Self Expression Of Teenagers:
How can teenagers who feel restricted of self expression express themselves through avenues of uniqueness while adhering to society and social and norms?
De’ysha Forth
Mrs Lindinger
Senior Seminar
May 16, 2014
Introduction
Self expression is an essential part of human life. It is the assertion of one’s thoughts, feelings and ideas. Overall, it makes individuals unique and different. Teenagers predominantly express themselves through their appearance and the ways they communicate. This might include the way they wear their hair, clothing piercings and tattoos. “Teens are the most ethnically diverse generation in the United States (Fridinger, pg 1). Despite this, all teenagers, regardless of race or ethnicity, express themselves through their appearance and communication. The hair styles, clothing, or tattoos that they choose may be impacted by their race or ethnicity, but during this developmental stage all adolescents will express themselves through some or all of these avenues to find their identity.
Literature Review
Scott Thompson wrote an article called Social Norms In teenagers this article explains the social norms for teenagers in the millennial generation being the most narcissistic generation so far. Due to statistics compared to other generations of teenagers this specific group is considered vastly different . This source was used to explain not only the evolution of norms but also how norms, such as values, beliefs and ect. change throughout developing agian and agian through new generations.
Optimistic LIfe a psychology based organization made how self expression is done in everyday life
no matter what age self expression is produced in everyday life. It elaborated that appearance through clothing is used to communicate different things and how its done through appearance.
Jodi Manning, author of The Sociology of Hair: Hair Symbolism Among Students talked about the stereotypes behind hair culture. Hair culture and stereotypes very much have a hold on teenage expression. The purpose of this source was to elaborate on that importance.
Tattoo & Body Piercings by Tania. K. Cowing is about the importance of clothing and tattoos to teenagers because teens express themselves through clothing and tattoos. It strongly strongly suggests that the extreme expression is a phase. elaborating on what happens within the phase.
In 2014 Kendra Cherry author of “Types of Nonverbal Communication” discusses the type of communications used through behaviors to express emotion through body language, gestures, tone, and body movements. She clarifies how communicating is important and the various ways that something can be communicated. This source allows the audience to have a full understand on how communication of the body works.
Defining Social Norms
Social norms provide unspoken rules on how to behave (Bicchieri,2014). They provide society with basic rules on how to act within certain social groups or environments. Norms provide us with a basic understanding of social influence and reasoning for compliance to conformity. The distinctive purpose of norms is to prevent risky behaviors and or increase protective and appropriate behavior (Bicchieri, 2014). There are several types of conformity and norms but, when focusing on teenagers the most common type of conformity that takes place is called normative conformity. Normative Conformity is a type of conformity that one engages into be accepted by that specific group because they have to uphold their selective normative expectations (Bicchieri, 2014). All teens of some sort feel some type of societal pressure. In some way or another some teenagers tend to compare their own expectations to the normative societal expectations, when in reality it all depends on the individual as well as that social groups expectations. “Every society imposes upon its members social norms that are considered appropriate guidelines for how to think, look, and behave. Teenagers, however, often appear to have their own culture, with a unique and somewhat exclusive set of guidelines that they seem to believe adults don't understand. Most of these teenage social norms are common and signify the beginning of the transition from childhood into adulthood and eventual independence” (Laurie Anderson, 2014). Teenager’s norms are sometimes based on the social groups that they are in. For example cliques such as jocks, nerds, and cheerleaders each have their own norms. But there one common thing that all these groups have in common. During the growth of a child into a teenager; they gain independence. This independence provides the need to explore for their identity. By teenagers distancing themselves from their parents discoveries about themselves can be made. Some of these discoveries about themselves can be influenced by their peers. This explains the process of how conformity is done.“But if one thing has not changed it is the teenage need to belong, which is where the clique comes into play” (Hall,1904). This proves the idea of how the social groups are used to contain society, but also elaborates on the idea of evolution of the developing of teens and the teen period which very much has to do with self expression and perceived norms.
Generation Gap
Norms and perceived norms often change from generation to generation. As a result of this change a sociological generational theory was developed this termed was called the generation gap. The generation gap is the gap between one generation to another. The best way to understand the gap comparing parents to their children. According to psychology the reason that generations clash is because sometimes there are differences in values,beliefs, religion, and standards. Due to the generation gap separating more and more this leaves room for teenagers to feel restricted of self expression. due to anthropologist research often parents are afraid that the will lose influence of their children because of the impact that adolescent peer influence has on the teen. But psychology also explains the importance of teens needing to break away from their parents in order to find who they are. Self expression is the number one way to finding an identity.
Communicating Expression Through Appearance
“Some teenagers self express by finding themselves through appearance. These teens often use this to connect with their creative and imaginative spirit but the use of this expression is used to explore and not to define who they are” (Kelly, 2014). Expressing through clothing starts before the adolescent years, surprisingly they begin in the toddler years. For example, picture a setting such as a supermarket; a mother and a toddler shopping for groceries, the child's mother is dressed casually and appropriate as that is a norm is for a mother to be dressed. But the toddler in supermarket is wearing a tu-tu , a crown, polka dot stockings and bunnies slippers. The reaction to the outfit by some people of society is to complement on how cute the toddler is dressed. Therefore in this case it is accepted by some in society in total awe. Verses the teenager with spiky blue hair, black clothes, and heavy black makeup; the reaction can be superficial and sometimes shallow. But because their are many stereotypes placed upon certain trends of teens, it leads to a misunderstanding of self expression. Many times it can be confused to be a rebellious action.
Self Expression through Clothing
A great handful teens express themselves by their appearance, through colors, their style, hairstyles,& body art. There still remains a great amount of expression through appearance but the focus will remain on those types. Color roles in expression is highly underestimated. Psychology 101 says “adolescents and children have distinct personalities and colors that appeal to the mind and soul” (Lascurain, 2014). Meaning each individuals have personal meaning symbolization of color. Psychology firmly suggested that selection influences mood and behavior and stimulation of the brain (Lascurain, 2014). Colors can also be portrayed for emotion. Therefore coloring patterns within style and hair style has a deeper meaning. Psychology responses are deeply personal so it can varies with each individual. Because the brain is designed to its own needs in order to express emotion (Lascurain, 2014).
Style is often confused with fashion when in reality they are completely different things. Style is the ability to distinctly sort through the maze of things and make a selection; and keep it within the way one sees his or herself. The use of style is often misunderstood.” In a society increasingly focused upon image, where the single greatest influence on a first impression is someone’s physical appearance” (Cox, 2014, pg1). Today’s modern teens often use materialistic objects in the process of expressing and finding their identity. All teens are different and follow different style to convey different messages. There are different serotypes that come along with this type expression. For example rockers are known for wearing black, and hippies are known for wearing colorful clothing. To conclude this statement clothing can have a positive impact as well as a negative impact; on the identity forming as well as the actual communication message through the clothing. It was said by Piacentini and Mailer that “identity development process can be frustrated by clothing preferences as sometimes it creates individuals who judge people’s personalities only with their clothing styles and based on “stereotypes”. Even though clothing gives an idea about the person, there are other ways of getting a clue about personality of a person other than.” “For instance, formal clothing is either related to business men and women or it expresses looking smart, yet a suit can also be worn for a wedding or a night out (Edwards, 2014)”. “However neither of these two reasons for formal clothing proves that person’s identity is certain” (Edwards, 2014). This clearly elaborates on the idea that the attire that teenagers wear will not define who they are; but helps them be seen the way they want to be seen. The theory explored by Miuccia Prada says "What individuals wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” Due to the fact that fashion instant language anything can expressed by the clothes worn by teenagers. “So much of human expression, and personality, is embodied in adolescents clothes choices, hair styles, body language and physicality” (Bell, 2013).
Self Expression through Hair
Today's adolescents are always looking for new ways to show expression of oneself. The need of expression for teens sometimes amount up to the need of food and water. The thought of the human head as a canvas is the best way to think of it. Not to long ago there where only the categories of blonde,brunettes,and redheads; but now according to hair stylist Vanessa Van Petten (2014) “there is no security in hair color” that so happens to mean hair boundaries no longer exist. Hair color and styles can be used to say and symbolize many things. Many teenagers go through hair style and color for temporary expression to get a point across. ”According to studies Psychologists explain that “teens can form an impression of another individual in the first 30 seconds of meeting.” Society’s perception of hair evolves and changes with the portrayal of fashion in the media (Manning, 2011). One of the more public ways to express personal style is through body and facial piercings and tattoos (Rubin, 2011).
Self Expression Body Art
Psychologist Tania K. Cowling says that “Body markings today is like the long hair and outrageous clothing of the sixties; the hippie generation.” Body art has been around for years as a type of self expression. The theory of body art has many uses; But for teens tattoos and piercings are widely used for expressional purpose. Since the beginning of tattoo history tattoos has been a strong connection with symbolization. A story, belief and history can be attributed to through a tattoo. In 2006 a survey by Pew research center found that in 2006 36% of americans between the ages of 16 and 25 have at least one tattoo. The meaning of a tattoo for teens van mean just about anything; from freedom, passion, tributes and many other things. Even though trends are constantly changing, tattoos with a personal defiance and meaning will stay the same. Most teenagers get tattoos and piercings because they think of the body as as a display for art. psychology 101 says that “teenage addiction to tattooing comes from the inspiration of decoration of the body”. Many people of society look at body art as mutation where others are more open to the idea of body art” (Burnside,2013). According to The Harris Poll, 2012, a survey performed on 2,016 adult Americans of society, on average 21% of people have a tattoo and the age bracket most likely to have a tattoo is 30-39. People without tattoos were questioned on their opinions towards them
and 50% stated that they thought people with tattoos were more rebellious. One thing that people tend to forget is that so many people have different forms of body modification(Trisha, 2013). It isn't just the "low-lives" that are getting tattoos or the "rebellious" teens getting piercings. There are people in every culture and every career with different body modifications(Trisha,2013). This shows that people of society enforces assumptions on teens and adults with tattoos; no matter if they are positive or negative.
Body art is becoming part of society and the prejudice some have towards it will only hurt society as a whole. The fact is, bad people aren't the only ones getting body modifications like some people would like to believe. If people would set aside their perceptions of who used to get tattooed or what kind of person gets a piercing, they might see the positive in it (Trisha, 2013).
Tattooing is the claiming of the human body with a story to be told. Tattoos for some teens help keep memories alive and bring them one step closer to finding their identity. A study by the Boston Children’s Hospital estimated that roughly ten percent of teens have tattoos (Rubin, 2011). Teenagers choose to get piercings or tattoos as a way to express themselves in an original and creative way.As adolescents are constantly evolving to figure out how they want to present themselves seeking fun ways to let the world know . For the challenge for teens is how to do so in a way that is unique and conveys a positive image to the world.
Case Study
In the year of 2011 Desjohna Marshall attended Amy NorthWest, a special admission school. Her 7th grade year was her first true attempt at defining her individuality. It was clear she wasn't the same as other adolescents her age. As every teen and preteen goes under the spectrum of conformity, she finally came to the realization that she was just different and had found self acceptance inside her differentiality. The first time she ever dramatically expressed her self was through her appearance.
The color blue which was her favorite color at the time also became the color of her hair. The first time her hair was dyed it it didn't come out exactly how she planned, but still it gave her an excitement and joy that was priceless. Upon her return back to school after he first dieing experiment teenagers within her social group had different reactions. She said “at first they all liked my hair, and it made me feel good about myself even more”. Even though Desjohna was expressing her self, the approval of her peers opinions were important to her. Within the next year of her reaching 8th grade, she took her self expression to the next level. Her first encounter with clippers, she shaved the front corner of her hair off. It was an impulsive act with the thought of what people might say and think of her. Unfortunately, as Desjohna got more into her self expression, the opinions of her peers turned against her.
She said “It was one of the darkest places I have ever been, people began to call me names and make assumptions about me. Many said I was gay or weird, and began to call my hair ugly”. As a result of Desjohna being bullied in school, she turned to social networks to replace the friends she had lost. She felt like that was the only place she could find people more like her, more open to who she was and the person she was becoming. But the replacement of social networking for escaping from her bullying only existed when she wasn't at school. The solution to her problem was far gone, so she started to cause harm to her self. Once her family was aware of her hurting herself; it was a tough decision but Desjohna was sent away to Horsham Clinic for adolescents. Her time there was very useful as she spent time in interventions with other teens as well as her therapy provided allowed her to come to the conclusion that her being the individual she is was great thing. In the year 2014 Desjohna is now 16 her self expression is repaired and is stronger than ever before . She now has both sides of her hair shaved and nobody ever knows what color hair she will have next. She is currently enrolled in home school; that doesn't stop her from being a social butterfly. Social media websites such as facebook, twitter, Instagram has help her free her from her darkest hardest time of her life. She says “although I know I have many other dark times to go through in life I feel that I will be able to take them on head first because my self expression allows me to feel confident and unique. “That allows me to think outside the box”. Desjohna continuously find ways to be unique and embrace that about her self. Through her appearance and social media, she unconditionally unlocks a defines new pieces of her she never knew existed.
Conclusion
Self-expression is so important in the United States that The U.S. Constitution’s first amendment protects freedom of expression. Likewise, psychologists confirm that it is healthy and normal to explore one’s identity through avenues of self-expression. Many parents may be hesitant to allow teenagers to wear clothes that they feel are extreme, to alter their hair more in more permanent and extreme ways, or to adopt permanent body art. These parents may view their children as being rebellious because of their choices of expression. These close-minded parents are unaware that they are restricting their child from exploring or finding their identity. Not only do they restrict their child they push the generation gap further open, so that conflict increases between the current generation and older generations. As a result teenagers may not feel as mentally developed because they didn't get to express who they are because of their parents. However, open-minded parents will allow their children to have more freedom in what they wear, how they style their hair, and may even allow some kinds of body art, such as earrings. This is is an example of how some avenues of self-expression are culturally and socially normal for one parent, but may not be to another. These parents open-minded parents help to raise more confident well rounded teenagers since self expression is a positive and healthy outlet for teenagers because they are exploring their identity. Teenagers need to remember that ways of self-expression evolve, and that some adults may not be as accepting. Some groups of teenagers may not be as accepting of all self-expression either. Teenagers need to be confident and proud of the ways that they express themselves in order to experiment and develop their identity.
Bibliography
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Body art: Self-expression or self-mutilation?By Collins Mwai Body art: Self-expression or self-mutilation August 02, 2013http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=15437&a=69168
DeMello, Margo. "Bodies Of Inscription: A cultural History of the Modern Tattoo
Community" Duke University Press, 2000.
Larratt, Shannon. "Ban it all!". July 17, 2003. Toronto, Ontario.
Body art and self expression: Tattoos can tell personal histories and be ‘rites of passage’
Jessica Scharf
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parenting a Teenager © 1996 by Kate Kelly. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Rubbin, Sophie. "Self Expression: Piercings and Tattoos." The Aragon Outlook. N.p., 09 Oct. 2011. Web. 09 Apr. 2014.
Manning, Jodi (2010) "The Sociology of Hair: Hair Symbolism Among College Students," Social Sciences Journal: Vol. 10: Iss. 1,Article 11t: http://repository.wcsu.edu/ssj/vol10/iss1/11
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Jodi Manning Western Connecticut State University
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How can teenagers who feel restricted of self expression express themselves through avenues of uniqueness while adhering to society and social and norms?
De’ysha Forth
Mrs Lindinger
Senior Seminar
May 16, 2014
Introduction
Self expression is an essential part of human life. It is the assertion of one’s thoughts, feelings and ideas. Overall, it makes individuals unique and different. Teenagers predominantly express themselves through their appearance and the ways they communicate. This might include the way they wear their hair, clothing piercings and tattoos. “Teens are the most ethnically diverse generation in the United States (Fridinger, pg 1). Despite this, all teenagers, regardless of race or ethnicity, express themselves through their appearance and communication. The hair styles, clothing, or tattoos that they choose may be impacted by their race or ethnicity, but during this developmental stage all adolescents will express themselves through some or all of these avenues to find their identity.
Literature Review
Scott Thompson wrote an article called Social Norms In teenagers this article explains the social norms for teenagers in the millennial generation being the most narcissistic generation so far. Due to statistics compared to other generations of teenagers this specific group is considered vastly different . This source was used to explain not only the evolution of norms but also how norms, such as values, beliefs and ect. change throughout developing agian and agian through new generations.
Optimistic LIfe a psychology based organization made how self expression is done in everyday life
no matter what age self expression is produced in everyday life. It elaborated that appearance through clothing is used to communicate different things and how its done through appearance.
Jodi Manning, author of The Sociology of Hair: Hair Symbolism Among Students talked about the stereotypes behind hair culture. Hair culture and stereotypes very much have a hold on teenage expression. The purpose of this source was to elaborate on that importance.
Tattoo & Body Piercings by Tania. K. Cowing is about the importance of clothing and tattoos to teenagers because teens express themselves through clothing and tattoos. It strongly strongly suggests that the extreme expression is a phase. elaborating on what happens within the phase.
In 2014 Kendra Cherry author of “Types of Nonverbal Communication” discusses the type of communications used through behaviors to express emotion through body language, gestures, tone, and body movements. She clarifies how communicating is important and the various ways that something can be communicated. This source allows the audience to have a full understand on how communication of the body works.
Defining Social Norms
Social norms provide unspoken rules on how to behave (Bicchieri,2014). They provide society with basic rules on how to act within certain social groups or environments. Norms provide us with a basic understanding of social influence and reasoning for compliance to conformity. The distinctive purpose of norms is to prevent risky behaviors and or increase protective and appropriate behavior (Bicchieri, 2014). There are several types of conformity and norms but, when focusing on teenagers the most common type of conformity that takes place is called normative conformity. Normative Conformity is a type of conformity that one engages into be accepted by that specific group because they have to uphold their selective normative expectations (Bicchieri, 2014). All teens of some sort feel some type of societal pressure. In some way or another some teenagers tend to compare their own expectations to the normative societal expectations, when in reality it all depends on the individual as well as that social groups expectations. “Every society imposes upon its members social norms that are considered appropriate guidelines for how to think, look, and behave. Teenagers, however, often appear to have their own culture, with a unique and somewhat exclusive set of guidelines that they seem to believe adults don't understand. Most of these teenage social norms are common and signify the beginning of the transition from childhood into adulthood and eventual independence” (Laurie Anderson, 2014). Teenager’s norms are sometimes based on the social groups that they are in. For example cliques such as jocks, nerds, and cheerleaders each have their own norms. But there one common thing that all these groups have in common. During the growth of a child into a teenager; they gain independence. This independence provides the need to explore for their identity. By teenagers distancing themselves from their parents discoveries about themselves can be made. Some of these discoveries about themselves can be influenced by their peers. This explains the process of how conformity is done.“But if one thing has not changed it is the teenage need to belong, which is where the clique comes into play” (Hall,1904). This proves the idea of how the social groups are used to contain society, but also elaborates on the idea of evolution of the developing of teens and the teen period which very much has to do with self expression and perceived norms.
Generation Gap
Norms and perceived norms often change from generation to generation. As a result of this change a sociological generational theory was developed this termed was called the generation gap. The generation gap is the gap between one generation to another. The best way to understand the gap comparing parents to their children. According to psychology the reason that generations clash is because sometimes there are differences in values,beliefs, religion, and standards. Due to the generation gap separating more and more this leaves room for teenagers to feel restricted of self expression. due to anthropologist research often parents are afraid that the will lose influence of their children because of the impact that adolescent peer influence has on the teen. But psychology also explains the importance of teens needing to break away from their parents in order to find who they are. Self expression is the number one way to finding an identity.
Communicating Expression Through Appearance
“Some teenagers self express by finding themselves through appearance. These teens often use this to connect with their creative and imaginative spirit but the use of this expression is used to explore and not to define who they are” (Kelly, 2014). Expressing through clothing starts before the adolescent years, surprisingly they begin in the toddler years. For example, picture a setting such as a supermarket; a mother and a toddler shopping for groceries, the child's mother is dressed casually and appropriate as that is a norm is for a mother to be dressed. But the toddler in supermarket is wearing a tu-tu , a crown, polka dot stockings and bunnies slippers. The reaction to the outfit by some people of society is to complement on how cute the toddler is dressed. Therefore in this case it is accepted by some in society in total awe. Verses the teenager with spiky blue hair, black clothes, and heavy black makeup; the reaction can be superficial and sometimes shallow. But because their are many stereotypes placed upon certain trends of teens, it leads to a misunderstanding of self expression. Many times it can be confused to be a rebellious action.
Self Expression through Clothing
A great handful teens express themselves by their appearance, through colors, their style, hairstyles,& body art. There still remains a great amount of expression through appearance but the focus will remain on those types. Color roles in expression is highly underestimated. Psychology 101 says “adolescents and children have distinct personalities and colors that appeal to the mind and soul” (Lascurain, 2014). Meaning each individuals have personal meaning symbolization of color. Psychology firmly suggested that selection influences mood and behavior and stimulation of the brain (Lascurain, 2014). Colors can also be portrayed for emotion. Therefore coloring patterns within style and hair style has a deeper meaning. Psychology responses are deeply personal so it can varies with each individual. Because the brain is designed to its own needs in order to express emotion (Lascurain, 2014).
Style is often confused with fashion when in reality they are completely different things. Style is the ability to distinctly sort through the maze of things and make a selection; and keep it within the way one sees his or herself. The use of style is often misunderstood.” In a society increasingly focused upon image, where the single greatest influence on a first impression is someone’s physical appearance” (Cox, 2014, pg1). Today’s modern teens often use materialistic objects in the process of expressing and finding their identity. All teens are different and follow different style to convey different messages. There are different serotypes that come along with this type expression. For example rockers are known for wearing black, and hippies are known for wearing colorful clothing. To conclude this statement clothing can have a positive impact as well as a negative impact; on the identity forming as well as the actual communication message through the clothing. It was said by Piacentini and Mailer that “identity development process can be frustrated by clothing preferences as sometimes it creates individuals who judge people’s personalities only with their clothing styles and based on “stereotypes”. Even though clothing gives an idea about the person, there are other ways of getting a clue about personality of a person other than.” “For instance, formal clothing is either related to business men and women or it expresses looking smart, yet a suit can also be worn for a wedding or a night out (Edwards, 2014)”. “However neither of these two reasons for formal clothing proves that person’s identity is certain” (Edwards, 2014). This clearly elaborates on the idea that the attire that teenagers wear will not define who they are; but helps them be seen the way they want to be seen. The theory explored by Miuccia Prada says "What individuals wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” Due to the fact that fashion instant language anything can expressed by the clothes worn by teenagers. “So much of human expression, and personality, is embodied in adolescents clothes choices, hair styles, body language and physicality” (Bell, 2013).
Self Expression through Hair
Today's adolescents are always looking for new ways to show expression of oneself. The need of expression for teens sometimes amount up to the need of food and water. The thought of the human head as a canvas is the best way to think of it. Not to long ago there where only the categories of blonde,brunettes,and redheads; but now according to hair stylist Vanessa Van Petten (2014) “there is no security in hair color” that so happens to mean hair boundaries no longer exist. Hair color and styles can be used to say and symbolize many things. Many teenagers go through hair style and color for temporary expression to get a point across. ”According to studies Psychologists explain that “teens can form an impression of another individual in the first 30 seconds of meeting.” Society’s perception of hair evolves and changes with the portrayal of fashion in the media (Manning, 2011). One of the more public ways to express personal style is through body and facial piercings and tattoos (Rubin, 2011).
Self Expression Body Art
Psychologist Tania K. Cowling says that “Body markings today is like the long hair and outrageous clothing of the sixties; the hippie generation.” Body art has been around for years as a type of self expression. The theory of body art has many uses; But for teens tattoos and piercings are widely used for expressional purpose. Since the beginning of tattoo history tattoos has been a strong connection with symbolization. A story, belief and history can be attributed to through a tattoo. In 2006 a survey by Pew research center found that in 2006 36% of americans between the ages of 16 and 25 have at least one tattoo. The meaning of a tattoo for teens van mean just about anything; from freedom, passion, tributes and many other things. Even though trends are constantly changing, tattoos with a personal defiance and meaning will stay the same. Most teenagers get tattoos and piercings because they think of the body as as a display for art. psychology 101 says that “teenage addiction to tattooing comes from the inspiration of decoration of the body”. Many people of society look at body art as mutation where others are more open to the idea of body art” (Burnside,2013). According to The Harris Poll, 2012, a survey performed on 2,016 adult Americans of society, on average 21% of people have a tattoo and the age bracket most likely to have a tattoo is 30-39. People without tattoos were questioned on their opinions towards them
and 50% stated that they thought people with tattoos were more rebellious. One thing that people tend to forget is that so many people have different forms of body modification(Trisha, 2013). It isn't just the "low-lives" that are getting tattoos or the "rebellious" teens getting piercings. There are people in every culture and every career with different body modifications(Trisha,2013). This shows that people of society enforces assumptions on teens and adults with tattoos; no matter if they are positive or negative.
Body art is becoming part of society and the prejudice some have towards it will only hurt society as a whole. The fact is, bad people aren't the only ones getting body modifications like some people would like to believe. If people would set aside their perceptions of who used to get tattooed or what kind of person gets a piercing, they might see the positive in it (Trisha, 2013).
Tattooing is the claiming of the human body with a story to be told. Tattoos for some teens help keep memories alive and bring them one step closer to finding their identity. A study by the Boston Children’s Hospital estimated that roughly ten percent of teens have tattoos (Rubin, 2011). Teenagers choose to get piercings or tattoos as a way to express themselves in an original and creative way.As adolescents are constantly evolving to figure out how they want to present themselves seeking fun ways to let the world know . For the challenge for teens is how to do so in a way that is unique and conveys a positive image to the world.
Case Study
In the year of 2011 Desjohna Marshall attended Amy NorthWest, a special admission school. Her 7th grade year was her first true attempt at defining her individuality. It was clear she wasn't the same as other adolescents her age. As every teen and preteen goes under the spectrum of conformity, she finally came to the realization that she was just different and had found self acceptance inside her differentiality. The first time she ever dramatically expressed her self was through her appearance.
The color blue which was her favorite color at the time also became the color of her hair. The first time her hair was dyed it it didn't come out exactly how she planned, but still it gave her an excitement and joy that was priceless. Upon her return back to school after he first dieing experiment teenagers within her social group had different reactions. She said “at first they all liked my hair, and it made me feel good about myself even more”. Even though Desjohna was expressing her self, the approval of her peers opinions were important to her. Within the next year of her reaching 8th grade, she took her self expression to the next level. Her first encounter with clippers, she shaved the front corner of her hair off. It was an impulsive act with the thought of what people might say and think of her. Unfortunately, as Desjohna got more into her self expression, the opinions of her peers turned against her.
She said “It was one of the darkest places I have ever been, people began to call me names and make assumptions about me. Many said I was gay or weird, and began to call my hair ugly”. As a result of Desjohna being bullied in school, she turned to social networks to replace the friends she had lost. She felt like that was the only place she could find people more like her, more open to who she was and the person she was becoming. But the replacement of social networking for escaping from her bullying only existed when she wasn't at school. The solution to her problem was far gone, so she started to cause harm to her self. Once her family was aware of her hurting herself; it was a tough decision but Desjohna was sent away to Horsham Clinic for adolescents. Her time there was very useful as she spent time in interventions with other teens as well as her therapy provided allowed her to come to the conclusion that her being the individual she is was great thing. In the year 2014 Desjohna is now 16 her self expression is repaired and is stronger than ever before . She now has both sides of her hair shaved and nobody ever knows what color hair she will have next. She is currently enrolled in home school; that doesn't stop her from being a social butterfly. Social media websites such as facebook, twitter, Instagram has help her free her from her darkest hardest time of her life. She says “although I know I have many other dark times to go through in life I feel that I will be able to take them on head first because my self expression allows me to feel confident and unique. “That allows me to think outside the box”. Desjohna continuously find ways to be unique and embrace that about her self. Through her appearance and social media, she unconditionally unlocks a defines new pieces of her she never knew existed.
Conclusion
Self-expression is so important in the United States that The U.S. Constitution’s first amendment protects freedom of expression. Likewise, psychologists confirm that it is healthy and normal to explore one’s identity through avenues of self-expression. Many parents may be hesitant to allow teenagers to wear clothes that they feel are extreme, to alter their hair more in more permanent and extreme ways, or to adopt permanent body art. These parents may view their children as being rebellious because of their choices of expression. These close-minded parents are unaware that they are restricting their child from exploring or finding their identity. Not only do they restrict their child they push the generation gap further open, so that conflict increases between the current generation and older generations. As a result teenagers may not feel as mentally developed because they didn't get to express who they are because of their parents. However, open-minded parents will allow their children to have more freedom in what they wear, how they style their hair, and may even allow some kinds of body art, such as earrings. This is is an example of how some avenues of self-expression are culturally and socially normal for one parent, but may not be to another. These parents open-minded parents help to raise more confident well rounded teenagers since self expression is a positive and healthy outlet for teenagers because they are exploring their identity. Teenagers need to remember that ways of self-expression evolve, and that some adults may not be as accepting. Some groups of teenagers may not be as accepting of all self-expression either. Teenagers need to be confident and proud of the ways that they express themselves in order to experiment and develop their identity.
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