Most parents would agree that children should be allowed to get tattoos and piercings. I believe teenagers should have the power to obtain them for themselves. Current Texas law states that anyone under the age of 18 must have parental permission before getting a tattoo or body piercing. ID is required to verify the person's age. I think that at the age of 16 any student should have the power to express themselves in ways such as tattoos and body piercings. There are various aspects by which people, especially young people, identify themselves. People are always sending some sort of communication at all times, whether it's subconscious or not. Images and styles are adopted to communicate meanings about the individual to peers and society. Clothing styles, language, music and dance are some of the ways we represent our own symbols, values ​​and meanings. Another way to show their identity is through body modifications, especially tattooing and body piercing. In today's society, people have adopted a new style or trend in body modification. There are many reasons why people get piercings and tattoos. Those who alter, manipulate, and mutilate their bodies do so for many reasons. Some say it's just exciting and enjoyable, or part of the latest fashion. Others place it in the context of art, ritual or self-expression – they say it is an act with cultural and social significance. On the other hand, many people don't understand why someone would choose to cut so many holes in their body or cut their skin. They view body modification as self-destructive, much like anorexia or bulimia. Below is why, what, where and how people modify their bodies and how people perceive it...... middle of paper ......iew with piercings and tattoos? The employer would think that this person really doesn't want the job because they don't care about their appearance. Unfortunately, people are very stereotypical and judge a book by its cover. The business world is very conservative and that's what you should be like. It would be extremely rare to see people with tattoos everywhere and piercings everywhere. In conclusion, although infections from tattoos and piercings carry many risks and dangers, I believe the ability to express yourself is important. Although most parents and teachers would say that people under the age of 18 are not capable of making a decision regarding tattoos and body piercings, I estimate that by the age of 16, someone 'one should be able to make these decisions. Free speech is part of adult life and a big part of life..