Self Expression Through Body Modification
West Haven High School– commonly known as a friendly, open minded, and diverse environment– allows for lots of individuality among students.
These students choose to express themselves in countless areas- the ways they dress, hair styling, makeup, and more.
Students also can express themselves in more permanent terms- body modifications, including tattoos and piercings, are very popular.
The Rostrum conducted a survey of 50 students about their tattoos and piercings, and 90% of those surveyed said they have at least one piercing of some sort.
Fifty-four percent of respondents were over the age of 18, and 80% were female. They spoke on things such as why they do or don’t want body modifications, what their parents’ opinions are, the types of modifications they have and how old they were when first getting them.
“My parents didn’t mind as long as I paid for it,” said senior Kayla Urbonas.
Many unanticipated results were found.
Often, those too young to get a tattoo at a shop, whether due to their parents or the law, will opt to have a tattoo done at home.
Tattoos were a popular choice of a permanent modification, with 60% of respondents having at least one tattoo. Most of those who have them had them professionally done at a shop, while up to 40% opted to have one or more done by a friend or family member.
Often, those too young to get a tattoo at a shop, whether due to their parents or the law, will opt to have a tattoo done at home. This can be quite risky since supplies are not always sanitary or professional, which can cause unhealthy reactions.
The survey found that only 33% of those with tattoos have them hidden, suggesting more acceptance of them as a society.
Many of those surveyed shared that they felt tattoos could be “works of art” or “a way to express yourself,” and offer a sense of uniqueness, which can often inspire others to do so as well, although some shared that their parents didn’t quite feel the same
“They kind of approved, but still had their own negative opinions about them,” said senior Kassandra Marron, who has a tattoo of purple flower in honor of her friend who passed away of cancer.
That being said, some parents feel the total opposite. My mother, sister and I had plans of getting matching tattoos once my sister turned 16. Another student surveyed had a similar plan.
It was also found that more than 60% of those with tattoos received their first one under the age of 18, and 26% were younger than 16.
However, according to Connecticut law, it is “Illegal to tattoo an unemancipated minor under age 18 without the permission of the minor’s parent or guardian” (C.G.S. § 19a-92a). The punishment would be a $100 fine, or up to 90 days in prison. Yet somehow, minors, even those younger than 16, are getting inked. Some of those who received them that young still have unsuspecting parents.
Generally, when people think of piercings they think of studs and hoops, however more styles are becoming popular, including different types of piercings on the ear and different facial or body piercings. It shows, because 51% of students surveyed have at least one facial/bodily piercing, if not more.
That’s not to say ear piercings are dying down. Eighty-five percent of students still have at least one ear piercing. Ninety-four percent of these piercings were done before the age of 18, with more than 40% being immediately after birth.
There are different styles of jewelry, with room for tons of different placements for piercings, such as a conch, industrial bar, or orbital. These are all some more creative options than a typical lobe piercing which are rapidly gaining popularity.
Most respondents had a positive outlook on piercings and tattoos. If they had any tattoos or piercings they shared the happiness they have from them.
Marron said her tattoo honoring her friend is a source of comfort to her.
“It brings closure, it’s like she’s with me all the time,” Marron said.
