquency. They have proven themselves time and time again to be a form of self-expression, cultural belief, even an act of religious faith. With so many people getting these types of modifications every day, it appears to be only a matter of time before the issues commonly dealt today such as discrimination and employment problems will become a thing of the past.
References
Church of Body Modification. (2000). http://uscobm.com/
David. (2010). Types of Body Modification. modificationnation.com. http://www.modificationnation.com/content/20-types-body-modification.html
Gary,J and Jacobson, G. (Directors). (2005). Modify [Documentary]. Committed Films.
Haenfler, R. (2006). Straight Edge. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
Kramer, R. (2006). Recent Developments in Government Operations and Liability Generation Y: Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Is sues for the Private and Public Employer. Urban Lawyer, 38(3), 593-611. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
Larkin, B. (2004). Home Study Program: The Ins and Outs of Body Piercing. AORN, 79-2. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSL/is_2_79/ai_113802508/
Petri, A. (2010, September 16) Get Me to the Church of Body Modification On Time. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ roughsketch/2010/09/get_me_to_the_church_of_body_m.html
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from
http://www.eeoc.gov/
Vlahos, O. (1979). Body: The Ultimate Symbol. New York, NY: JB Lippincott Company.
Genre Analysis
“Tattoos and Body Modification”: Genre Analysis of a Documentary and Article
Beatrice Meza
University of Texas at El Paso
“Tattoos and Body Modification”: Genre Analysis of a Documentary and Article
There is a countless amount of people all over the world who either have tattoos and/or are have modified their bodies in one way or another. It has existed for hundreds of years in different cultures and can even be seen as a normal way of life. Tattooing and body modification has become increasingly popular over the years here in the United States, but it is still seen by many as taboo, some may go as far to say mutilation. The struggle to fit is now more important than ever and the modified community has found different ways to get their message across.
In a touchy topic such as this, the way the audience is informed can help decide where they stand on the issue. The documentary “Modify” directed by Jason Gary and Greg Jacobson, speaks on the issue through many different viewpoints and topics. Another genre is the article “Should We Prevent Non-Therapeutic Mutilation and Extreme Body Modification?” written by Thomas Schramme. It makes a case for body modification in a series of well written arguments. Both of these genres speak of the topic positively and so it is just a matter of depicting which genre speaks clearer to the audience.
Purpose and Audience
The main purpose of the documentary is to expose the truth about tattooing and body modification to the audience. It covers a variety of subtopics such as modification versus mutilation, religion, different types of modifications, and real life stories. Multiple viewpoints are explored between the different stars of the film and show the actual procedures people undergo. This film leads you to ask yourself whether it truly is a form of self-expression or just a form of mutilation.
When it comes to the article, the topic is presented in a positive yet different way. It is written as a formal paper and analysis the argument of body modification versus mutilation. It differs from the film in that there is nothing visual going on here. Words are used to describe everything and have a more sophisticated tone. It explains to the audience in more technical terms how and why body modification should be allowed as there is no strong argument against it. It gives the audience a different way to look at this topic, backed up with many sources and terms.
This particular documentary has some strong images and is thus considered for mature audiences. This can be viewed as a good and bad thing. Being a film makes it more appealing to the audience but it also shows the actual procedures being performed, which bluntly stating is quite bloody, not a good film for the squeamish.
The audience for the article by Thomas Schramme is mainly for the older audience. It speaks in a very educative tone and appears in the magazine Bioethics. This would make the actual article harder to reach audiences as it is not a very popular magazine.
The credibility of this documentary comes from the actual information that is given out. Many of the stars of this film are professionals in the field. This includes professional piercers and tattooists to actual surgeons and doctors. Everything is told from first-hand experience and cannot get any realer than that.
The article on the other hand seems to be a much more credible as it is written with many credited sources and references. It also provides endless information on the topic of tattoos and body modification as he argues in different areas such as the psychology behind body modification or whether it can be considered self-harm.
Rhetorical Issues: Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Between these two genres, the documentary is able to bring out more emotion from the audience. Sight is a powerful sense and the intense images that it displays can bring about all kinds of feelings. Whether it’s getting a tattoo, getting a piercing, or even watching an actual surgical procedure, the sight can make you feel pained, sad, or just impressed at the ability of the person being modified. Especially when these people are being discriminated against can bring about more feelings of sadness that make the audience feel more connected to their lives.
The article doesn’t appear to give off an emotional sense as much as the film does. It implements a lot of big words and comes off as an informative piece that doesn’t necessarily stir any strong feelings like those in the film. The reaction it generally creates is that of intelligence and a feeling of more in depth knowledge.
The logic behind both of these genres is created in the same way. Information is being given out in a manner that intrigues the audience to become interested in the topic. Both these genres try to ascertain the same goal of shinning a positive light on this topic and do it using different rhetorical strategies.
Structure
Structure can have a lot to do with both of these genres and helps in getting the message across. The documentary basically shows the audiences an in-depth look at how many of these modifications are done and why they are done. Different people, mostly famous, are introduced throughout the movie, each with their own personal story or opinion. There were no special effects or fancy shots in this film. It just consisted of people speaking and procedures being done, effective and to the point. This film’s structure may seem simple, but works for this topic.
The article has a different structure behind it. The author has his article in an essay format and proceeds to divide his paper into several arguments coming to a conclusion at the end of each one to help keep the audience on track. He speaks in a very scholarly/ scientific point of view and still is able to make a case for body modification.
Style and Language
These two genres have been created using different methods and means of presenting themselves. The documentary has a very easy going feel to it and uses very basic form of communication to connect to the audience. The article on the other hand uses a more professional tone and gives more of a challenge to its audience with the way it presents itself.
Conclusion
It appears that these two genres, although both covering the same topic, both have a very different way of getting their message to the audience. While the movie speaks with a more emotional realistic sense, the article sticks to the logical side of things and makes a prize worthy paper to inform the public as well. Either way, tattooing and body modification is increasingly being shown in a better light and hopefully can one day be just a normal part of society.
References
“Modify” (2005) Directed by Jason Gary and Greg Jacobson
Viewed at: http://www.fancast.com/movies/Modify/151362/1145610046/Modify/videos
“Should we Prevent Non-Therapeutic Mutilation and Extreme Body Modification?” By Thomas Schramme (Bioethics, vol. 22 Number 1, 2008)
