The things that we have been discussing in class lately have reminded me of an interesting documentary I saw recently about the unique ways that people will change their bodies. The documentary was called Modify and it featured everything from extreme tattooing to sub dermal implants to body building, shaping and sculpting. One of the arguments that this video tried to take on was the definition of modification. It argued that even something as simple as wearing mascara or putting on nail polish is considered modification. The people interviewed said that what they have done to their bodies is simply a step beyond these small changes. Some of the interviewees made the point that they were taking control of their bodies. To put this in terms of our class discussion, they saw their intelligible body as a canvas, or something that they could make beautiful in their own way.
Some people may not always understand what it is or why people would choose to perform such a body practice. They may even see it as a form of hysteria- acting out culture on their bodies. People with extreme tattooing or large piercings are often seen as rebellious or even dangerous. The man who looks like a cat pictured above mentioned how mothers would often cross the street with their children as to avoid passing close to him on the street. The reasons why the people in this video chose to make such extreme changes to their body are varied and unique to each one of them. Another topic discussed in the documentary is the issue of addiction. This relates to the “pursuit without terminus” idea. Some did admit that they would continue to modify their bodies until they feel that it is exactly the way they imagine it to be perfect. Whether this means getting more tattoos’, another facial surgery, or more piercings, they may not ever reach the point where they finally feel comfortable in their own modified skin.
Michelle brings up an interesting point. Usually, the goal for most of us is to be "socially acceptable"...anyway we deem that to be. Yet, some individuals strive to walk off the beaten path (nothing wrong in that, of course). I never realized that sometimes people decide to pierce, tattoo, and decorate their bodies just to feel comfortable in their own skin. I have always wondered what leads some individuals, just like those featured in the world record books, to tattoo and pierce every single square inch of their skin. Even though the human mentality says that we need to blend in, some individuals feel that by piercing their bodies, they're able to be different, yet still be perfect.
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