Have you ever thought about customising your body or appearance in any way? Do you talk yourself out of shaving your hair and dyeing it Prettyboy D-O style, getting an eyebrow piercing, or tattooing a Naruto character on your arm? Then this is for you.
Body mods refer to any method of making permanent changes to the body, including piercing, tattooing, subdermal implants, etc. They are usually for aesthetic purposes and can be a good idea for many reasons. They’re pretty, cute, fun, and maybe even hot. They may feel like an affirmation of self or for plain beauty purposes, but above all, they’re a medium of self-expression— a way to take control of your body and how you present yourself.
If you’ve ever considered/are considering getting body mods, this article is the sign you’ve been looking for to tip your uncertainty over the line and to motivate you to take that bold step. Here are three reasons why you should dye your hair, get that tattoo or those piercings today!
This Life Is One
Life is a journey— a relatively short one too. If you believe that doing something (that does not cause harm to anyone) will make you feel good and happy or even just create a good memory, then go for it. If your reason for holding back from doing certain things is a fear of what people will think, then you need to realise that you should care less about what people will think. Firstly, people need to mind their business more, and secondly, if you made all your decisions considering what people will think, you’ll hardly be able to do anything or make any independent choices.
Everyone ultimately has control over their lives and will bear the consequences of their actions alone, so, such decisions should also be made alone. Putting other people’s thoughts and feelings before yours where it directly concerns only you is a limiting way to live. Stretch your legs a little.
Instant Coolness
What’s cooler than hot pink hair? Or blonde eyebrows and locs to match? Or a tattoo of some meta drawing that covers your entire back? It’s literal art on your body, and it can be whatever you like. Maybe a drawing of something you care about or something funny, song lyrics, bible verses, your mother’s name, etc. The possibilities are endless, they can mean everything and nothing— a replication of The Monalisa or a hyperrealistic tattoo of Squidward from Spongebob. You could be walking around daily with beautiful, interesting art adorning your body— very cool. It also makes for great conversation: “omg nice tattoo” “Haha thanks, *insert a fun anecdote about the tattoo*”
Brightly coloured hair in fun shapes and styles and piercings can also be a great identifier if you’re
I mean, septum piercings?
To Rage Against The Machine
Another reason why you should give into the desire for body mods is that they can be a tool of self-expression in protest against society. Hear me out— you can passively fight against respectability politics and profiling by ignoring societal expectations on presentation and customising your appearance as you see fit.
Many people see piercings, tattoos and coloured hair a certain way, and they project stereotypes onto people because of how they look. Even if you don’t intend to, you can be a walking message that such stereotypes are unfounded or that what they think can’t and won’t stop people from doing what they want with their bodies. Body mods can feel like affirming your identity, and they may simply make you like your appearance more; a win is a win.
In the end, the only person who can decide what’s best for you and what you want to do is you. Think about it, or maybe don’t, we only hope we’ve encouraged you to consider it with a fresh perspective, even if not for yourself, for people around you. It is truly not that serious.
Body mods don’t say anything about a person’s character or substance and they do not take away from it. We’re sims trying on new skins.
Nigerian society will definitely not get to a place where body mods are “acceptable” any time soon. So, If you’re waiting until they’re not judged or condemned to take that step, then you’ll be waiting a long. Seize the day, make that impulsive decision now!
