PostModernism & Social Narratives

Body Modification

http://www.chooseyourbeliefs.com/2008/09/christian-body-modification.html

Image source: http://media.photobucket.com/image/kat+von+d/Fav54ver/FP9475Kat-Von-D-Posters.jpg

Gina's Comments: In what is considered to be beautiful, the ideas are changing more and more everyday. Specifically, tattoos and piercings, or body modifications, are becoming more acceptable forms of creating personal beauty. One person that you can look at to prove this is Kat Von D, the star of the reality TV show LA Ink. She’s considered to be a paragon of counter-cultural beauty.

Danialle:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20016730-10391704.html

In September 2010 a teen was expelled from high school for having her nose pierced, which is against school policy. She is fighting the expulsion on the basis of belonging to the Church of Body Modification. Now there is a nationwide discussion as to whether the Church of Body Modification is a “real” church and thus provides her with a religious exception to the rule. Members of the Church believe that modification is an ancient art that strengthens the bond between mind, body, and soul. Detractors say that the Church of Body Modification is an organization, not a Church since there is no deity or higher power.

Danielle: Although tattooing has been around for thousands of years and is an accepted practice in several cultures around the world, tattooing in the United States was considered a deviant practice or taboo until the mid-1990s. Now that this laden art has made its way into the mainstream, tattooing has become socially acceptable and not simply an exercise in rebellion. In fact, getting a tattoo can be a deeply sacred experience for many individuals as they relate getting the body art to a personal trial or tribulation that they have overcome, or in remembrance of a loved one. Individuals getting tattoos are simply not just rock stars or celebrities, but they come from all walks of life, professions, and levels of education including doctors, nurses, lawyers, and suburban homemakers. The stereotypical “wild child” persona simply does not apply to this now socially acceptable practice of body modification and we see it every day in advertisements, television, and movies.


Elaine: There has been a stigma in the religious world that has seen tattoos as a taboo in Christianity. In modern times, the taboo is fading as tattoos are becoming expressions of faith. In the example in the first picture, the artist who owns The Needle for the Nail believes, “…the tattoos on his body are signs of an alternative Christian movement, especially among youth, embracing ink and reanalyzing their faith. Many younger Christians, whose attendance at traditional churches is waning, are now turning inward and toward churches willing to stray from old-fashioned creeds and inch more towards a contemporary interpretation of the Bible.” In other realms of thinking, tattoos are also used to express believes, art, remembrance of others, and much more. Quote taken from: 
             http://newsinitiative.org/story/2007/08/16/christian_tattoo_the_needle_for

Religious Fish

http://www.ancient-symbols.com/images/symbols-influence-history/original/christian-fish.jpg

http://weblogsky.com/2009/02/16/darwin-and-buddhism/

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TAi8dc5C-S8/THxiDe46sxI/AAAAAAAAFh4/lk8sGJhDOjk/s1600/piratefish_hiqual.jpg

Gina's Comments: These three images show different re-imaginings of symbols of meaning. The first is the re-imagining of a Christian symbol, from the typical cross to that of a fish. This fish is called the Jesus fish. The second is the re-imagining of that new Christian symbol of the fish with legs, showing the progression of evolution—this is called the Darwin or Ichthus Fish. It is in contrast to the Jesus fish because usually those with Jesus fish on their cars do not believe in evolution, and the beliefs of Christianity are sometimes in direct opposition to those of evolution. The third image is one from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which is in opposition to both Christian and Darwinist attitudes with the Pirate Fish, which is a symbol of (relative) atheism and also tongue-in-cheek humor.

Danialle:

The three fish images denote three different religious views, Christian, Evolutionists, and Pastafarians. The original image was developed to provide security to persecuted Christians in ancient times. By drawing half the fish in the sand, they could inquire if the person they had met was also a Christian. If so, they could finish the image. The Evolutionists modified the image, adding feet to the fish, to incorporate the idea of fish evolving and crawling out onto dry land. The Pastafarians continued to modify the religious fish icon to incorporate their beliefs concerning pirates and global warming while continuing to parody the conflict between the Christian Creationists and Evolutionists.

Danielle: In the grand theme of master narratives, different religions have always had their spin on life and how (and why) we are here, and who is controlling or has created the universe. Unfortunately everyone seems to have a different take on whom or what this higher power is and whether or not this belief is simply a fairy tale. This question has sparked deep emotional debates that have crossed into our daily lives, our work, and our schools. The example of the three fishes shows how these varying religions are taking pot shots at one another, especially the pirate fish representing The Flying Spaghetti Monster religion, and the Evolutionist fish that slams the Christianity ideal of creationism. Instead of having tolerance for varying points of view, some religious groups, who deeply believe in their message, are lashing out in what can only be deemed as hypocritical acts. Our society is constantly being exposed to stories about religious opposition on the news and on the internet as well as in other forms of media (such as television programs and advertisements) and how it affects the global stage in the form of wars, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks.


Elaine: The fish was first used as a symbol for Christianity dating back to the first century. In modern times, the fish is an iconic symbol for Christianity today as it has been marketed on clothing, bumper stickers, bookmarks, used in sitcoms, and across the technological realms. As debates began about evolution the symbol also began to evolve. It grew legs and represented the concept of evolution (humans evolving from a lesser life form) rather than a sign Jesus used to demonstrate we are to be fishers of men. The war of the symbols began and competitions were started by variations of the fish eating each other. Recently, a new symbol has joined the war. This is a fish made of bones representing pirates. The movement that designed the latest symbol was in rebellion to Christianity winning the right to have intelligent design taught along the side of evolution in the public schools in Kansas. This movement is meant to be satirical view on Creationism and has gained a lot of popularity. There is much controversy about how these symbols take on meaning based on core belief systems of the individuals involved. Some see them as humorous, others see them as heresy. Information taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parodies_of_the_ichthys_symbol