Considering the vast expansion of body modifications among mainstream Americans within the last several decades, you’d think they would earn a better rep.

According to a study by author Derek John Roberts, estimates on the amount of Americans with tattoos range from 1 in 10 to 1 in 5. No longer solely attributed to societal deviance, spiritual expression or both, body modifications are being viewed as positive contributions to identity formation and fashion. Altering one’s appearance — whether by tattoos, piercings, hair dye, etc. — has become an acceptable form of expression among youth culture, ranging in reasons from simply being cool to reminders of personal value.

Yet a social stigma is still attached. In Roberts’ study, definitions of tattoos as hip and trendy are shown to conflict with surviving stereotypes that associate tattoos with dangerous outcasts. Potential employer discrimination and issues in presenting a respectable appearance persuade ambitious young adults to keep their body modifications hidden.

Sarah Claire Mowitz, sophomore in FAA, set a tradition of getting a tattoo the week before each school year since entering college. With a pop-art-styled, black-and-white door on her hip and the Iowa’s state outline over her front rib cage, Mowitz sees her body art in terms of personal value rather than social identification.

“The reason that I have mine hidden is because I wouldn’t want someone to ask me about them before I tell them what they’re about,” she said. “If I had a door on my arm, anyone could see it and anyone could perceive it as they wanted.”

This privatization of body modifications draws the distinction between those who are “tattooed” versus “tattooed people.” While people may get tattoos to represent themselves, they are not necessarily part of their public self. According to Roberts, more than 90 percent of American tattoo-ees do not categorize as “tattooed people,” or those who publicly display tattoos for social identification purposes.

Still, even when body modifications are used outwardly, the reasons do not always warrant such scrutiny as being labeled a “dangerous outcast.” Amanda Davis, sophomore in FAA, has been dyeing the tips of her hair for nearly three years, from blond to purple to blue to pink. For her, the motivation is as simple as liking the tips of her hair to be her favorite color.

Greater levels of ambiguity can also be used to deflect negative perceptions. Jon Tracey, junior in LAS, has four tattoos, one on his right shoulder, two on his upper back and one on his left thigh. When someone asks for the meaning of his tattoos, Tracey replies with a slanted answer.

“I have the album art from Okkervil River’s ‘Black Sheep Boy’ on my left thigh,” Tracey explained. “When people ask what it is, I tell them that it’s a picture of my roommate that I drew from memory.”

His tattoos actually have personal meaning, showcasing album art from one of his favorite albums, a quote from his favorite play, a motivational acronym and a dancer. He thinks “dance is the purest form of art.” Yet, Tracey admits all of them are in places that are easily hidden, and he forgets most of the time that he even has them.

Despite criticisms focusing on the social expression of body modifications, the practice seems to be building on the power of self-identity.

“It made me feel like I was really like a person, that I had something I cared about so much, that I wanted it to be permanently a part of me,” Mowitz said of her tattoos.

Professionals in the industry also value their work not by means of helping form social groups, but by creating works of art on an individual basis.

Nate Richardson, an award-winning tattoo artist of 12 years, values his love for the art itself over any other aspect of his work. After years of experience in tattoo shops and numerous conventions across the country, his enjoyment of traveling and meeting new people is still only second to why he is passionate about what he does.

“I just see it as changing somebody’s life, you know,” he said. “I like to see the person happy. I actually get a thrill out of it all, you know, ’cause no matter what, I gave you a piece of my art that’s going to last forever.”

While placement can play an important role, the form of alterations can also help the individual walk the line of achieving self identification while avoiding social scrutiny. Because tattoos and hair dye may be permanent, other removable modifications might be better suited for those worried about changing perceptions.

Stephanie Svarz, sophomore in FAA, chose to get her cartilage, nose and middle of her ear pierced during three separate trips. She said they serve as “little reminders of the adventures (she’s) been on,” although her style and maturity has evolved over time. She now chooses not to wear her nose and second ear piercing, but doesn’t regret getting them due to her “organic attitude” toward piercings.

“People see piercing as something very permanent. But I don’t really think they are … If you get a piercing you regret, take it out and your body will heal,” she said. “We (as college students) are at a point in our lives where we can make our own choices, become independent and explore ourselves and our identities. These piercings have helped me do this, in some form or another.”

Sarah can be reached at [email protected].