Conclusion

Throughout this Blog I feel that I have gained a better understanding of what body modification is and how it affects us personally and in society. I learned that when women modify their bodies, it exemplifies their relationship with their body and the relationship their body has with society. By modifying your body for a cultural reason, it demonstrates the understanding of the culture and your place within it. Also, modification is sometimes associated with religious aspects, such as mehndi, which adds a different type of value/sacredness. Women may modify their bodies because it is what is desired by men, but in some cases, it is also desired by the women because they also find it attractive. Some forms of body modification can be considered symbolic violence, because in these instances, by not following the norm, you can be ostracized. An example of this would be the younger Kayan women who are choosing to not follow the tradition of wearing neck rings and are looked down upon by the elders. In the end, we all modify our bodies in some way to make us feel good and to possibly attract someone who also finds our modification appealing. It can be controlled by the culture, society, or our own desires. There are different extremes of body modification and everyone, at some point, participates in this practice. It can be as simple as having pierced ears or exercising to change your body shape, all the way to breast flattening or having lip plates. In conclusion and most important, the kinds of modifications we do shows others who we are and who we are culturally.