So you think you know everything about Hollywood’s most fashionable heartthrob? Think again. You might know who his grandparents are, the names of his exes, and the fact that his ex-wife is a real pain in the ass. But did you know that his ear piercing is NOT his first? NO? Well, you’d better get yourself a tissue because you’re going to need it. And while we’re on the topic, did you know that his last tattoo is a dedication to his dogs? Yeah, he gets all the ladies. It’s weird because he’s such a cool character, not at all like the other Hollywood heartthrobs, but he doesn’t seem to care about how he looks like much. He does, however, care a great deal about his dogs. And he’s not the only one. The majority of Hollywood heartthrobs either have a tattoo, have an ear pierced, or both. So much for originality.
The Evolution Of Body Modifications
If you thought that Robert Pattinson’s ear piercing was an isolated incident, think again. The Hollywood star is actually part of a generation that has adopted body modifications as a whole. In fact, as a recent study from the University of Minnesota Morris found, ear piercing is just one of many body modifications that members of Generation Z have adopted. Here’s a look at the evolution of body modifications in the millennial generation.
Body Piercing
We all know what body piercing is. The process of making an incision in the body to allow for the insertion of a jewelry item or other piercing tool. It’s been around for centuries, with different cultures all over the world frequently piercing their bodies for religious purposes, as a status symbol, or simply because it’s fun. Well, those who love fashion and hip-hop culture have certainly taken up the practice, and it seems that it’s not going anywhere.
According to the National Statistics Office, there were roughly 2.6 million registered body-piercing procedures in the U.S. in 2018. That’s roughly one in ten Americans between the ages of 18 and 24. Those who are choosing to get their ears pierced are most commonly doing so for social media status. They see it as a way to stand out from the crowd and be unique. But it’s not just about that. It’s about breaking free from societal expectations. As a Generation Z expert put it, “For millennials, body piercing represents a rejection of traditional gender roles, sexual scripts and the confines of society. It’s a form of self-expression that’s as unique as the individuals choosing the procedure.”
Body piercing also allows for a kind of self-expression that the general population might not necessarily appreciate. In today’s world, people are exposed to a greater diversity of cultural opinions and more opportunities to discover their true unique self. More and more millennials are choosing to get body piercings and other forms of self-expression, especially in light of the fact that they might not necessarily feel comfortable expressing themselves in the way that their parents or cultural authorities want them to. There’s also a strong correlation between body piercing and other forms of ‘self-expression’. In other words, many people who are choosing to get body piercings are doing so because it’s a way to express themselves through art and fashion. They’re breaking away from society’s expectations of what it means to be a ‘woman’, ‘man’, ‘teenager’, ‘adult’, or ‘community member’ and choosing to be unique and individualistic. It’s an expression of identity and individuality, and it’s something that the general population might not necessarily understand or appreciate.
Tattooing
Tattooing is another form of body modification that has been around for centuries and that continues to grow in popularity every year. It’s not just about covering up what the mainstream culture deems to be ‘undesirable’ either. Those who choose to get a tattoo oftentimes have something personal or emotional that they want to convey through their art. For example, some people want to honor an ex-boyfriend, brother, father, or even deceased mother or loved one with a piece of art on their body. It’s a form of self-expression that allows for an individual to be unique and to connect with others on a personal level. It’s a form of self-expression that is here to say, “this is me.”
Whether it’s cultural differences, societal expectations, or simply the desire to be different, different is what’s trending now among millennials and Gen Z. It’s no wonder why so many people have adopted these forms of body modifications. They allow for unique individuals to feel confident in being themselves, confidently asserting their individuality and creative individuality.
Earrings
You might not have known that Robert Pattinson had a problem with his ears, but he does. He wears earrings almost everywhere he goes, and they’re not just any ordinary earrings either. They’re elaborate pieces of jewelry that have been a part of his look for as long as we’ve known him. The amount of detail and work that goes into making these earrings is incredible. It’s clear that Robert had a strong connection with his grandmother and great-grandmother who both passed down the tradition of wearing earrings. For those who love a unique and stylish look, it’s clear that Robert Pattinson is the best representative for the generation.