2008 Woodie Awards
It is my body, so I will do what I want with it
Society has certain guidelines that are considered acceptable, some people don't follow these guidelines.
Pamela Kohler
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Opinion
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America was built on certain principles. Our first amendment rights, the freedom of expression and speech, entitles us, citizens, to make whatever type of statement we I want in this country.
And rightfully so, each person has the privilege to see my statement and either reject it or accept what I have to show.
But where do we draw the line? At the passing glares at the septum ring or the muted whispers about the half-sleeve of tattoos? It's a paradox, because they have the right, but it's ethically not acceptable.
The reason being, who decided that Abercrombie and American Eagle suddenly were the models of the new generation and those children were more acceptable?
I use my rights to do whatever I want with my body. Whether the general public will like it, is another statement in itself.
There are extremes of these types of individuality statements, and "tasteful" in the general public has always been the random butterfly tattoos on the lower back. I look at these and think, why should I conform to this standard, which countless girls have, so that I am more acceptable to society? Is this acceptable because Britney Spears only has a small tattoo and so the public's bias leans toward this small expression?
Apparently, some religions believe I am going to Hell because I have derogated my body. So you're saying at the gates of Heaven I'm going to be rejected because of the artwork on my skin? The body, which is left behind and has nothing to do with my soul and its entrance to Heaven. Well, then why should miss-lower-back-butterfly get in, but I, however, cannot?
Religion has always been complicated, and I don't challenge why certain people believe, but I ask, why are certain ones singled out?
But folks, don't let me stop here because tattoos and piercings are the beginning of it. Try wearing all black to class one day, see how many people stare at you. They say that black is dark and morbid, that it portrays bad energy outward.
And rightfully so, each person has the privilege to see my statement and either reject it or accept what I have to show.
But where do we draw the line? At the passing glares at the septum ring or the muted whispers about the half-sleeve of tattoos? It's a paradox, because they have the right, but it's ethically not acceptable.
The reason being, who decided that Abercrombie and American Eagle suddenly were the models of the new generation and those children were more acceptable?
I use my rights to do whatever I want with my body. Whether the general public will like it, is another statement in itself.
There are extremes of these types of individuality statements, and "tasteful" in the general public has always been the random butterfly tattoos on the lower back. I look at these and think, why should I conform to this standard, which countless girls have, so that I am more acceptable to society? Is this acceptable because Britney Spears only has a small tattoo and so the public's bias leans toward this small expression?
Apparently, some religions believe I am going to Hell because I have derogated my body. So you're saying at the gates of Heaven I'm going to be rejected because of the artwork on my skin? The body, which is left behind and has nothing to do with my soul and its entrance to Heaven. Well, then why should miss-lower-back-butterfly get in, but I, however, cannot?
Religion has always been complicated, and I don't challenge why certain people believe, but I ask, why are certain ones singled out?
But folks, don't let me stop here because tattoos and piercings are the beginning of it. Try wearing all black to class one day, see how many people stare at you. They say that black is dark and morbid, that it portrays bad energy outward.