I did an interview earlier today. If I remember right, it was for a school project or something, so I'm listing it here as well (and yes, I know the grammar sucks, it was just a quick email interview):
Is the BM industry prospering?
First, the fact that body modification industry even exists is wonderful — the fact that it is prospering in a culture that overall views it as deviant is amazing. Sometimes it seems like the industry is declining, but that's largely due to over-saturation (too many studios).
Is there an estimation on how much it (the industry) is worth or is making?
No idea. I figure the average studio is grossing between $250k and $500k yearly, but that's a total guess.
To your knowledge how did BM gain popularity in North America?
I'm sure that fashion promotion by celebrities helped, but overall I believe it's largely because WE NEED BODY MODIFICATION TO DEFINE OURSELVES AS HUMANS. You can only keep that out of a culture for so long before it starts seeking it out again.
Who are the main manufacturers of body jewellery?
There are thousands of companies. As far as who holds the largest market share, I have no idea…
How did you get introduced to BM?
I was never introduced to it — I was born into it. It's sort of like asking me “how did you get introduced to heterosexuality” — it's just the way I am. It doesn't make me normal or deviant or anything else — it's just a fact of life. Body modification, for some people, and perhaps for ALL people is an instinct we are born with.
What made you want to practice it?
Something deep inside. It's who I am.
What are some of the advantages of being heavily involved in the BM scene?
What are some of the disadvantages?
I don't think it's an advantage/disadvantage sort of thing. It's who I am, and if I denied it, I would cease literally to exist as Shannon. I'd simply be some guy pretending to be something he wasn't.
Do you feel that the public still frowns upon kids/young adults who practice BM?
Yes, definitely.
If so, what, if anything, could rectify that?
Time will recitify it — as these modified people get older and seize power, the world will change. In addition, critical mass will make a huge difference — once enough people are modded, it becomes the norm.
Do you see the trend growing in years to come, or fading away?
I don't believe it's a trend. If anything, the LACK of mods is a trend. Historically, it's very strange to have a culture that doesn't have a strong modification interest. Logically, that suggests that this modern lack of mods thing is just a phase.
Why do you think BM caught on so heavily in the hardcore music scene?
You'd have to ask someone in that scene.
If practiced properly, is BM safe?
Yes, of course. However, NOT practising it extremely dangerous spiritually.
Has your physician ever questioned some of your BM techniques?
Never, and if my doctor questioned it, I'd seek a better doctor.
Currently, what piercings, implants, etc. do you have?
Not that much — extensive tattooing, a split tongue, a partial subincision, and 2″ stretched earlobes. However, more importantly, I have what is right for me and what makes me happy.
What are some of the most extreme methods of BM you have seen?
I know that I'm guilty because I popularized the use of the term “extreme” as it applied to body modification, but I don't really like using it any more. I don't believe there is such a thing as an “extreme” mod. If a person honestly desires a mod, it is far less extreme to get it than to not get it. People should NEVER NEVER NEVER get caught up thinking that a mod is cool or extreme — the primary reason for getting a mod, especially an “extreme” one, should always be well thought out personal and private reasons.
That you know of, has anyone ever died from BM?
Yes, a few, but only in unusual circumstances. A woman died in Britain from infected piercings… Of course, she had over 100 and didn't practise even the basics of cleanliness. If it had been 100 untreated duck bites she'd have died as well. Another man, in the United States, died after having his leg removed by an underground cutter. Of course, he was in his late seventies and was dying and would have been dead within the year anyway — he knew the procedure might be fatal, and since it was his life's dream, was willing to take the risk.
How important is cleanliness when practicing BM?
It's essential. That said, it's essential in all things — food preparation and sex are obvious examples. When you shove stuff into your body, it's best that it not be contaminated!
In your experience, what is the worst story of BM you or someone else has experienced?
Any variant on this is horrible:
1. A girl gets her navel pierced because her friends did it as well.
2. A guy gets his tongue pierced because his girlfriend told him too.
My biggest concern in mods is that people excercise complete personal authority over their bodies, and that when they make invasive changes to their bodies, they do it as an act of free will.
What words of wisdom would you have for anyone interested in Body Modification?
Know yourself. Educate yourself. Free yourself.
Shannon
