Popular Culture Meets Psychology

While it is a valid theory that getting tattoos may be a way of self mutilation, there are also many other reasons for getting a tattoo or piercing. These range from fitting in and looking cool to your peers, to showing which gang you're in and if you've ever killed someone (as tattoos above the neck would normally imply)

I also have to speculate whether tattooing when affiliated with depression and antisocial behavior is actually self mutilation, or simply a front to be put up; a sort of mask of strength to make people think you're okay.

And, while we're on the subject, things such as branding and scarification are often justified as artistic expression, but are quite painful--scarification is said to be much more painful than tattoos--and one must wonder if one of the things that are so alluring to people who go though these procedures is, in fact the promise of pain.

and I wonder about the practice of self-flagellation and scarification that some consider a form of religious devotion...

This has become a rather intriguing subject matter for me, and I do believe you have inspired what I'm going to do for my senior project.

My utmost thanks to you, Dr. Rubin.

what are you planning for your senior project?

This is an interesting topic and I've considered it as well. Over the years I have had a few facial piercings (and after years of having them all removed, I got two piercings earlier this year). When I got the piercings and also when I've talked with my mom about other people getting tattoos, my mom has has wondered why I or anyone else would want to mutilate their body like that. I told her that I think some people view their body as a canvas and see themselves as decorating that canvas.

That being said, I do see things like the person in the photo above whose face has been "transformed" into a skeleton and I wonder where is the line between art and self-mutilation.

I can say that while I have enjoyed having various piercings, I find nothing pleasant about the experience of being pierced. But occasionally, the desire to have a piercing is enough for me to get over my apprehension of the piercing process.

On the other hand, I've known people who have said that they enjoy the process of getting tattooed. I even have a friend who not only has a lot of tattoos but has scarification in a couple places - all of which have spiritual significance to her.

All this to say, I can't give an answer. I think there is a different motivation for different people.

I have 3 tattoos and 1 piercing (other than ears). I personally do not feel of it as self-mutilation. Ear piercing has been common for a long time. When my mom asked about the tattoos I told her it was like permanent jewelry. I was very careful in my choice of tattoos to make sure it was something that really depicted what I am about and that they were something I could live with forever. And my tattoos can be covered up when I need to dress professionally.

However I do believe that there are some people who are getting tattoos and piercings as self-mutilation. It depends on the mind-set of the person. In fact an old friend once admitted that as a teen they were a cutter and as an adult, when they felt that urge, they would get a tattoo instead.

I think you're assessment is right on; the issue of self-mutilation should be determined on an individual basis...your own decisions were reasoned out....

i think there is nothing wrong with tattoos and peircings. it all depends on were u are coming from and what u believe in.

you make a great point

I think it's more self mutilation than self expression. You were given a perfect body and all, but you decided to hurt your body only for a reason of selfishness.
temporary tattoos

i think it should be allowed because if your teen cant go out and do the things they want while they"re young they may go overboard and also may lead to resentment don't be to hard on your teen let loose and just ask them is this what you really want? Do you know the side effects that could happen? will you take care of it? if i take you to get a tattoo/piercing will you do more around the house? your priorities come first and once you get this then you better grow up a bit and keep getting good grades or keep your room clean or it comes out but let them get it to be such a hard shell and not allow them to express and develop themselves as a young rambunctious outgoing adult.
with all due respect,
Dr.R

you raise great points and I appreciate your response

I'm doing a research project for school, and we are supposed to be doing a controversial topic. I was thinking of doing something along the lines of.. tattoos&piercings: self-mutalation or self-expression?..and I feel like I'm going to have a hard time specifying it. I was wondering if there we're any other avenues I could go into that would be less broad.. any ideas? I really would just like to dicuss if it is considered self-mutlation or a self-expression though..I'm just not sure how much information I could get on that.

sounds interesting can you give me a little more info on what you are thinking about

you raise very important questions, and I guess it comes down, at least in part, to whose body is it?

I'm thinking about bringing up the point of self-expression vs. self-mutilation.. I'm just not really sure if it will work. I believe tattoos and piercings are a form of self expression,and not self-mutilation.. but there comes a time when it crosses the line. I'm just really not sure how i could word this and make a strong thesis statement. I could bring up evidences in my paper like.. pyschology, or like things along that line.. like why people use self-mutilation.. but i'm just drawing blanks now.. do you have any ideas?

email me some times during the day (and a phone number) when we can chat about this

email me some times during the day (and a phone number) when we can chat about this

what is your email?

lrubin@stu.edu

If someone gets a body piercing or tattoo, or anything like that which stands out, the point is that other people see it, and perhaps judge you slightly differently (or a lot different) compared to how they might otherwise judge you. If they don't, then it is completely pointless. Think about it! ... My point is that at the moment I believe anything like piercing or tattoos shows insecurity and weakness - even if only on a sub-conscious level. And I think it stems from our judgemental society, so it's understandable. As I say, it's easier to 'follow the herd'. And even doing something outrageous to show your individuality, I believe that's also the same thing - being a sheep (or robot), because that also aims to change the perceptions other people have of you. I don't get it when teenagers say 'I don't care what people think of me', and then go out of their way to dress shockingly or self mutilate; because if they were the only person alive then they wouldn't look that way just for themselves! See what I mean? No matter what you do, you're always following some kind of culture. No one is an individual, not really. Man, I always sound like a total arse when I start philosophizing...

Those are two very different reasons given for tattooing and body piercing and they cannot really be applied so generally.

It used to be a way to rebel and express and now it is quite mainstream. If I had to choose I would lean towrds the former, I think self-mutilation occurs seriously when the mond is troubled and the person depressed. Interesting question though.

for this project i had many things to chose from but since my anty has tats and piercings! i wanted to my topic on this subject my parents think its mutilation, but i don't think it is, i think its cool and i see it as a way to express your self could you guys and girls help me out here please!!!!!!!!! thanks hiraina

it is important that you are thinking about it....many act first without thinking