Thursday, September 27, 2012

A Survey of "Modern Primitive" Body Modification Rituals: Meanings of Pain

Ritual Piercing

Body Piercing is a form of body modification by using a sharp pointed object to go into or through the skin. It been known since before century. Body piercing can be used as identity, manhood, femininity, social status, or fashion.

Identity

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/06/23/unusual-tribal-piercings-of-a-papua-new-guinea-tribesman/

In Papua New Guinea, nose piercing is a form to identity one tribe to another.

Manhood

http://fs.huntingdon.edu/history/jalbritton/101sg6.html

In Roman, piecing is used to show their manhood. Julius Caesar pierced his nipples to show his strength and his identification with his men.

Femininity

http://celebritynoserings.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html

In India, nose piercing is usually worn in the left nostril because in Ayurvedra medicine the piercing is supposed to make childbirth easier and lessen period pain.

Social Status

http://www.king-tut.org.uk/egyptian-pharaohs/pharaohs-timeline.htm

In Egypt, wealthy Egyptian wore earrings to display their wealth. Only Pharaoh is allowed to do navel pierce.

Fashion

http://rohrbachlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/celebrate-shakespeare-and-national-poetry-month/

In Renaissance and Elizabethan eras, almost any male member of the nobility would have at least one earring. Even William Shakespeare wore earring to show his social status and to show that he is fashionable.

Ritual Hook Hanging

Hanging Suspensions a cultural ritual that is on the extreme outer edges of the body modification scene. Hooks are attached to a person as temporary piercings; these hooks are then used to hang them in the air—much like cuts of meat in a butcher’s window.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=746&tbm=is

This ritual is said to have life affirming affects and change those which are troubled for the better—mental and physical preparation for suspension are of equal importance.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=746&tbm=isc

Depending on personal preference, there are several ways in which you can be hung, as you can see from the gallery. Each has their own name depending on the shape of the body during the ritual, like ‘Superman’ or ‘Suicide.’

While this is something that should never be tried on your own, if people do find this a life-changing experience, who are we to say that they are wrong?

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1440&bih=746&tbm=isch&tbnid=NPpNm45wIWLXcM:&imx=93&ty=52

One of the rituals was performed by the Mandan, a tribe that lived in villages along the Missouri River (now North and South Dakota). This suspension ritual was called the O-Kee-Pa, and was a rite of passage for all young men, as well as a vision quest ritual for the shaman. This ritual was performed by piercing two hooks into the chest and two hooks into the back of a young man about to enter adult life. This young man was then suspended for about twenty minutes to seek communion with "The Great White Spirit", under the guidance of someone who had taken the journey before called a Ka-See-Ka, or guide.

---Xindi

Sun Dance

"The human body can be a vehicle for spiritual, psychological, and physical transformation, primarily through the use of body modification and associated rituals"

The first of the body modifications that were ever recorded were a stone age man, a Siberian Ice Maiden, and mummies of Xinjiang, China. They had tattoos, and piercings which led researchers to believe that these were used to determine social status, life-stags, cultural ideals, and participation in medicinal and spiritual rituals.

The sun dance was an eight day spiritual ritual practiced by North American Plains Indians. They would fast and dance for three days and three nights until the participants would have incisions made in their backs or chests, and pieces of wood attached to leather straps that were then inserted through freshly cut incisions in their back or chest muscles. They were then hoisted up and left hanging from their wounds facing the sun. This was called “Sun-Gazing”. The warrior would only be able to get down once the piercings had been ripped. They were said to have achieved a spiritual transcendence after passing out from the pain.

http://www.karenkuehn.com/people/peopleBW07_Sundance-Ritual.html

In modern times, this is now illegal, but is still secretly practiced.

- Jovanna Reyes

3-D Implants
3D implants are 3d teflon and surgical steel implanted under the skin. It was created by Steve Haworth, a modern primitive. His most noteable work is doing a 3d metal mohawk, all implants were placed along top center of the scalp. The
implants were square in shape. People who get this done say is
a positive pain experience which leads them to participating in
more rituals.

http://www.berare.com/data/201109/body-modification-subskin.jpg

http://www.madlyodd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/subdermal_3D_implant.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe62QOmcMksNwAA0mVc5nAOjXAHOmMMG9mbKY9Zqs59KctgT_pZQz39ab6tLTABTqXuaqwKuzWtrZhbKVek9Kko3zGiWhgRAgIRYnqJUkYwp84l_D505iTjO91Fa6Wl1KJcN3I-pXOT-t/s1600/tumblr_lgmwl7GKdA1qzqd7fo1_500.jpg

-AUSTIN CRISS

The s

Sunday, September 23, 2012

True Colors- Gang Edition

Crips

Xindi

Gangs and gang members, along with types of clothing and tattoos, have traditionally worn colors as a means of identifying themselves and the gang with which they are affiliated. Many non-gang members, who innocently wore a gangs colors in the wrong place at the wrong time have been assaulted and even killed.

The Crips are a primarily, but not exclusively, African-American gang. Crips were founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1969 mainly by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams. The Crips are one of the largest and most violent associations of street gangs in the United States.

The gang is known for its gang members' use of the color blue in their clothing. However, this practice has waned due to police crackdowns on gang members.

http://www.coolchaser.com/graphics/tag/crips%20in%20blue%20graphics

Why do the Crips wear blue?

One reason Crips wear blue is cause most of the original members went to Washington High School in South LA & one of their school colors is blue. Another reason is cause one of the original members used to wear a blue bandanna on the left side of his back pocket as a fashion statement and when he died the Crips continued the trait in honor of him.

http://sneakanddestroyblog.com/2010/11/30/top-ten-tuesd

BLOODS BY AUSTIN CRISS

Bloods were created to eliminate the crips. They were founded in the 70's, the first blood gand was PIRU BLOODS. They reside on piru street in East LA. Bloods wear red as their primary color. There are hundreds of different blood sets in Los Angeles and all over the U.S. Some fight against each other which doesnt make sense to me. Back in the 90s they were very bright about it, very loud in wearing red. They wear red bandanas on the right side and crips wear blue bandanas on their left side. Now today Bloods are very descrete, they will wear all types of colors to blend in with the people so cops wont harass them. They also have certain blood handshakes and signs to disrespect other gangs. I wear alot of red myself because thats my favorite color, and back in highschool i used to get "pressed" alot because people would think im a gangbanger cause i used to wear red hats, shirts and shoes. Alot of the blood community stays in a place called "the jungle" on rodeo and washington off of Crenshaw Blvd. Thats all blood terrority kind of like their headquarters in a sense. Alot of killings between crips and bloods have occured, and still is going on today but with the mexican gangs and MS-13 some crip and blood sets have teamed up together to fight the mexicans.ays/

Grape Street Watts Crips

http://www.blingcheese.com/image/code/133/crip+gang.htm

The Grape Street Watts Crips is a street gang from the Watts
section of Los Angeles, California. There are many ways to identify certain
gang. We can identify them with their gang color; what color do they wear, or
by tattoo; each drawing symbolized different gang. Like many other gangs the
Grape Street Watts Crips also symbolize them self with purple color instead of
blue like normal Crips are. 

Why the Grape Street Watts Crips wear purple?

http://www.rapdict.org/Grape_Street_Watts_Crips

They wear purple to signify Grape Street, a north-south
street in Watts and 103rd in the heart of their neighborhood. They occupy the
Jordan Downs Public Housing and most residents attend Jordan High School which
is located adjacent to the public housing. Nowadays, they are hiding their
identity by wearing the purple bandana so they can avoid the police. 

-E.I.J- 

Latin Kings

By Jovanna Reyes

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/new-york/latin-kings-street-gang-makes-park-slope-junior-180043485.html

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2gwfes0&s=3

In the reading, True Colors, the author describes the way that gangs use color to identify themselves from others of the same, or a different gang. Most importantly the author talked about how the gangs are now acting more subtle when dressing for their color or to show they are from a certain gang. The Latin Kings, for example, wear yellow and black beads to show they are one of the members. Now, instead of wearing the beads on their neck, they are keeping them in their pocket, hidden from the outside world until they are needed. One of the trends that will never go out of style for this gang, according to the reading, is the three circle dots that is tattooed on the gang members representing la vida loca.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQjXDTj9keS90dE0FIDiGWuGZi1w-o49ir3rQEWPuzT_2EDJOGtJt0KosVdjJldiSZ1N79Qh1GPB7RojR83kn1dwwl0CTQOfbMaZGEq0YYzBEhybZU8zZuh6mjRgqJHi0HqLCRLeFnLE/s1600/K-9.JPG

What I thought was really interesting is that younger kids that impersonate these gangs are following the members, but in the opposite way. Since gang members are now trying to be more subtle in what gang they represent, more and more kids are dressing in the gang style to show more than anything that they are part of the gang, even when they are not. They are getting tattoos that one would get when they have been initiate into the gang, even though they aren't part of it yet. Another thing that I thought was rather funny was these kids saying they are Black Gangster Disciples, when they are white boys. How ironic.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Young & Chubby

Young and Chubby: What's Heavy about That?

When I was reading this article by Ginia Bellafante, I couldn't help but think about Marilyn Monroe. An icon of her time, and still to this day seen as a big sex symbol. But what people don't know about her is that she was not a size, 2, nor a size 4. She was a size 12. It seems like we are returning to the time that society was once in where having meat on the bones is sexy still.

http://www.indivisualism.com/2012/01/beauty-lies-in-eye-of-beholder.html

In the photo above, I think this is a perfect example of that we are returning to as discussed in the article. In the article, Bellafante talks about how plus sized women are not so self conscious to be thin and to diet as they were in the past. There is a new revolution to these women who are naturally on the bigger side, and it is a change that is being noticed. Torrid, is a well known plus-size store for women from the size 14 and up to shop for fashionable and trendy outfits sized just for them. There are new markets for the bigger sized women that is one of the leading causes for this trend. Other reasons for this trend are celebrities as well.

im.rediff.com/getahead/2010/apr/21slid3.jpg

www.funnydailydose.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Jennifer-Lopez.jpg

As seen above, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncè Knowles are known for being part of the revolution. They flaunt their natural curvaceous bodies in a very sexy way. This just proves to show that you can be curvy, and still sexy.

There was one section in the reading that really made me think about my own self image and how I see it. It actually changed it and reminded me that my body type is one in a million and to be proud of it. "The ideal body is really the athletic one,"..."The emphasis is on being healthy. My friends all do sports, and you can't eat cucumbers for lunch." This brought me back to my high school days that were not too long ago and I loved being able to eat whatever I wanted, as long as I went to practice and worked out. Now that I don't play sports all year long, I need to step up my game and go back to what I used to do to be in better shape. In another section relating to the sports, there were other figures that were looked upon to help girls be happy and proud of the bodies they have.

http://thegrio.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/venus-serena-williams-new-york-times.jpg

Venus and Serena Williams are perfect models for the athletic goddess that doesn't have to be stick thin in order to be in shape. The are beautiful in their own way and are good role models to women who don't fit in a size 2.

What I did notice that the article was trying to get across is with this new trend of self esteem and bigger girls, there is a bigger chance of health issues for these women and girls. Unfortunately, women do need to watch how they are taking care of their bodies regardless if they are happy with being plus size, or average size. Healthy today means healthy tomorrow. But in the mean time, I leave you with this message from Marilyn Monroe.

http://www.indivisualism.com/2012/01/beauty-lies-in-eye-of-beholder.html

-Jovanna Reyes

Young and Chubby

This article was basically talking about how society views certain bodies as far as women go. The size 0 in a sense is what every girl wants, some of them go on extreme diets to acheive the goal or some women have high-self esteem and are okay with bodies. On the other side though some women are insecure with their bodies which leads them to extreme dieting, trying to be accepted by society and pretty. But i wanted to talk about the male side of this situation. Us males want that nice body so we work out and eat healthy, still eat junk but in moderation. We want the six packs, and cut arms to attract the opposite sex. The males that are big feel like they have to do extra everything to make up for not having that model body. Some males do embrace their big bodies like the late great rapper "The Notrious B.I.G." and Rick Ross

"fat, black and ugly as ever, however i stay Coogi down to the socks"-Notorious BIG

http://thatsenuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Biggie-World-Trade.jpg

"Ever seen a fat boy in a big body benz"-Rick Ross
"I'm not a slim thug, I'm a fat mack"-Rick Ross
http://www.google.com/imgres?start=173&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbo=d&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&biw=1440&bih=719&addh=36&tbm=isch&tbnid=D8FI8loH-

-AUSTIN CRISS

Young and Chubby

Have you ever heard of the “Venus” of Willendorf ?

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/venus-of-willendorf-statuette-made-of-limestone-made-about-news-photo/56459631

It is a curvy female figure, which has been made between 24,000 to 22,000 BCE. It is described as ideal image of woman, highly fertility. The Venus sculptured with large breast and large stomach. Large breast and stomach symbolized they can carried a lot of offspring and feed their children. It is counted as the important aspect of female, which make them beautiful.

Do you remember the skinny Nichole Richie?

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/reality-star-nicole-richie-attends-the-opening-of-social-news-photo/71313119

Nowadays, people have different perspective on ideal female figure. With influence of fashion industry, they think badly about female with full figure and they tend to like the scary skinny looks with 0 size clothing. Many fashion leaders are starting to make a difference with their healthy weight. Their influence open some people mind.

The Curvy Scarlett Johansson.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/scarlett-johansson-attends-the-schiaparelli-and-prada-news-photo/144001804

So which bodyshape do you think better?

-E.I.J-

Young & Chubby

Xindi

Have you ever see a difference between a healthy round body and an overweight one? In my opinion, a healthy round body would be strong, having muscles, powerful. But an overweight round body would be only carrying fats. I bet almost everyone likes to see a healthy round body rather than an overweight one.

Nowadays, people are considering a size 0 body is the sexiest and most beautiful for females. However, in lots of other countries in the history, they considered a fat body is the most beautiful and sexiest look for female. For example, in the Tang Dynasty of China, because Chinese to fertilizer for the beauty, the world recognized.

Because of Tang Dynasty's wealthiness, people were living in a happy and rich life at that time. It was really easy to being "FAT". Moreover, Tang Dynasty has been well developed and opened mind by connecting with other foreign countries, so people in Tang Dynasty could more accept the fat body.

Do you ever think how might this acceptance of a healthy round body play out between adult women and teenage girls? For example, if a mother believes that a healthy body should be thin and her daughter who believes that a healthy body should be round?

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Fashion's Night Out 2012

This year for Fashion's Night Out, I followed BCBG Online.

These are images that are from the BCBG website letting the viewer know about the special promotion and contest that is being advertised.

In addition to BCBG, I also visited Alexander McQueen. Here is the promotional video for the event for the WONDERWALL.

<h4>Jovanna Reyes</h4>

Guess attacks again with their fall line

Fashion Show Part I-Guess

True Religion store in the beverly center with a picture collage of all attendees

XXI FOREVER

XXI Forever joined Beverly Center to celebrates Fashion's Night Out.

The first 300 customers can get 40$ gift card.

With purchase of 40$ or more, you can get Love&Beauty gift set.

Follow up XXI Forever on FNOLA #FNOforever.

DJ on XXI Forever

Mood up your shopping mood with music.

You can request the music you want.

MAKEOVER with Love&Beauty

Make Up tutorial on "How to Wear Red Lipstick" to glam up your look.

Get the chance to makeover your looks for free.

Photo Booth

Don't forget to capture your moment in XXI Forever with photo booth.

-E.I.J-

Celebrate Ur FNO with Guess

Xindi

This year Guess celebrates its FNO with providing consumers the instant lips makeup, manicure, free gifts, sweets, cocktails and your own FNO pictures.

Also, it has rewards for anyone who shops @Guess. $25 award when you spend $125, $50 award when you spend $200, $100 award when you speed $300.

When I spend $125 on the FNO event @ Guess, I could get a free tote with lots of cute gifts inside, such as earphone, badge pins, sticker manicure set, iphone protector, NYX cosmetics and a $20 gift card.