Ask me a question about body piercing

[Cloud]

I don't think an individual's personal preferences as to what attracts them is discrimination. Refusing to be waited upon or refusing to hire a person with piercings is, though.

Furthermore, "mutilation" is a loaded word, and I certainly don't view my body art as such. However, Western thought does generally view permanent alteration meant to be viewed (as opposed to permanent alteration meant to be hidden, such as plastic surgery) as mutilation, and there are very good historical and philosophical antecedents to this; i.e., the greek ideal of bodily perfection, medieval attitudes toward the body, Cartesian philosophy, etc.

I think and hope this antiquated viewpoint is changing, and I would urge you to open your mind a little bit. Most people who are heavily involved in this practice (including me) view it as celebrating and decorating the body, infusing it with personal meaning, rather than the self-harm the term "mutilation" connotes.

If you have a question, I'll be happy to try to answer it. You don't really have to "get it" though--it's not for everyone, that's for sure!