Tattoos & Body Modification Questions

I loved being able to present on body modification and tattoos yesterday, and I hope you enjoyed the activity. I thought it might be an interactive and interesting way in exploring the way in which we may make assumptions about one's character and behaviors depending on the amount, type, and placement of tattoos. So, thanks for your participation! However, I was unable to get to all my questions, so I thought I might share a few in case some of you are perhaps looking for something to write about for your one blog post or maybe didn't get a chance in class to share your thoughts.

1. Consider the way in which tattoos and other forms of body modification often mark one as "primitive" or "freak." Has the view of certain body modification evolved from this perception and attitude, or are individuals who practice certain forms of body modification still marked as "primitive" and essentially deviant?

2. Kat Von D and her television show often features women tattooists and clients. Does her show provide a false sense of equality or that anyone can do it? Is it another form of freak shows? Does it "dilute the significance," (273) of body modification practices?

3. Are tattooing and radical body modification practices an appropriate form of resistance? Are tattooed women transgressing the gender norms?

4. Some of the radical forms of body modification procedures have a spiritual aspect to them, (274). Are certain body modification procedures such as cosmetic surgery considered more appropriate and acceptable because they are situated within a medical realm?

Thanks again!
Angela B.