jtalama Wrote:Reminds me of Intro to Counseling and the Halo Effect. Expression does come with societal consequences, unfortunately. Be who you want to be, understand that expression does come with consequences but know that some of the most ignorant people will judge your character by your appearance.

jtalama Wrote:I never said that I didn't. I don't judge character by appearance alone. Doubtful I'll ever need to stereotype people in order to save my life.

mrs.b Wrote:Large gauge piercings can be life-long decisions, unless someone has the funds to pay for reconstructive surgeries. For people with huge holes in their lobes (or wherever else, eck), they can take them out, but then it looks even worse and are not likely to close and heal without medical intervention.

Tattoos can be removed, but it is a long and painful process. I cringe when I hear of people that went on a whim and got tattooed, particularly on necks, faces, arms, and other visible places. I wish more tattoo and piercing artists were like the one I found. She does not do same-day artwork; we worked for a few weeks on the design, then once agreed, scheduled an appointment two weeks later to allow time for cold feet to set in. At the first meeting to design, she asked what I do for a living and made recommendations to keep it contained where it would not affect work/life needs. They do body piercings there as well, and appeared to follow the same later appointment policy in case someone's impulse fades after a bit of thought. She said it does mean missed appointments and loss of money, but they feel better knowing they are less likely to be party to a later regret.

Misty Harris, at canada.com Wrote:Moments after Deborah Davidson gave birth, her premature babies — both of whom died post-delivery in the mid-1970s — were brusquely taken away. She never got to see them, to hold them, or even to say goodbye.

Today, the York University sociologist honours their brief lives with two butterfly tattoos on her leg, and is fascinated by the vast number of Canadians who have inked similar tributes on their own flesh. To that end, Davidson is developing what she believes will be the world’s first comprehensive digital archive of memorial tattoos, envisioned as a “cultural heritage site” for the various remembrances — lost loves, deceased pets, and even expired relationships — that literally left their mark on those left behind.

“These tattoos open dialogue about the deceased, and about people’s experiences of love and loss,” said Davidson. “Their loved ones are embodied permanently on them, so they’re permanently with them.”

Currently in the prototype phase, the archive will include photos of memorial tattoos, along with written, audio, and video narratives putting the images in context.

submissiongrappler Wrote:I always advise against piercings that can't be covered. I also advise against any gauges. If you try to join the military, they will make you surgically close any gauge holes in your ears if you enlist. Plus, having 33 piercings, and the ability to let the size of a small rat past through a hole in your ear, doesn't look all that appealing.