Essay Example on Body Modification

In many primitive rituals, it is common to display feats of strength through acts of body modifications such as piercing, tattooing, branding, scarification, implants, and body suspension. These ancient rituals have not been forgotten. They are still being performed today by not only native descendants but also by groups all over the world that refer to themselves as “modern primitives. ” For those who are referred to as “modern primitives,” the evidence shows more often than not that it is primarily abusive and destructive behavior.

The significance of body modifications of all types had social, political, and religious meanings in ancient times. Body modification was used to prove one’s strength and bravery to a tribal chief, to impress the family of an intended mate, or simply for adornment to enhance one’s physical characteristics to make themselves more attractive to the opposite sex. However, body modification goes beyond pleasing man. It holds religious significance and is sometimes a sacrificial act to please one’s god.

Ancient cultures performed body modifications for strict purposes. They were used to please gods, leaders, to gain a mate, or to prove their own self-worth and ability to accept pain. Are the same social, political, and spiritual motives operating with today’s “modern primitives” that engage in various forms of body modifications. In some cases yes, native descendants who are following their ancestor’s cultural history hold the same pride and motivation that was used to perform these acts.

On the other hand, the so-called “modern primitives”, which are primarily found in the United States, argue that it shows their personal freedom, that they have the right to use their bodies as they see fit and body modification demonstrates their control.

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It is also said to be an artistic expression of oneself and or a political or religious statement. However, most of the members of these groups are thought to have self-esteem problems or a lack of family guidance. It is clear that body modification may just be an excuse for their failure to cope problems and stresses of society today.

Does the government have a legitimate role in policing people who engage in body modification? At what point would one get involved. There is a distinction between someone who goes to the mall to pierce their ears and someone who has shark hooks pierced through their back so they could suspend themselves. Obviously, a total ban against body modification violates the constitutional right of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. However, one of the main tools the government has to control what someone perceives to be their own personal freedom is whether it harms the general public.

These “modern primitives” demonstrations and performances of body modification can risk the safety of the audience and its performers. If the case comes up that a performer was injured to the point where medical care had to be provided at government expense it would affect the taxpayers and therefore harm the general public financially. If it’s not okay for someone to shoot their friend in the stomach if their friend wants to know how it feels, than what makes it okay for someone to suspend and help mutilate another with their consent.

It is harming a human being and should be outlawed. Body Modification has been around for centuries and in some culture is considered to be an amazing experience and those who performed it are held in the highest respect. There are people however, who have a false appreciation for it. It is used as an excuse for their problems and inability to cope with life. There is an art of beauty and talent in some of these modifications but the disturbing mutilations seem to outnumber them.