Across the globe, the practice of piercing your body in different areas is widespread, most commonly seen among young adults. Contrary to how piercings are perceived as an act of rebellion, the narrative around this type of self-expression is ever-changing. The practice of piercing your body parts is viewed as a form of affirmation of their individuality, means of sexual stimulation, an act of reclaiming your body after going through emotional or physical trauma, or it can be a form of self-care and adornment. Different types of body piercings include the nose, ears, lip, septum, cheeks, tongue piercings, etc.

Getting your body pierced isn’t a new phenomenon; people have been modifying their bodies with tattoos and piercings for thousands of years, and now, it is viewed as a serious profession that requires years of training and education. Although professional workplaces are still on the fence about body alterations and modifications such as tattoos and piercings – the reason why this practice is widespread in the mainstream today is because of the qualifications and certifications you require to be a reputable body piercer.

Expression of Individuality

Body piercings allow a person to take ownership of their body and express their individuality in a crafty way. Running a needle through your skin and accessorizing it with shiny bling gives your body your personal touch. It’s important to keep in mind that piercings are not harmful as long as the procedure is done using sterilized equipment and the piercing is properly cared for afterward with saline water and ointment. Body piercings are one of the healthier ways of self-expression which causes minimal damage to your body.

Body Piercings as Creativity, Not Rebellion

Most adults who belong to the previous generations view piercings as an act powered by rebellion and as a means of self-harming one’s skin. However, many body piercings advocates of today label this practice as an act of imagination, creativity, and self-expression. Almost everyone who gets body piercings doesn’t think of this modification as a way of destroying their body, but rather it’s a way of honoring their bodies and making changes to what suits the individual and their needs. Our society has progressed to extreme lengths for us to still believe those body modifications are solely tied to rebellion and deviant behavior. We must constantly remind ourselves that every individual has the right over their own body, and it’s their choice whatever changes or modifications they want to make. As long as it is done in a safe and healthy environment by professionals, then there shouldn’t be any objections.

Implications of Rejecting Piercings in the Workplace

Many professional workplaces and office setups don’t hire people with elaborate piercings or tattoos as they are deemed unprofessional. People with visible body modifications tend to face discrimination and workplace bullying based on their appearance. This affects the employees in the long run as they feel their appearance is more important than their work ethic, and regardless of the productive work they put in, they will never receive the recognition and validation only because they look “different”. The firms that allow visible tattoos and numerous piercings have a more satisfied workforce as the employees feel respected for who they are, and this encourages them to perform well.