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Body modification (or body alteration) is the deliberate altering of the
What counts as "body modification" varies in cultures. In western cultures, the cutting or removal of one's hair is not usually considered in the category of “body modification” despite it being literally modifying one’s body, and "body modification" is used to describe only less socially acceptable body alterations.
Body modification can be contrasted with body adornment by defining body modification as “the physical alteration of the physical body ..can be temporary or permanent, although most are permanent and modify the body forever”
Body modification (or body alteration) is the deliberate altering of the human anatomy
The human body is the structure of a human being. It is composed of many different types of cells that together create tissues and subsequently organ systems. They ensure homeostasis and the viability of the human body.
It comprises a he ...
or human physical appearance
Human physical appearance is the outward phenotype or look of human beings.
There are infinite variations in human phenotypes, though society reduces the variability to distinct categories. The physical appearance of humans, in particular those a ...
. In its broadest definition
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or other set of symbols). Definitions can be classified into two large categories: intensional definitions (which try to give the sense of a term), and extensional definitio ...
it includes skin tattooing, socially acceptable decoration (''e.g.'', common ear piercing in many societies), and religious rites of passage (e.g., circumcision in a number of cultures), as well as the modern primitive movement.
Body modification is performed for a large variety of reasons, including aesthetics, sexual enhancement, rites of passage, religious beliefs
A belief is an attitude that something is the case, or that some proposition is true. In epistemology, philosophers use the term "belief" to refer to attitudes about the world which can be either true or false. To believe something is to take i ...
, to display group membership or affiliation, in remembrance of lived experience, traditional symbolism such as axis mundi
In astronomy, axis mundi is the Latin term for the axis of Earth between the celestial poles.
In a geocentric coordinate system, this is the axis of rotation of the celestial sphere.
Consequently, in ancient Greco-Roman astronomy, the '' ...
and mythology, to create body art, for shock value, and as self-expression, among other reasons.
Definition
What counts as "body modification" varies in cultures. In western cultures, the cutting or removal of one's hair is not usually considered in the category of “body modification” despite it being literally modifying one’s body, and "body modification" is used to describe only less socially acceptable body alterations.
Body modification can be contrasted with body adornment by defining body modification as “the physical alteration of the physical body ..can be temporary or permanent, although most are permanent and modify the body forever”
History
Non-consensual body modification
"Disfigurement" and "mutilation" (regardless of any appreciation this always applies objectively whenever a bodily function is gravely diminished or lost) are terms used by opponents of body modification to describe certain types of modifications, especially non-consensual ones. Those terms are used fairly uncontroversially to describe the victims of torture, who have endured damage to ears, eyes, feet, genitalia,hand
A hand is a prehensile, multi-fingered appendage located at the end of the forearm or forelimb of primates such as humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and lemurs. A few other vertebrates such as the koala (which has two opposable thumbs on each "h ...
s, noses, teeth, and/or tongues, including amputation
Amputation is the removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. As a surgical measure, it is used to control pain or a disease process in the affected limb, such as malignancy or gangrene. In some cases, it is carried out on indi ...
, burning
Combustion, or burning, is a high-temperature exothermic redox chemical reaction between a fuel (the reductant) and an oxidant, usually atmospheric oxygen, that produces oxidized, often gaseous products, in a mixture termed as smoke. Combusti ...
, flagellation, piercing, skinning, and wheeling.
Some invasive procedures that modify human genitals are performed with the informed consent
Informed consent is a principle in medical ethics and medical law, that a patient must have sufficient information and understanding before making decisions about their medical care. Pertinent information may include risks and benefits of treatme ...
of the patient, using anesthesia
Anesthesia is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical or veterinary purposes. It may include some or all of analgesia (relief from or prevention of pain), paralysis (muscle relaxation), ...
or sterilised surgical tools The phrase " genital mutilation" is sometimes used to describe procedures that individuals are forced to undergo castration
Castration is any action, surgical, chemical, or otherwise, by which an individual loses use of the testicles: the male gonad. Surgical castration is bilateral orchiectomy (excision of both testicles), while chemical castration uses pharmaceut ...
, male circumcision, and female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found ...
in this way. Intersex campaigners say that childhood modification of genitals of individuals with intersex conditions without their informed consent is a form of mutilation.
Self-harm
In many ways self-mutilation is very different than body-modification. Body modification gives one the feeling of pride and excitement, giving one something to show off to others. Alternately, those who self-mutilate typically are ashamed of what they've done and want to hide any evidence of harm. Body modification is explored for adornment, self-expression, and an array of many other positive reasons, while self-mutilation is inflicted because of mental or emotional stress and the inability to cope with psychological pain. Those who self-mutilate do so in order to punish themselves, express internal turmoil, and reduce severe anxiety.See also
*Adornment
An adornment is generally an accessory or ornament worn to enhance the beauty or status of the wearer. They are often worn to embellish, enhance, or distinguish the wearer, and to define cultural, social, or religious status within a specific com ...
* Bioethics
* Blood ritual
* Bodyhacking
* Church of Body Modification
* Deformity
* Eyeborg
* First haircut
* Genital tattooing
* Leblouh
* List of body modifications
* List of people known for extensive body modification
* Makeup
* Microchip implant (human)
* Modern primitive
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Body Modification Cultural trends Underground culture