Terri is the mother of a 13 year-old girl who just got her navel pierced. About the claims that piercings are signs of rebellion, she said, "I can say that such blanket statements are ludicrous...I can't speak for all, but in my case, my daughter is a mature, gifted...girl who is very comfortable and expressive about her own body. She is an honor student. She is artistic and creative, which probably helps explain her being drawn to piercings...It was a beautiful bonding experience when I took her to the parlor to get pierced. I was so proud of her as she overcame her fear and, when it was all over, exclaimed: 'I'm so proud of me!' What a powerful statement from a girl at this age - when life is so confusing and full of insecurities."
On the Other Hand
In my attempt to keep this article diplomatic, allow me to play Devil's advocate for a moment. It is possible that children who are already inclined toward bad behavior may also desire to be pierced and/or tattooed.
It is possible that kids who are already in a gang or trying to get into one will get tattooed or pierced to show support for that gang.
It is also possible that children with a predisposition to rebel might choose to act on that desire by getting tattooing or piercings. Why? Because adults are already against it, which makes it a perfect way to rebel - not because there is anything deviant about bodyart. If adults were opposed to fuzzy bunny slippers, rebellious kids would be wearing them.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that getting tattooed or pierced does not automatically mean a teen is involved in drinking, smoking, drugs, sex, gangs, animal sacrifice or conspiring with extra-terrestrial aliens.
But that doesn't mean parents or schools are going to stop assuming the worst of our kids. And unlike adults, teens don't have the option to walk away from a school that doesn't allow them to be who they are. The next article in this series will deal with what students and parents can do to support each other in this fight for freedom.
sources : about.com
