Before someone decides to modify their body, especially by means of tattooing, piercing, stretching or scarring, there are a number

of factors to consider. Modifying ones body in a significant way can lead to some undesired consequences, as well as benefits and rewards. In the past, tattoos, facial piercings and ear lobe piercings for men, were considered taboo and certainly had stigmas associated with them. Today in the U.S., however, body modification is much more mainstream with over 60 percent of women and 42 percent of men being pierced according to a 2008 study by Clinics in Dermatology. This study also found that roughly 10 percent of the American population is tattooed. Although generally the public opinion of body mods is in favor of them, the primary concern still lingers: jobs. Choosing to stretch ear lobes or deciding the placement of a new tattoo is a major commitment that most would consider permanent. Something that looks great at age 16 may leave someone with regret by 25. While this varies by individual and circumstance, for most, it may harm their chances of employment. John Gauthier, store manager of Petco in Bowling Green, said that he personally doesnt see a problem with most body mods. Honestly, I think they can be attractive when done right and were pretty understanding about it, Gauthier said. However, he said the company policy forbids lip, nose and tongue piercings and employees are required to remove them or wear a clear or flesh-colored retainer while working. Most retail and food service jobs have very similar standards for body modification. The general consensus is that as long as the piercing or tattoo is not offensive and is covered up or subtle, there are no problems. This is also true for interviews. I once had a guy come in with a Linkin Park t-shirt, ripped jeans and huge spikes in his ears. It just told me he didnt care enough about the job to make himself presentable, store manager of Shoe Sensation, Megan Edwards said. Edwards said, for her, its not so much the tattoos, piercings and stretched lobes that are the problem, its the personality and work ethic of the individual. Although, like Petco, the employee handbook states no visible tattoos, facial piercings, tongue rings or enlarged lobes. I would never turn down someone just because they have tattoos or piercings, but it is a customer service job and there are image standards to maintain, said Edwards. In this case, her personal opinion and company policy clash. She said, personally, if the potential employee made a great first impression during the interview and made an effort to cover up or remove any modifications while at work, there wouldnt be an issue.

While many lower-paying jobs have comparable policies, for higher-paying or professional jobs, the situation is not as clear and can vary dramatically. BME.com staff member, Shawn Porter said, Dont be surprised if you dont run into many doctors or lawyers with heavy visible modifications. My advice to people with mods is stay in school. Go for higher education in the field you want to enter and make yourself invaluable. Most of all, dont let your modifications define you. The advice that some tattoo artists, piercers and body mods experts give is to find a trade skill or start a business. It can be difficult to land a steady paying job when relying on the standards of an employer or company. Taking a talent or skill and pursuing it entrepreneurially is a popular route to take when the regular system just wont do. People modify their bodies for a variety of reasons and usually are not quick to give them up unless its inevitable. The most common being a form of self-expression and identity among other benefits. According to a 2000 study by Feminism and Psychology, one woman said, Im getting pierced to reclaim my body. Ive been used and abused. My body was taken by another without my consent. Now, by the ritual of piercing, I claim my body as my own. I heal my wounds. Joe Peabody, a tattoo artist and piercer at Studio 14 said, People nowadays, are leaning towards the more meaningful side, something that is heartfelt, usually, or something close to them. As body modification becomes more mainstream in the U.S., people are giving tattoos and piercings more serious consideration. Many people lean toward art with meaningful message related to religion, family or friends. This can include a symbol that reminds the person of an event or experience that has a strong significance for them. For these individuals, removing a tattoo or piercing is comparable to removing a part of themselves in order to pursue a career. While people modify their bodies for various reasons, some are not aware of the potential health risks associated with improper or lack of sterilization and allergic reactions. This is primarily true for adolescents. In a 2011 BMC Public Health study, researchers found that among over 9,000 high school students surveyed, over 20 percent were unaware of infectious risks and allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes, especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes, can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo. A skin infection, which might cause redness, swelling, pain and a pus-like drainage, is possible after tattooing. Also, If the equipment used to create the tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, he or she receiving the tattoo can contract various blood borne diseases including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The same study found that 73 percent of students received body art in unauthorized facilities. However, that number is only 33 percent of over 3,500 undergraduate students. Researchers concluded that the widespread problem is lack of awareness and education. If there were more of a focused effort to educate high school and college students on the risks associated with body modifications, the number of incidents could be reduced. In fact, over 44 percent of the high school students said they got a tattoo simply because they just wanted one. There seems to be a disconnect between curiosity and exploration, and knowledge of complications. Body modification has been practiced across numerous cultures for centuries. However, it has only recently become popular in the U.S. during the last couple of decades. The excitement and curiosity amongst teenagers and adults alike is growing, but the education and information is lacking. If the general population were more educated on the positives and negatives of body modification, we would most likely see an increase in the number of serious, informed modifiers and a decrease in life-long mistakes that result in expensive removal surgeries, according to the findings of BMC Public Health. The risks and rewards of body modifications are clear. The future of this practice however, is still a bit foggy. It is still yet to be determined if this is a passing, U.S. fad, of if our future elders will be lined up for bingo night with dangling ear lobes and full-sleeved tattoos.