This topic was held at a Free Food For Thought session. At first I was intimidated to go, because I was told that I would have to actively participate. I like discussing, but not about controversial topics with random people. I needed a cultural event, so I went ahead and attended. It consisted of about 2 groups of 6 tables each. Probably about 30 people in all. They gave us a clicker contraption to respond to surveys anonymously, and paper to respond with that we turned in at the end of the session it had items like: what we expected, how it turned out, how the food was, how comfortable we were with discussing our own opinions, and any suggestions we had for future topics. I had just eaten, but I wanted to try the food, so I grabbed a plate. They had food for everyone: Baked Chicken, Stuffed Mushroom for vegetarians, and Stuffed Bell Pepper for vegans. Although I was tempted to try the bell pepper, I just got some sides: mashed potatoes and green beans. I was impressed with the food; I expected cheap food that didn't taste so good. I was obviously wrong.
We started off with the survey, answering simple questions, followed by topic related questions: Expression or Mutilation? Would you continue going to a doctor with multiple piercings/tattoos? Would you deny someone entrance to medical school because of their piercings/tattoos? After that, we started the video. It was a short, five minute video basically interviewing different tattooists and body artists, asking them their thoughts on people being judged for expressing themselves. I learned that most people have the same belief about the topic: It is indeed self-expression, but there is a limit. People will judge you subconsciously, so it's up to you if you want to endure what consequences you're going to face if you do decide to get piercings/tattoos. I would put this under the Ritual Category, because some people in the video stated that it is more of a rite of passage. I noticed the emic and etic were about the same: Self-Expression. If you haven't gone to a Food for Thought session, I highly suggest going. It's not as bad as you may think it is.
