Most parents would agree that children should be allowed to get tattoos and piercings. I believe teenagers should have the authority to make their own. Current Texas law states that any person under the age of 18 must have parental permission before getting a tattoo or any piercing. Identification is required to verify individuals' ages. I think that by age 16, every student should have the authority to express themselves in ways such as tattoos and piercings. There are various aspects through which people, especially young people, identify themselves. People are always sending some kind of communication all the time, whether it's subconscious or not. Images and styles are adopted that communicate meanings about the individual to his or her peers and to society. Clothing styles, language, music and dance are some of the ways that represent their own unique symbols, values ​​and meanings. Another way to show your identity is through body modification, especially tattooing and piercing. In today's society people have adopted the new style or trend of body modification. There are many reasons why people get piercings and tattoos. Those who modify, manipulate and mutilate their bodies do so for many reasons. Some say it's simply exciting and enjoyable, or that it's part of the latest fad. Others place it in the context of art, ritual or personal expression: they say it is an act with cultural and social significance. Conversely, many people cannot understand why anyone would choose to put so many holes in their body or cut their own skin. They view body modification as self-destructive, just like anorexia or bulimia. Below is why, what, where and how people modify their bodies and how people see… middle of the paper… see with piercings and tattoos? The employer would think that this person doesn't really want the job because they don't care about their appearance. Unfortunately people are very stereotyped and judge a book by its cover. The business world is very conservative and that's how you should look at it. It would be extremely rare to see people with tattoos everywhere and piercings everywhere. In conclusion, although there are many risks and dangers related to infections caused by tattoos and piercings, I believe that the ability to express oneself is important. Although most parents and teachers would say that people under the age of 18 are not capable of making a decision about tattoos and piercings, I believe that by the age of 16, someone should be able to make those decisions. Freedom of personal expression is part of being an adult and an important part of life.