Skip to main content

Week 9 [20-26.05.2019] Startling history of piercing art


The history of piercing art probably goes back as the oldest human mummy and has taken many weird but surprising turns along the way. Even if you don’t have any piercings, there is a massive chance you probably know someone who has them. Nowadays, it’s a very common beauty trend and even sometimes a form of self expression which adds to personality. Piercing has been definitely around for thousands of years. But where did it come from? Why do we still do it?


Actually, piercings are one of the oldest body modifications known to our human race. In very ancient civilizations, scientists found some records of many different kind of piercings, from noses to ears and shockingly; even nipples! Even before people were able to write, some piercings were a sign of a social class belongingness. Surprisingly, the oldest human who was discovered shows an evidence of an ear piercing, and it is estimated that he died 5300 years ago!

Piercing art carries a huge deal of cultural meaning in various civilizations.

For example, Ancient Roman men got their nipples pierced as a symbol of their masculinity. Only years later it has become something common among women. Male earrings came back though in the 17th century for impressing future wives. Actually in Europe,  it was widely accepted and became a fashion trend for young and rich men as a kind of advertisement for women, they intended to marry. For instance, male diamond or pearl earrings were a sing of wealthy family. Sadly, earrings for men went out of fashion for decades but reappeared in the late 20th century as a sign of a sexual orientation.  
 
Belly button piercings – from royal status to taboo

Ancient Egyptians considered this type of piercing as a royal status indication. Only the royalty was allowed to have their belly buttons pierced and according to historians, non-royal people got executed for having this king of ring. Centuries later,  it got a stigma of being rebellious and scandalous and was associated with prostitutes and a sexual culture until the 90s!

Unfortunately, even today’s society judges people by their piercings. Sadly, society is and has been stuck on visual judgment.


Questions:

1.     Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
2.    Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
3.    Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?

Comments

No, I do not have any piercings. I just see no point in it. Much like with tattoos -- I did not bother with them, and see no sense in having one. Sure, there is a big culture with them, and I am absolutely ok with it. I do not find piercings, tattoos, unusual hairstyles or hair dyes outrageous. People have an absolute unbreakable right to look like one wishes.
No I don’t have any piercings. But I know several friends that already have more than one. For me It is not very attractive, however I understand that meny people admire piercings. My best friend have a few, such as septum, smile and on her neck.

I have one friend who have one earring. But actually he is the only person who I know who have earring. Generally, men do not wear too many accessories to their everyday clothing. It seems to me that we do not need it on a daily basis

No I don’t consider any kind of piercing scandalous.
Nataliya Tkach said…
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
I made myself a piercing on the ears when I was 10 years old, 2 in the left 3 in the right. As a teenager, I wanted to pierce my nose and eyebrow.

2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
I don't think that they are not common. We just do not see all the places where they are. My brother's friend's ears are pierced. My guy, too, when it was 1 ear pierced. Many rockers, tattoo masters have a lot of piercings.

3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
Never heard the scandalous story where the piercing was implicated. Unless articles about people with the most body piercings.
1. No, I don’t have any piercings and I probably won’t ever do this to myself. I respect opinion of people who find it attractive, but to me it is totally rejecting. A woman with pierced ears is ok, but putting little pieces of metal into eyebrows, nose or lips is totally disgusting in my humble opinion. There are many pretty looking girls who destroyed their visual appearance by unnecessary “additions” put in the wrong places.

2. I think that the purpose of ear piercings is simply being a part of woman’s jewellery. It is just totally unmanly to wear ear piercings and any other type of piercing. The only type of jewellery which is allowed for men are cufflinks and watches. Of course, I tolerate men with piercings because it doesn’t offend me in any way and I simply don’t care, but in formal situations like business meetings or working in a place with strict dress-code piercing is and should be forbidden for men because it is disrespectful and ridiculous.

3. Yes, I think that children, especially those who can’t decide for themselves should never be forced to wear piercings. Sometimes we can hear about parents who “decided” to pierce their daughter’s ears. Such behaviour is irresponsible and extremely dumb-ass.
I do not have earrings. I don't like artificial body decorations.

I have no opinion. Few of my colleagues have a pierced earring.

It seems to me that I do not know a scandal with earrings.

I am sorry I wrote little, but it's a boring topic for me.
s18716 said…
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
No, I don't have a piercing, and I haven't done it yet. I haven't even thought about it yet. Who knows what I want in the future. But now it seems to me that this is not for me.

2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
Recently, I see a lot of men with piercings. A rather common thing, although I agree, there are still fewer men with piercings than women. I do not even know. Maybe this is due to the cultural characteristics of certain regions, or simply with stereotypical patterns.

3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
I have not heard of any scandalous piercings. Another thing saw people who are champions in this area. That is, for example, a person who has the largest number of piercings on the ear, or on the body in general.
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
Not really, I just don’t feel any need of having piercings (or tattoos) on my body.

2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
I guess, it is because for years now, ear piercing was somehow connected with woman style? And the fact, that for some time it was a way of showing your sexual orientation. I think, that some men may be worried of misunderstandid?

3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
Well, I heard of some celebrities known especially for their extreme piercing, so propably there is some scandal connected to it. But personally, I do not care what others do with their body. Who am I to judge them?
Maciej Sadoś said…
I don’t have piercings and I certainly don’t want to have any in the future. I don’t find it attractive for both man and women except for a simple feminine piercing in ears. I myself really don’t like it when a woman have piercings in other places. It doesn’t offend me but I don’t find it appealing.

It’s probably connected with what you’ve wrote in the article that it was for a long time considered as scandalous etc. and that belief still exists.

I find it scandalous when somebody is full of it. Like just has it everywhere.
I do not have any piercing and do not consider to have one, the though of some foreign metal object sticking out of my body is kinda horrifying.
Have ear piercing ever been popular among men? I think that man live generally more uncomfortable life, and having an additional uncomfortability like earring would make it worse, like having a grabpoint in fight, or something worth stealing.
I do not consider any kind of piercing scandalous, people shpuld do whatever they want as long as they do not hurt anyone else, i just dont get the allure of piercing.
Ewelina said…
1. Yes, I have four earrings on my face. Two labret and one banana in the lips and a septum in the nose.
2. I don't think it's less common, many men pierce their ears
3. No I don’t consider any kind of piercing scandalous.
I do not actually believe that love can be mesured by any pattern ;) it's really complicated stuff. I know a lot of people who 'on paper' look like a perfect couple but they were unable to create good reletionship. Also, I know some people who were supposed to be together less than month and they somehow had created an amazing love story that goes throught years.
On the other side, I would try up those questions if I were single.
This is a fun article. Unfortunately, I believe that this is everyone’s business. Whoever wants, and expresses itself, what want doing. For me, piercing doesn't matter. I don't have piercings, but I had piercings. I had ear piercings, but it prevented me from sleeping. One evening I took off my piercing and forgot to put it on in the morning. So, I don't have a piercing anymore.
Anna Koca said…
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
I don't. I feel that I accept myself as I am, and don't want to change my self-image in any way. But I am not against piercing or tattoos - I feel that whoever feels they need them, should be allowed to have them. You know, whatever works. Live and let live.

2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
I think it is due to the fact that they became sign of sexual orientation, precisely what you mentioned in your article. Still, I think it becomes more and more common again for men know to have piercings.

3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
Maybe if you pierce your ENTIRE face, like these people you can see on the memes.
1. No, and I won't have it. Only piercing I'm willing to accept is earrings for women. Why is it so popular to artificially modify your body? It doesn't even look good.
2. I think it isn't considered 'manly' nowadays in modern culture. For me only jewellery for men is watch. Rest is just eccentric.
3. As I said above. Any other than in ears.
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?

I don’t have any piercings and probably wouldn’t want one. It’s not really my thing.

2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?

I don’t really know, I guess that’s how fashion works. Some things are popular when other are considered ugly and couple of years the situation might be excacly opposite. I think that it’s possible that in couple of years ear piercings could be very popular among men.

3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
No, why would I? It’s your body, if you want them and feel pretty with them, why would it bother me.
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
Yes, I have a piercing. Apart from the ears, I have my tongue punctured, nose and have an intimate piercing. I think that piercing is beautiful, with its help you can express your individuality.
2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
Hmmm, many guys used to pierce their ears. But now there are more opportunities. Nowadays, piercing has become more common and less disapproval for its presence. Therefore, I believe that men have stopped piercing their ears since they have more choice.
3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
No, I do not think so. My body, my business. You can do any piercing, and it will not be a shame. But there may be problems with employment. Here everyone already sets priorities.
Yana Lytvynenko said…
All that binds me to the piercing is pierced ears. I have a fairly neutral opinion about him, as with the tattoo. This is the choice of each, the same as what to wear, what to do hair or tattoo stuff. So people express themselves or obey a certain style. And the question of why guys have a lot less pierced ears, I think, is related to the fact that this belongs to women's things and it goes like nothing else but a manifestation of homophobia, but I think that these are just hung standards and patterns.
1. No, I don’t. The thought of scarring my own flesh seems rather dreadful. I would need a really good reason to go that far.
2. Compared to what? 17th century? They seem to be gaining ground recently if you ask me.
3. I’m sure that I could find an example, if I searched long enough. Wouldn’t say that about any of the common picks. Distasteful? Maybe. Unaesthetic? Sure. Scandalous isn’t a word I often use.
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
Nah, i have none however i wanted some when i was younger. I guess it was just "fashionable" back then. As well as long hair but i cut them off long time ago.
2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
I guess its just fashion. Some trends just went away. Can't really tell too much.
3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
Not really, for sure some places like open nose or most parts of face isn't most beutiful but not really scandalous. Other stuff wont be more visable then this so what else is left. I guess in todays world nothing is really strange, or at least you are learned to embrase it.
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
I have 3 piercing in one ear (regular one) and in the other ear I have regular one and industrial across the ear.
2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
Maybe a lot of men consider piercing more femine, but I think piercing among men nowdays is common. I have a lot of male friends that have piercing. It could be also cultural thing - in some cultures it could be undesirable.
3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
Nah. I think everyone should do anything when it comes to their bodies. If they interested in doing a lot of strange piercing, I'm down for it. Personally, I like piercing on people, but I wouldn't do it on any other part of my body than ears.
Personally I don't have piercing except for my ears, but in general I like it as a fort of self-realization, self-esteem and also art. People need to demonstrate their attitude to this world, and this is just one of the forms to do it. I don't find any type of piercing scandalous. I only have some prejudices as this is not very healthy in some cases.
Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
No, I do not have any earrings on my body.

Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
I think that because it has always been a hallmark of women and in my opinion women always match sparkles that emphasize beauty. Nowadays, this border disappears which in my opinion is not cool because hmm, it looks weird in men?

Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
I think not. It is possible that I have never heard of such a problem
1. No, too complicated for me. :)
2. I do not know, I do not understand why we would need it.
3. For me it is indifferent, let everyone do what he wants.
I have only bottom ear piercing. It’s common for the women and just the safest kind of piercing.

I think it’s just about fashion, now it’s rare to see a man with piercing, but it may be very common in the near future. Fashion tends to revive old trends and years ago piercing was popular and cool among men, so who knows?

Nope, as long as someone feels comfortable with it. I’m rather not into forbid anything to anyone. If someone wants to look scandalous, who am I to judge?
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
Only in my ears so it si popular and acceptable by others way . In past I thought about piercing in my nose but I was around 10 years ago and now am glad that my Mom forbids me it . :)
2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
People very easly getting used to things, so if in past peoples had problems with this fact than now , were we can see people with all body tattoed its normal, try to imagine , how people 200 years ago can react for men on higheels and piercing, and now ?
3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
No, we should to fell free with our body, if someone decided to have body like that I must to accept it , because his or her body doesn't belong to me, I don't want to let other people to decide what I can do with my body or not. So I don't care about any scandalous and I don't want to read about it .
Peter Clemenza said…
1. Do you have any piercings and if so what kind?
No, that kind of body modification is not an option for me

2. Why do you think ear piercings are less common among men nowadays?
Looks gay, thats it

3. Do you consider any kind of piercing scandalous?
Well its scandalous when you show it, like a piercing in your ass, nobody knows untill its presented to public

Popular posts from this blog

Week 11 [03-09.06.2019] The problem with ecological cars emission in UK

The problem with ecological cars emission in UK Since the adoption of the European Emission Allowance Directive in the European Parliament, all car makers have tried to submit. Since 1992, the Euro I standard has been in force, which limited the emission of carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. The Euro VI standard currently applies, which limits the series of exhaust gases. These include: hydrocarbons, nitrogen and carbon oxides, and dust.   The most significant change was brought by the Euro IV standard. For the first time it introduced the limitation of nitrogen oxides, which are responsible for the harmful compounds of smog.   What is smog?   Smog consists of sulfur oxides, nitrogen and carbon. In addition, solid substances such as suspended dust (PM). Dust suspend in atmospheric aerosols may be in liquid and solid form. These can be particles of sea salt, clouds from the Sahara and artificial compounds made by people. These compounds often come fr

Week 12 (12.01-18.01.15) Are you an early bird or a night owl ?

Owls are nocturnal creatures. They’re wide awake at night and they sleep during the day. If this sounds like bliss to you, then, like about 20 percent of the population who find themselves most active at around 9 pm, you may fall into the same category as our feathered friend. Night owls often have difficulty waking up in the morning, and like to be up late at night.  Studies of animal behaviour indicate that being a night owl may actually be built into some people’s genes. This would explain why those late-to-bed, late-to-rise people find it so difficult to change their behaviour. The trouble for night owls is that they just have to be at places such as work and school far too early. This is when the alarm clock becomes the night owl’s most important survival tool. Experts say that one way for a night owl to beat their dependence on their alarm clocks is to sleep with the curtains open. The Theory is that if they do so, the morning sunlight will awaken them gently and naturally.

Week 4 [06-12.11.2017] This is what happens when you reply to spam email.

James Veitch is a British comedian. In today’s Ted Talk James with characteristic for himself a sense of humor shows how he deals with spam emails and why responding to junk messages may be sometimes dangerous. Questions: What do you think about James’s  way of dealing with spam? Why are junk messages legal, even though it sometimes may be a fraud? Dou you have a problem with spam? How do you deal with with it?