Megan Baskett reveals a new addition to her piercing collection: the navel piercing. The senior studio arts major plans add a second piercing to her navel to form a cross. In addition to this piercing she has several piercings in each ear and both of her nipples. (CU Independent/Lauren Walter)
The art of body modification has been around for ages, but only recently has it become more popular, especially among college students.
“I think that piercings and tattoos are cool because they are like art for your body,” said Jennifer Gentry, a 19-year-old freshman psychology major. “I only have my ears pierced, but I would love to get a tattoo…if I knew what I wanted.”
According to a survey conducted by Northwestern University, almost a fourth of men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 currently sport a tattoo or piercing. Originally just for the ear lobes, many different types of piercings are now available and have risen in popularity, spreading to virtually every part of the body.
The “Helix” is a piercing of the upper ear cartilage, and usually a ring or a stud is worn with this piercing. The “Industrial” is another ear piercing that goes through two sides of the upper ear cartilage; a barbell is worn with this type of piercing.
Some less traditional types of piercings are the “Monroe,” “Snake Bites,” and nipple piercings. The “Monroe,” named after Marilyn Monroe’s iconic mole, is a lip piercing placed off-center above the upper lip and is meant to resemble a beauty mark. “Snake bites” are two piercings placed on each side of the lower lip.
Not everyone sees the beauty in piercings like the “Monroe.”
“I don’t have a ‘Monroe,’ but I do have my lower lip pierced,” said Denice Shokranifar, an 18-year-old, freshman open-option major. “I think they’re kind of trashy and too trendy; I want to be different.”
On the other hand, nipple piercings have become surprisingly admired by some students.
When asked how she felt about them, Veronica Xiong, a 19-year-old freshman ethnic studies major, said, “I think that nipple piercings are cool and they look good on the right type of people, just not me. They look a little bit painful.”
Tattoos are also another favorite among students because they serve as a more permanent type of artwork and can have a more personal meaning.
“I have ‘faith’ tattooed on my inner wrist,” said Ariana McEwan, an 18-year-old freshman psychology major, “because I don’t necessarily have religion, but I do have faith.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kenna Egbune at Ikenna.egbune@colorado.edu.
1 comment
My trendy pierce is my Industrial Piercing with 18kgold.