Many parents like to pierce their child's ears at a very young age. Some seem to think that infancy is the best time to do this, and they have their reasons.
In all matters, I think that cosmetic body modification of any kind is a choice for the child to make when he or she is old enough to make that decision and care for the modification. Call me crazy, but it seems to me that children are individuals too. I would gladly let my sons (or daughters if I ever have any) get ears pierced if they desired to do so and had reached a maturity level where they could take care of it responsibly. I feel making this decision for a child is a forced identity. I would like to go over a few common arguments for infant and young child ear piercing.
One reason often given for doing it at a young age is that it may be less painful, and may fear the pain more as they grow up. First, having had my ears and other areas pierced several times, an ear piercing amounts to little more than a pinch and then maybe a slight tingling pain for a few days. Most of my piercings were done in my late teens and early twenties, and I am sure that it did not get more painful with age. Let us also not forget that ear decorations are in no way necessary. If the child does fear pain at a later age it would be perfectly fine if they choose to forego the piercing altogether.
Another common argument is the idea that piercing a girl's ears solves gender identification problems. This idea assumes that, if we are to concede that piercing a baby's ears is a righteous thing to do, it is only something that can be done to girls. There may be certain cultural dictates in place that allow some parents to assume this, but that idea is sexist and not true in the least. It is an optional fashion accessory for any human to choose to wear. In fact there are some parents who do pierce their infant boy's ears.
Gender identification is much more easily solved through language. If someone wants to know whether they are looking at a boy or a girl, they can ask. Some parents feel that this is no ones business to know what gender a child is because of the assumptions that society places with gender and will decline to answer that question. I completely respect their right to do so. I have to agree that it is not any stranger's business what genitals a child has and cannot possibly make any difference to them. If someone wants to call my boy "pretty" or "beautiful", so be it. I like honest opinions. Similarly a baby girl can be "handsome" as well.
Many parents wrongly assume what their child will want in the future concerning fashion. Many parents who have their baby's ears pierced will simply argue that it looks very cute or fashionable. I think that the role of a parent is to provide what is needed and let the preferences that the child takes on regarding fashion, gender, and cultural identity be something that is influenced rather than forced. Cosmetic modification of an ear, or any body part, is a decision best left for the owner of that body part. What is your take?
In all matters, I think that cosmetic body modification of any kind is a choice for the child to make when he or she is old enough to make that decision and care for the modification. Call me crazy, but it seems to me that children are individuals too. I would gladly let my sons (or daughters if I ever have any) get ears pierced if they desired to do so and had reached a maturity level where they could take care of it responsibly. I feel making this decision for a child is a forced identity. I would like to go over a few common arguments for infant and young child ear piercing.
One reason often given for doing it at a young age is that it may be less painful, and may fear the pain more as they grow up. First, having had my ears and other areas pierced several times, an ear piercing amounts to little more than a pinch and then maybe a slight tingling pain for a few days. Most of my piercings were done in my late teens and early twenties, and I am sure that it did not get more painful with age. Let us also not forget that ear decorations are in no way necessary. If the child does fear pain at a later age it would be perfectly fine if they choose to forego the piercing altogether.
Another common argument is the idea that piercing a girl's ears solves gender identification problems. This idea assumes that, if we are to concede that piercing a baby's ears is a righteous thing to do, it is only something that can be done to girls. There may be certain cultural dictates in place that allow some parents to assume this, but that idea is sexist and not true in the least. It is an optional fashion accessory for any human to choose to wear. In fact there are some parents who do pierce their infant boy's ears. Gender identification is much more easily solved through language. If someone wants to know whether they are looking at a boy or a girl, they can ask. Some parents feel that this is no ones business to know what gender a child is because of the assumptions that society places with gender and will decline to answer that question. I completely respect their right to do so. I have to agree that it is not any stranger's business what genitals a child has and cannot possibly make any difference to them. If someone wants to call my boy "pretty" or "beautiful", so be it. I like honest opinions. Similarly a baby girl can be "handsome" as well.
Many parents wrongly assume what their child will want in the future concerning fashion. Many parents who have their baby's ears pierced will simply argue that it looks very cute or fashionable. I think that the role of a parent is to provide what is needed and let the preferences that the child takes on regarding fashion, gender, and cultural identity be something that is influenced rather than forced. Cosmetic modification of an ear, or any body part, is a decision best left for the owner of that body part. What is your take?
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