Moxham, T. "Why the piercing mob flocks to jon cobb." Interview, 26 (2), 50.

OVERVIEW

Jon Cobb cites Aerosmith’s "Cryin’ " video of 1993 as the " ‘turning point for mass acceptance’ " of body piercing. The star does it; so can they.

Jon Cobb, a piercee and a piercer himself, likens piercing to plastic surgery—simply another way to adjust ones’ look.

Jon Cobb’s commentary on piercing:

‘It’s not uncommon for me to see somebody come in who’s really overweight and doesn’t like their body,’ he says. ‘But once they get this cute little ring in their navel, they’re showing everyone. They’ve transcended society’s concept of beauty and seen their own. There’s a rebelliousness in it because it comes at the expense of public ideals of beauty. People who are getting pierced are following their personal aesthetics, and not popular ones.’

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Is it okay to have body decorations? Under what circumstances?
2. Do you agree with Jon? Is piercing like plastic surgery—just another look? Is there more behind it?
3. Do you have friends or acquaintances whose self-image has "improved" when they altered themselves with body decorations (piercing, tattooing, scarring)?
4. What pressures do you face regarding your appearance? How are they manifested in your daily life?

IMPLICATIONS

1. It is difficult to balance kids’ needs to be accepted in their teen culture and their need to feel good about themselves as they are. Youth workers are key to finding the balance.
2. Adolescents are concerned about their appearance and the latest trends. Much of their self-esteem and self-image are consumed by having the "right look." Concerned adults should be sensitive to the pressures they face daily, listening to their concerns.
3. Parents and youth workers need to be careful of the images are projected about appearance and acceptance. If a "significant adult" accepts plastic surgery and the "supermodel" ideal of beauty, how should he or she expect teens to turn away from body decorations? Be consistent in what you practice and what you "preach."
4. If Jon Cobb’s sentiments reflect today’s teens attitudes, then it is essential to continually work to improve teens’ self-images before they feel the need to for piercing or other forms of body decoration (or perceived improvements).

Carol E. Robertson cCYS