Although body piercing has been around since ancient times, its popularity has swept the nation in recent years, making it a mainstream practice that includes more than just earlobes. Piercings have become widely acceptable, turning up on celebrities and in advertisements. Many young people have turned to piercing not only to differentiate themselves but also because their friends have one or just because they want a piercing. James Berry, a body piercer at Why Not Tat2's in Kirksville, said 60-70 percent of the piercings he performs are on college students. The interest in body piercing also has expanded to younger people, sometimes starting as young as 11 or 12, and is on the rise among teen-agers.
Many students see body piercing as a developmental process and a way to define themselves.
Berry said he thinks most people get body piercings because it is a novelty and something that is new for them. Some people get piercings because their parents are against it, while others do it because it is something completely unexpected of them. Although junior Kelly Metcalf got opposition from some family members, she said she did not get her nose pierced for rebellious reasons. It was totally not me. People get body piercings for many reasons, such as to improve the way they feel about themselves, to enhance sexual pleasure, to respect tribal origins and for rebellious reasons.