The question on the mind of a person who is not a stigmatophile is “why do people get body piercings?” Body Piercing is one of the earliest forms of body modification in the fashion history. Back then, piercing was not just for beautification but an emblem for one’s religion, self-identity or culture.
Whatever your idea is, as to why people go for piercings, it is a personal journey with worthy reasons attached. Even Nigerian celebrities have piercings on their nose, ears, eyebrows and other areas of their body.
Celebrities like Regina Daniels, Ini Edo, Korra Obidi, Efe Irele, Rita Daniels, Tiwa Savage, Cynthia Morgan, Halima Abubakar and most recently, Tems, who added a few more piercings. Tems’ recent piercings made girls go over the moon. Below are reasons why celebrities now go for body piercing.
POP CULTURE
This is undoubtedly 90% the reason why most celebrities go for body piercing. During the time of popular musician, Charly Boy, piercings were almost unacceptable which exposed the veteran artist to unlimited backlash. Now, it has finally come to stay in Pop Culture and its influence is irreversible in the entertainment industry.
It has also added a lot of glamour to the art of piercing as celebrities are seen constantly displaying visible body modifications to their fans.
MEMORIAL PIERCING
Sometimes, celebrities use a piercing to mark an occasion in the same way people use tattoos for commemorative purposes. Teardrop tattoos became a big deal after popular American musician, Lil Wayne told the story behind some tattoos on his face. For piercings, it may be reminder, mark of distinction or memorial that helps reminds the wearer of where they were at a certain point in life. Unlike tattoos in a commemorative situation, piercings are likely to be the ideal choice as they are more temporary and reversible.
FETISHES
This is one reason considered to be the dark side of piercing. Some do it for sexual gratification. Under this option, play piercings can be found in places like genitals and nipples for a permanent fetish piercing. Other piercings, such as corset piercings can also serve the fetish purpose.
Piercings for sexual reason is only but an option and valid view for stigmatophiles and should not be generalised as the only reason.
AESTHETICS
Asides from piercing for sexual gratification, celebrities also pierce for the beauty-enhancing ability to have beautiful precious stones on visible parts of the body. Even though the aesthetic piercings may have its roots in popular culture, it may have no effect on affecting other people’s opinion. This is a major answer you get from people when you ask them why they have multiple piercings.
