Men and women throughout history have adorned themselves. First of all, to increase their attractiveness to those around them. Secondly, as an artistic expression. Moreover to mimic their peer group they want to fit in with. The way a person chooses to enhance their appearance depends on the culture they live in. More specifically, what subculture they belong to. A wide variety of methods have been used such as foot minding by the Chinese during the 10th Century. Tattoos have been popular in many cultures as well. Ancient Egyptians painted their eyes, dyed their hair, and wore wigs. In America, women used to wear corsets that bound their waists so tight many would faint from lack of oxygen to the brain. People have an innate need to belong and many times that means taking on a certain appearance.

What is appealing to some may be strange to others. Artistic expression takes many forms. Subtle, drastic or somewhere in between, everyone has adorned themselves at one time or another. A necktie, a hat, make-up or a piercing. At the young age of 13, I had my ears pierced. I can remember feeling special and pretty.

Change is the name of the game. We all tend to mimic the appearance of our peer groups. For example, my grandfather kept his hair high and tight his whole life. The sides of his hair never once touched his ears. If, however, he had been born in 15Th Century Scotland, he would have kept his hair longer and perhaps worn a kilt too. People gravitate their appearance to fit in with their peers.

In the United States, body piercing has spread beyond a select few subcultures. Altogether, it has been widening in interest since the 1970‘s. It used to be only a few groups of people participated. Now, the interest has broadened to include people of all ages and social status. Some have even named it as The Western Body Art Renaissance.

Why would someone pierce their eyebrow, bellybutton or even somewhere down south?

For the same reason a man wears a suit or a child dons a backpack to school. It all is a response to the time and culture in which we live. More specifically, it is considered an art, part of the rise of the genre of body art. The diversity of personal taste is part of what makes life that much more interesting.