Non-fiction: Making Your Mark Making Your Mark By Mark Rowh What you need to know about body art, from piercings to tattoos When Savanna P. looks in the mirror, she sees herself as a work of body art. The Salt Lake City 15-year-old sports jewelry in her lip and nose, on her collar-bone, beside one eye, and on her ears. She also has two tattoos, one on her back and another on the front of her hip. Imageshop/Corbis Maintaining the image she prefers has not come easily, Savanna admits. She has developed infections in some piercings and wishes one of the tattoos had been done more professionally. She suffered a rip in one ear when her mother accidentally caught a finger in a hole made by a stud. Despite those challenges, Savanna remains positive about the changes she has made in her appearance. This makes me unique, she says. Others feel differently about such practices. In fact, opinions about piercings and tattoos for teens vary widely. Many teachers, employers, and other adults disapprove of them. Some parents say sorry, no way. Others are more lenient, letting teens decide for themselves. Often it s a matter of degree. For example, some parents might draw the line at mere ear piercing, while another parent might allow a small nose stud or a conservative tattoo. And then there are parents such as Savanna s, who were OK with her getting inked. Article: Copyright 2009 Weekly Reader Corporation. All rights reserved. Weekly Reader is a registered trademark of Weekly Reader Corporation. Used by permission. 1
Non-fiction: Making Your Mark Views among teens also cover a lot of territory. For some, body art offers a way to express themselves. Others find it s not for them. Decisions in this area carry more weight than other appearance-related choices. If you shave off your hair, you can always grow it back. But piercings don t always close up, and a tattoo will be with you forever unless you pay huge bucks to have it surgically removed. It currently runs about a thousand dollars a square inch to remove a tattoo, says Dr. Frank Barnhill, a physician in Gaffney, S.C. Jason Woodcock/Istock If you decide to get tattoos or piercings, make sure you re well-informed. Don t just go ahead without considering the implications of decorating your body. Possible Problems Tattoos and piercings come with risks and that s not just scare talk from people who disapprove of them. If you are considering getting either or both, be aware of possible side effects or other negatives. Barnhill warns of exposure to infectious diseases caused by dirty, previously used instruments and inks. Even if the right precautions are taken, infections can develop later, causing redness and pain in the affected areas. Skin infections may destroy the tattoo by causing scarring, he says. Sometimes these are so bad they need plastic surgery. Scarring can also come with piercings, especially in the nose or ears, where damage to cartilage may lead to holes that enlarge and fail to heal. Article: Copyright 2009 Weekly Reader Corporation. All rights reserved. Weekly Reader is a registered trademark of Weekly Reader Corporation. Used by permission. 2
Non-fiction: Making Your Mark Fractured teeth also may result from pierced tongues or lips, according to Dr. Bruce DeGinder, a dentist in Williamsburg, Va. People chip teeth on the piercing while eating, sleeping, talking, or by chewing on the jewelry, he says. It is possible for the fracture to go deep into your tooth, which may require a root canal or removal of the tooth altogether. Along with physical problems, body art can pose challenges in the workplace or the larger social world. Tattoos and body piercings do not give the professional image many organizations are looking for, says Christine Chen, an etiquette consultant in the Washington, D.C., area. In today s competitive business environment, companies are looking at the whole package a package that will give a positive impression to their clients. Even if employers don t make appearance a factor in hiring, they may demand that employees wear long sleeves or other types of clothing to cover body art, Chen adds. Playing It Smart If you decide to go with tattoos or body jewelry, there are a few things to consider. Don t assume any items are totally without risk. Fake tongue rings made of small magnets, for instance, can be dangerous if swallowed. Allergies to various types of metal jewelry may cause itching, redness, or blisters. Permanent makeup might sound convenient, but it can cause the same kinds of problems as other types of tattoos. Deal with established businesses. Don t go to anyone who doesn t know what they re doing, Savanna says. They have to be in a shop. Keep in mind that most states have laws that protect customers of businesses that provide piercings or tattoos. If you try to cut corners by going to an amateur, you could expose yourself to serious infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis. It s best to avoid metal mouth jewelry. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that plastic studs are less likely to lead to infections than stainless steel or titanium ones are. Researchers believe that bacteria stick to metal studs more readily than to plastic, leading to infections. At the same time, metal tongue studs are more likely to chip teeth or damage gums. Article: Copyright 2009 Weekly Reader Corporation. All rights reserved. Weekly Reader is a registered trademark of Weekly Reader Corporation. Used by permission. 3
Non-fiction: Making Your Mark Think ahead. When choosing the size or design of a tattoo, ask yourself whether it will be something you will always want. I see teens all the time who have what I call tattoo regret, says Susan Bartell, a New York psychologist. Something as permanent as a tattoo may not be something you ll like later on in life. No matter how you decide to adorn yourself, get all the facts first. Don t be afraid to ask questions about the process or what you ll be left with afterward. Be sure to spend time thinking about the way you want it all to look and how it might look to you, or to others, years down the road. When it comes to tattoos, for instance, Savanna says it s best to choose designs that are truly meaningful. In her case, one tattoo conveys an antidrug message, a movement she believes in. The other is a memorial poem to a friend who died. Being sure of yourself is especially important because the process of getting a tattoo can be uncomfortable at best. Tattoos are very painful, she says. Make sure you get something that means something to you. Talk It Up Scott Griessel/Istock When it comes to considering any type of body art, be sure to keep your parents in the loop. In many states, the law requires that anyone younger than 18 have the consent of a parent or a legal guardian before getting piercings or tattoos. At the same time, it s always a good idea to avoid family conflict by talking openly about your interest. Explain that tattoos and body piercings are a form of communication and an attempt to be a part of a larger peer group, says Dr. Frank Barnhill, a physician in Gaffney, S.C. Then, if they give you the go-ahead, gather all the facts and take care in moving forward with your decision. Article: Copyright 2009 Weekly Reader Corporation. All rights reserved. Weekly Reader is a registered trademark of Weekly Reader Corporation. Used by permission. 4
Non-fiction: Making Your Mark Tongue Tips If you decide to have your tongue (or lip or cheek) pierced, take care of it, recommends Virginia dentist Bruce DeGinder, a past president of the Academy of General Dentistry. He suggests the following: Sandra Kim/iStock Use an antiseptic mouthwash after every meal. Brush the jewelry clean the same as you do for your teeth. Use acrylic jewelry rather than metal to minimize damage to your teeth. Consider removing the jewelry before eating, sleeping, or playing sports. 5 Article: Copyright 2009 Weekly Reader Corporation. All rights reserved. Weekly Reader is a registered trademark of Weekly Reader Corporation. Used by permission.
Questions: Making Your Mark Name: Date: 1. According to Dr. Frank Barnhill, how much does it cost to remove a tattoo? A about a hundred dollars a square inch B about two hundred dollars per tattoo C about a thousand dollars a square inch D about a thousand dollars per tattoo 2. This passage includes a list of things to consider when deciding to get tattoos or body jewelry. What common purpose do all of the items in the list share? A They try to stop people from getting tattoos and piercings. B They give advice so that people can make informed decisions. C They describe in detail why teens shouldn t get tattoos. D They encourage more teens to get piercings and tattoos. 3. After reading the passage, what can you conclude about Savanna P.? A She thinks body art makes her look tough. B She really likes her piercings and tattoos. C She wishes she didn t get two tattoos. D She regrets getting so many piercings. 4. Read this sentence from the passage: Don t just go ahead without considering the implications of decorating your body. In this sentence, the word implications means A benefits B results C worries D rumors 5. The primary purpose of this passage is to describe A why some teens choose to get piercings and tattoos B the changes Savanna P. has made to her appearance C information teenagers need to know about body art D how body art might be a problem in the workplace 1
Questions: Making Your Mark 6. What two tattoos did Savanna choose to get? 7. Why, do you think, do many states require that anyone younger than 18 have the consent of a parent or a legal guardian before getting piercings or tattoos? Please cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 8. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence. It can be dangerous fake tongue rings made of small magnets are swallowed. A if B for C and D to 2
Questions: Making Your Mark 9. Answer the following questions based on the sentence below. Dr. Frank Barnhill, a physician in Gaffney, S.C, warns people that skin infections may destroy a tattoo by causing scarring. Who? Where? (does) What? warns people that skin infections may destroy a tattoo by causing scarring 10. Vocabulary Word: conservative: following accepted rules or standards. Use the vocabulary word in a sentence: 3
Teacher Guide & Answers: Making Your Mark Teacher Guide & Answers Passage Reading Level: Lexile 1100 Featured Text Structure: Enumerative the writer includes a list, giving examples of something. This text structure is often combined with cause/effect or problem/solution. Passage Summary: Making Your Mark describes what people need to know about body art, from piercings to tattoos. It also lists things to consider for people who decide to get tattoos or body jewelry. 1. According to Dr. Frank Barnhill, how much does it cost to remove a tattoo? A about a hundred dollars a square inch B about two hundred dollars per tattoo C about a thousand dollars a square inch D about a thousand dollars per tattoo 2. This passage includes a list of things to consider when deciding to get tattoos or body jewelry. What common purpose do all of the items in the list share? A They try to stop people from getting tattoos and piercings. B They give advice so that people can make informed decisions. C They describe in detail why teens shouldn t get tattoos. D They encourage more teens to get piercings and tattoos. 3. After reading the passage, what can you conclude about Savanna P.? A She thinks body art makes her look tough. B She really likes her piercings and tattoos. C She wishes she didn t get two tattoos. D She regrets getting so many piercings. 4. Read this sentence from the passage: Don t just go ahead without considering the implications of decorating your body. In this sentence, the word implications means A benefits B results C worries D rumors 5. The primary purpose of this passage is to describe A why some teens choose to get piercings and tattoos B the changes Savanna P. has made to her appearance C information teenagers need to know about body art D how body art might be a problem in the workplace 1
Teacher Guide & Answers: Making Your Mark 6. What two tattoos did Savanna choose to get? Suggested answer: Savanna chose one tattoo with an antidrug message and another with a memorial poem dedicated to a friend who died. [last paragraph after subhead Playing It Smart ] 7. Why, do you think, do many states require that anyone younger than 18 have the consent of a parent or a legal guardian before getting piercings or tattoos? Please cite evidence from the text to support your answer. Suggested answer: Many states probably require that anyone younger than 18 have the consent of a parent or a legal guardian before getting piercings or tattoos because getting body art is a big decision that should be discussed with a parent or guardian. According to the passage, If you shave off your hair, you can always grow it back. But piercings don t always close up, and a tattoo will be with you forever unless you pay huge bucks to have it surgically removed. [paragraph 7] 8. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence. It can be dangerous fake tongue rings made of small magnets are swallowed. A if B for C and D to 9. Answer the following questions based on the sentence below. Dr. Frank Barnhill, a physician in Gaffney, S.C, warns people that skin infections may destroy a tattoo by causing scarring. Who? physician Dr. Frank Barnhill Where? in Gaffney, S.C. (does) What? warns people that skin infections may destroy a tattoo by causing scarring 10. Vocabulary Word: conservative: following accepted rules or standards. Use the vocabulary word in a sentence: answers may vary. 2