Why, oh, why??

Although I have come upon a number of fascinating blogs that address the various aspects of tattoo culture, other forms of body modification seem to lack attention. This seems quite backwards to me, as a plethora of information regarding tattoos can be found by simply "Googling" pertinent terms, but it is substantially more difficult to encounter websites devoted to informing and stimulating the minds of those interested in such less mainstream forms of body modification as scarification and suspension. In response to my rather fruitless quest (BMEzine notwithstanding) for an informational resource that encompasses all forms of body modification, not just tattoos, I have decided to start my own. In creating this blog I hope to educate myself as much as possible on the many aspects of body modification, share the information that I acquire to educate others (both modifiers themselves and the lay public), and have an open space in which I can develop my skills as an aspiring journalist. In addition, I blog in the hope that I can change some beliefs regarding the “type of people” who undergo the various forms of body modification. Our culture seems to me to be focused on the idea that pristine skin and a put-together appearance represent beauty, intelligence, and kindness. In response to this all-too-common view, I present myself as proof that it is possible to be pierced, tattooed, branded, and clad in unconventional clothing, and still be just as beautiful, intelligent, and kind as any smartly dressed, flawlessly-skinned individual. If you are one of the open-minded individuals who have already realized that cultural assumptions do not always hold true, kudos. If not, I hope you will take some time to explore my blog and see that there is more to body modification than shock-value and rebellion. Modified people have families, friends, and feelings just like everyone else. The only difference is that our hobbies involve needles and blood rather than balls and cleats. Well, on second thought, having balls is rather essential...