Walk around campus at Cal State Fullerton and it is likely that you will see multiple students with various tattoos, piercings or other types of body modifications.

A growth in the popularity of tattoos has definitely occurred. In 1936, Life magazine reported that approximately 10 million Americans had at least one tattoo. Today, that number has increased to over 45 million, with 36 percent of those tattooed ages 18 to 25, and 20 percent living on the West Coast, according to the Pew Research Center.

Tattoos and body modifications have become popular in the entertainment industry as well. Celebrities flaunt tattoos on the red carpet, and tattoo artist Kat Von D has gained celebrity through her show "LA Ink."

The growing trend in body modification leads one to question: Have these types of body modifications become more acceptable, or are they just another fad in today's culture?

Kristin Rabbetts, a senior photocommunications major at CSUF, wears plugs and has stretched her ears to a half an inch. She also frequently changes her hairstyle, and has sported various cuts and colors, including hot pink and purple.

Rabbetts said she began stretching her ears after much consideration, as it was something she always wanted to do.
"Body modifications are a form of expression, an art form, in a way," she said.

Rabbetts said she isn't perceived differently by her peers, but that she does get looked upon differently by people from older generations because of her hair and plugs.

"It's kind of a cool thing," said Rabbetts. "People come up to me and ask me about it. It's a good conversation starter."

When asked his opinion regarding students modifying their bodies at a young age, Ace's High tattoo artist Jay Tinoto said, "I don't see any problem with it, you just got to know what you want. I knew what I wanted when I was nineteen, but what I want today has changed a lot."

For CSUF English professor Erin Hollis, all but one of her six tattoos are symbolic of certain literary terms or phrases that are important to her.

Aside from her tattoos, Hollis also has her nose pierced.

"I decided to get my first tattoo because I wanted to have the experience," said Hollis. "There was no big decision-making process with the first one. I got more tattoos as I was inspired by literature to live my life in certain ways. My tattoos, except for the first one, are all reminders to me about how to live in the world and how to treat people."

However, some argue that tattoos and body modifications are just a fad in today's popular culture, and that having such things on your body could ultimately hurt your chances at obtaining a job in certain career fields.

Stuart Atkins, a professor of marketing at CSUF, said that having a visible tattoo could potentially affect the way you are perceived in the business world.

"It depends on the industry," Atkins said. " If you career is in the arts, fashion, music, entertainment and so forth, then a tattoo won't hurt and could even help. In professional careers like business, it could communicate the wrong message or perception."

Atkins told of a former co-worker who changed her hair color each week from bright red, green to yellow.

"At first I found it strange," said Atkins. "However, she became a good friend and was a superb employee. Not all managers will see this that way so it also depends on the company culture where you work."

Hollis mentioned that the acceptability of a tattoo depends on where you are, and where and what your tattoo is of. However, she personally has never had problems with getting a job because of her tattoos or piercing.

"If someone does not hire me because I have a tattoo, I probably don't want to work there," said Hollis. "I was advised to take out my nose piercing when I was applying for jobs as a professor, but I decided against it. I did not want to hide who I am."

Whether or not they found body modifications to be attractive, all agreed that anyone should take great consideration into whether or not it is right for them, especially with tattoos, as they are a permanent mark on one's body.

Rabbetts added that aside from the physical pain, a person who is considering stretching their ears should consider the permanence of it as well.

"Once it gets to a certain point, it's kind of like a tattoo in that it will never go away," she said. "Make sure it's something you're serious about, don't do it just to do it."

"The key is to make a thoughtful decision because you may or may not have to live with such a badge of honor or perception for the rest of your life," said Atkins.