Gen Xers lead piercing and tattoo fad
by Dena Babbs & Crystal Zobrist, Outpost Contributors
|
Navels & tongue most popular |
It is no great surprise that tattoos and body piercings are a fad with Generation X.
Just take a look at all the new tattoo and body piercing shops that have cropped up recently throughout Reno.
What's the attraction? Why do they do it?
"Trend is the biggest reason," said Angel Giffhorn, 26, owner of Black Hole Professional Body Piercing shop in Reno.
Gen Xers cite several reasons for coloring themselves with tattoos and piercing their various body parts. Their reasons range from personal expression to personal empowerment or to just be spontaneous and rebellious.
The glamorization of tattoos and body piercings in the media has sparked an interest in this trend. Jared Isenberg, 24, a Reno tattoo artist, said rock stars and MTV are a big influence on his clients.
Paul King, a writer for Piercing Fans International Quarterly, wrote that body piercing has penetrated the mainstream through literature, music videos, high fashion, media sensationalism and governmental hysteria.
"Don't be surprised when Barbie starts sporting a 'belly button ring,' " King wrote.
 |
Giffhorn said people get piercings as a way to reclaim themselves after physical or sexual abuse. Making a permanent choice with their own bodies and committing to it is also a common reason for piercing and tattooing.
Generation X is marked by personal expression, making tattoos and piercings all the more appealing.
Heidi Kientz, a 20-year-old student at the University of Nevada, Reno, got a sunflower tattoo on her ankle in May 1996. Kientz said she contemplated the idea of getting her tattoo for about three months. She is thinking about getting another tattoo.
"My tattoo wasn't anything like a fad," Kientz said. "For me, it shows a part of my personality that people don't know; it is my own personal expression."
Others get tattoos and piercings to be rebellious and spontaneous. Rob Bray, 27, got a tattoo in the spur of the moment with a group of friends. Bray got his tattoo of a cartoon character (Hobbes) three years ago and said he does not regret it. He is considering adding Calvin to the picture.
Justin Beltram, 20, pierced his penis in January but took it out after a few months. Beltram said he pierced his penis just to do something crazy.
"I didn't get my penis pierced to show people," Beltram said. " But if I got a tattoo I'd want to show it off."
Beltram added that he would like to get a tattoo to show that he was a part of Generation X when he is older.
There is one significant difference that stands out between body piercings and tattoos. While piercings can be temporary, tattoos are permanent unless they are removed through laser surgery.
Martin Gastanaga, 31, a Reno internet resource company owner, has pierced his left earlobe, the web of his hand, his navel and the cartilage of his left ear. He removed his navel and hand web piercings but has kept his ear piercings. Gastanaga said he did not want to get a tattoo because too many friends were getting them and he did not want to be like everyone else.
"I also saw the movie Faces of Death, and a dead body had a tattoo on it," Gastanaga said. "I didn't like the idea of it being permanent."
Whether tattoos and body piercings are permanent, temporary, a fad or for the rebellious side of a Gen Xer, it is unlikely they will fade out anytime soon. The primitive art of tattoos and body piercings have made a strong impression on Generation X.
Giffhorn said that body piercings and tattoos will last at least another 10 years, especially because they are seen more and more on television.
Jeff Buckingham, an environmental health specialist for the Washoe County District Health Department, said the trend may fade from the public eye because publicity will lessen.
"But they have been around for years and will continue to be," Buckingham said.
copyright 6/1/97 Nevada Outpost
http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost
 |
General Piercing Care Information Body Piercing Newsgroups |
 |