A piercing can be defined as any object, intentionally left in the body, for which there is no physiologically functional purpose, and must have be placed in an event which took a conscious decision. "Historically, piercing has had a long history in Europe, with references dating back to the

Ear piercings are most widely practiced piercings among cultural groups in Africa, India, Indonesia, North and South America. In some third world countries ear piercings mark the life stages of an individual and to signify group affiliation. Ear cartilege piercings, especially popular among the Masai and Fulani, also emphasized beauty and wealth. Stretched earlobes are dominant among groups in Indonesia and South America. Stretched earlobes have increased in popularity among modern piercing enthusiasts. I noticed four men with stretched earlobes in about an hour time period on a recent trip to Philadelphia's South Street. I also observed over two-dozen shops on this one particular street in which piercings and tattoo services were offerd.

In conclusion, people today, primarily in there teens and twenties, are primarily looking to distinguish themselves from the uniformity of modern society. Body modification is the tool that these young adults use to express their individuality. However, as body modification becomes more popular, it becomes contradicting. The youth of modern society are using tribal customs to express diversity but in actuality are forming monotony within their own social group.

"When viewed as a material aspect of our culture, popular piercing is an attempt to create an alien other: Something to shock and disconcert: An attempt to break out of the biological and cultural confines that limit the range of personal self-expression."

Henna, also known as mehndi, is the painting of the body using temporary ink (usually a dark orange color) made from the herb henna, widely used in the Mid

Some topics in this essay:
, Modification Ezine, Prince Albert, South Pacific, Middle Eastern, Indian Asian, Collegiate Dictionary, South Street, Erik Dakota, South America, body modification, stretched earlobes, modern society, amputation body, african mehndi, world believed, body paint, form body, south america, cartilege piercings,