Prompt 7

I believe that in theory both categories of body modifications, both normative and non-normative, have political implications. While they may stand for completely different things, they both are reinforcing ideals. The mainstream body modifications from straightening one's hair to plastic surgery both support this normative idealistic body type and image. Such modifications as straightening your hair may even be considered a simple part of grooming; however, it is to fit the norm and to look like other mainstream women. Plastic surgery has the political implications of reinforcing society's standards of the body. While many of the procedures for plastic surgery are often more gruesome than the procedures for such non-normative body modifications such as tattoos or peircings, plastic surgery is more acceptable in mainstream society because people encourage the idea of trying to fit into the norm.
However, non-normative body modifications such as tattoos are more visible and may be seen as more rebellious because they go against society's norm. They still are using the same act of modifying the body like plastic surgery, but sometimes their acts are seen as more political because they are clearly visible and stick out. I believe the idea that these practices are more radical is simply a mental idea. The actual process of these practices can be seen by some as far less radical than the insertion of silicon to enhance breasts or the surgery done on one's nose is a rinoplasty. In physical terms, some normative body modifications can be seen as far more radical. However, in the mindset of the average American, non-normative body modifications are more radical because the mental aspect of it has them believing it does not fit in with mainstream society.