Surveys

We decided to conduct a simple survey to see which would youths prefer. This is the results.

1. If you would have to choose one to be your lifetime soulmate, which would you have to choose?
Out of the 18 responses, 2 of them would want to marry one who had the looks but have done plastic surgeries while the rest chose to marry the one that is averagelooking with natural beauty.

 



2. Please provide a reason for your previous answer.
For those who answered no:

• first impression lasts
• Prefer to associate with beautiful people and nice things.

For those who answered yes:

• Natural and inner beauty is what really matters
• Do not wish to spend time with one that looks fake for the rest of their life
• Religious reasons
• Only when 2 imperfect people meets which then would form a perfect couple.

According to our surveys, people would rather marry someone that looks natural than "fake" in a way. However, why do people spazz over celebrities and other famous people that have undergone alterations to their bogy such as plastic surgery, which some even claim that they won't mind to marry them at all? Furthermore, why didn't most of them call them fake then? This is a question that is worth pondering about.

Theme: Youth culture

What is 'Youth Culture'?

Youth culture is "the sum of the ways of living of adolescents; it refers to the body of norms, values, and practices recognized and shared by members of the adolescent society as appropriate guides to actions".This definition includes two elements. The first is culture, which can be defined as the symbolic systems, and processes of maintaining and transforming those systems, that people share.The second part of this definition is that youth culture is specific to adolescents, and differs at least partially from the culture of older generations.
Elements of youth culture include beliefs, behaviors, styles, and interests. An emphasis on clothes, popular music, sports, vocabulary, and dating set adolescents apart from other age groups, giving them what many believe is a distinct culture of their own.

What are some examples of 'Youth Culture'?
Well, Youth Culture can be divided into many categories such as fashion, popular music and social media sites. There's definitely much more but these are just a few of them we're gonna talk about on this blog post.

Fashion
The fashion trend among youth changes really fast, which is other words known as fast fashion. Fast fashion is a term used by fashion retailers to acknowledge that designs move from catwalk to store in the fastest time to capture the current trends in the market. These clothing collections are based on the most recent fashion trends presented at Fashion Week in both the spring and the autumn of every year. These trends are designed and manufactured quickly and inexpensively so that mainstream consumers can take advantage of current clothing styles at lower prices to sell out to customers and earn profits. This philosophy is being used by many large retailer, some examples are H&M, Cotton On and Forever 21.

If you compare youth fashion in the past and now, there is a huge contrast in them. For example, in the past, youths like to wear long pants and short sleeves shirts. If they are wearing tubes, sleeveless, they would put on a jacket. If they are wearing skirts, dresses and shorts, they tend to wear stocking underneath. Also, they tend to wear dull colours. Well, they were really conservative then.

Now, you can see a huge difference. Crop tops, tank tops, sleeveless tops, short shorts, mini flappy skirts and dresses, all the really skimpy clothings. The clothes are really bright and filled with lots of colours. This is how youth fashion is like now.

Popular Music

Youth nowadays can't live a day without music! Research has shown that music that have great impacts in one's life and it can help to reduce stress level too.

Many youths love kpop artists such as girls generation, super junior and big bang etc. Although many of the fans are not Koreans, these youths appreciate the idols' looks and cuteness over the music. Hence, appearance does matter when youths listen to music sometimes.

Also, since many people understand english, they also love American Popular Music. Some of the most popular artists are One Direction, Katy Perry and Maroon 5.

Nowadays, youths just like artists just for their appearances and not for their real talents, unlike the past. Even if one have really great talent, looks still play a part too. Therefore, this is why many artists, adults and even youths do alterations to their body to make themselves look prettier and better to be able to "attract" others' attention in a way. This is how it works now in the current society.

Social Media

Social media has also played an important role in a youth's life. It is a place where youths can communicate, interact and know one another easily and conveniently. A few examples are Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr.

 

 

Throughout our whole project work and research, we'll be focusing more on the 2nd category, Popular Culture, as this has impacted many youths' life in different ways. Hence, we are going to investigate on our question, "Should we allow alterations to our body?", using many examples and case studies from celebrities and Popular Culture.

Interviews on Parent's views

We interviewed our parents because they might have a much different perspective from us.

Interview Questions:

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

Yes/No

2. Why?

3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

Yes/No *If the parent says no, then answer this question*

4. Did you know that undergoing alterations can be harmful?

Yes/No *If the parent says yes, then answer this question*

-Explain to them the pros (if parents said yes) and the cons (if the parents said no)-

5. After listening to our explanation on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

 

Celeste's Dad

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

Yes if my child insists 

2. Why?

If it can increase my child's confidence in her appearance, I would support her decision as I would want the best for my child.

3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

Yes *If the parent says no, then answer this question*

-Explain to them the pros (if parents said yes) and the cons (if the parents said no)-

4. After listening to our explanation on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

Yes, even though there'll be risks involve, it's not as severe as life-threatening and if it improves in her appearances and she really wants it, why not?

 

Xiang Ting’s Mom and Dad

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

 No.
2. Why?

Firstly, it will cost a bomb since it is most likely not a one-time thing. Secondly, alterations such as tattoos and piercings will give other people, like the public, a bad impression of my children themselves. This might also cause my children to unable to get a job and foothold in today's competitive society, especially Singapore. Also, I believe that it somehow does harm to my children's health and body as I guess they use some kind of chemicals in the process of getting the alteration done. Lastly, I think that my children should be proud and satisfied with the normal features and the good health they have as many kids from other countries are born abnormal like having a deformed body parts or features.
3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

No *If the parent says no, then answer the question*

-telling them more about the benefits of alterations-

4. After listening to our explanation on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No, I will not.

 

Sze Yen’s Mom

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No

2. Why?

I feel that my children looks great so I don’t see the need as to why she needs to change at all. Furthermore, it is natural beauty and internal beauty that truly counts.

3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

Yes *If the parent says no, then answer the question*

-telling them more about the cons of alterations-

4. After listening to our explanation on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

Only for medical reasons

                                   

Sze Yen’s Dad

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No

2. Why?

They are still too young to decide. When she grows up, I’ll give her the choice and freedom to choose what she wants

3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

Yes *If the parent says no, then answer the question*

-telling them more about the cons of alterations-

4. After listening to our explanation on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

Yes

 

Yasmin’s mom

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No

2. Why?

There's no need, and if you do tattoos there is a risk of infection. What if you're unlucky? It's all unnecessary risks, and if you're not super weird or ugly, why do you want to do it? You'll suffer when you grow up, and it's not healthy. Of course, if you're ugly, like so horrible that people get scared of your face, that will be a reasonable excuse.

3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

No

*If the parent says no, then answer the question*

-telling them about the benefits of alterations-

4. After listening to our explanation on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No, but I'm okay with them doing whatever they want once they are legal.

 

Yasmin’s dad

1. Would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No

2. Why?

It's unnatural, unhealthy and unappreciative of god's gift.

3. Did you know that undergoing alterations can sometimes be beneficial?

Yes, for medical purposes

*If the parent says no, then answer the question*

-telling them about the cons of alterations-

4. After listening to our explaination on the pros or cons of alterations, would you allow your children to undergo alterations?

No

 

According to most parents' views, they feel that their children shouldn't undergo alterations except for a parent. For those who said they should not allow alterations, they feel that their children look perfect to them already and there is no need for any alterations to the body. After explaining to them about the pros or cons that alterations can cause one, most of them said no unless for medical reasons except for one that says yes as he wants the child to have the best.

Interviews on Tattoos

Interviews on tattoos

We conducted some interviews  to gather others' views on tattoos, which is a form of alteration to the body.

Interview Questions:
1. Do you think one should get tattoos?
2. If yes/no, why?
3. Why do you think people get tattoos?
4. What impressions do you have of people with tattoos?
5. Would you get a tattoo in the future?
6. If yes/no, why?

Here were the responses we have gotten from the interviewees:

1. All the interviewees responded with a NO, but some of them added in that it is really up to the person.

2. The general reasons we have gotten were that because it is pernament, it can't be removed and so you cannot regret your action. In addition, sometimes it would leave a bad impression on others, for example employers, in the context of a job interview.

3. Most interviewees responded that it is probably due to peer influence, they would want to look cool and they(those that choose to get tattoos) think that it would attract more 'wanted' attention. However, we have also gotten responses like tattoos may be a way to reveal their unhappiness and suffering to the world. There were other interviewees with a different view: "People get tattoos of things they believe in or stand for, or things they think they will cherish forever. If they do not like the object, why would they ink it on their skin forever?' as well as, 'They would want to have a sense of identity, and they would do this through getting a tattoo, having a unique mark on their body.'

4. Many replied saying they have a rather negative impression. They feel that they look more gangster-like, very notorious, as if they were involved in a secret society or gangs. They also have the impression that they are rebellious, undisciplined people, with a very unique midset. Some even replied saying they would avid people with tattoos as the tattoos make the people look intimidating. However, we also have different responses. Some do not have an outstanding impression of people with tattoos as tattoos just showcase a persons' beliefs and behaviour, some also feel that having a few tattoos on the body is quite cool.

5. All interviewees replied with a NO, except for two.
    Reasons for NO were:

1. They would not be able to bear the pain of the process
2. Tattoos are pernament and hard to be removed
3. Tattoos are not appealing for their appearance
4. They are afraid of leaving a bad impression on others
5. Tattoos are against their religion

    Reasons for YES were:

1. They would want to get tattoos for their own leisure.
2. They would get smaller tattoos of symbols/words/phrases that they believe in, about happiness and freedom. 

More Research on Why People do Tattoos

Tattoo

People are getting permanent tattoos onto their bodies these days regardless of their age, race, religion and background. Tattoos are not only a great form of self-expression but can also be therapeutic as well.

Things people do when they wish to get a tattoo

People can get tattoos at spur of the moment using the flash on the wall, while others might do more in depth research on the internet either by finding sourcing for various ideas and types of tattoos or by going to the library and go through books on tattoos. Most people have thought long and hard about what kind of tattoo they want and where it will be placed since it can never be removed once it is tattoo on their bodies, after all it is lifetime thing.  If they are going with a theme, the person getting the tattoo will most likely have the whole scheme planned out, from colours, lettering, design and finally size. Some people are art lovers and would like to wear art on their sleeves and thus get tattoo as a rite of passage. They usually cover different parts of their bodies with classic art, vintage illustrations, and comic-book art.

Tattoo as a memory

All tattoos have a meaning behind them. People either get permanent tattoos to memorialize an important event, person or some part in their life which they do not wish to forget. People view getting a permanent tattoo as keeping their memories with a person which has passed on or an event that they can never bring back alive forever, or as long as until they themselves have passed on. For some people, they view getting a permanent tattoo on their body as a form of "collecting different art pieces for their wall", which is basically just getting various types of permanent tattoos, which is considered a form of art to them, on their body and getting it done by different tattoo artists so that . People usually get a tattoo to mark a memory or memorialize an important person or event.

Tattoo as a form of therapy

Some people has got permanent tattoos on their body so as to keep memories of someone who has passed on or unforgettable memories that can never be brought back alive and fresh. So, when they get a permanent tattoo which represents that person who has already passed on onto their body, they will feel a sense of belonging and connection to that person. When the person looks at the tattoo that has already been imprinted and part of them, memories which they never want to forget will flood through their minds, allowing them to feel close to the person who has passed on. Thus, allowing getting a permanent tattoo as a form of therapy as now the person feels that the person that has passed on is forever with them by their side.

One example would be Rihanna who paid tribute to her late-grandmother who has passed on after a long battle with cancer by getting a mammoth tattoo of an Egyptian goddess on her chest. I think Rihanna is trying to describe her late grand-mother as someone who has been there for her during her ups and downs in life regardless of how much help her late-grandmother was capable of providing and regardless of how bad the situation Rihanna is in as she showed off a large image of Isis kneeling with her wings spread across Rihanna's ribcage. She is said to symbolize the eternal mother, friend to slaves, sinners and the helpless.

References:

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Tattoos-Are-A-Form-Of-A-427923.html           http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/475186/rihanna-gets-chest-tattoo-in-memory-of-her-late-grandmother

Reasons why many get tattoos

Reasons Why many choose to get Tattoos done…

Why did you get that tattoo? Nowadays, it seems like everybody has one, but why did that get that specific tattoo? Tattoos are expensive, they are painful and they are permanent. Many people find them unattractive, or even repulsive, others see the beauty in them. If you get a tattoo, you will be judged by others because of that tattoo. You may be labelled a criminal, a thug, uneducated and immature and you most certainly have some underlying psychological issues that you are trying to compensate for. People think that tattoos are just a cry for attention, a rebellion against society, or a way to hide who we truly are. Some will say you get tattoos in order to be different, yet others will claim you are just trying to fit in with all of the other tattooed people.

Loved One

A lot of people I've spoken to or heard about get tattoos for or about loved ones. Some get them to remember a loved one who has passed away and some get their sons or daughters names or faces on them as a gesture of love. These people are serious about their body art, and it really is beautiful to hear about. These people have decided that their family member or close friend is important enough to permanently put them on their skin. That's what I would call true love.

Religious

Another very common tattoo is the religious tattoo. More and more you can see crosses and the face of Jesus or Mary on people everywhere around the country. Many people get this tattoo as a sign of devotion to their beliefs, and is very commendable. If someone is that devout in what they believe, why shouldn't they go under the needle. Also, I've personally talked to a few Christian youth group leaders who have religious tattoos, and they have all told me that there is nothing wrong with getting one.

Military Service

While a military tattoo might not be the most original idea ever, it's still very popular. Why shouldn't it be popular? Many people go into the military, and that is a big decision that becomes a part of you. So whenever you see an eagle or an American flag on someone, there is a good chance that person was in the military.

Mistake

A few weeks ago, I asked my friend for the first time why he got a tattoo on his arm. He got the tattoo over a year ago, but I had just recently remembered to ask him why he got it. He replied that it was a mistake and that was all. It seems like a lot of people's taste will change and in turn, they will refer to their tattoo as a mistake. This isn't entirely uncommon, but with new ways of removing tattoos, it seems like this will become less common over time.

Just for Fun

Sometimes you'll meet someone with a tattoo that they can't quite explain. It might be intense or it might just be funny. These people will say that they just got it "because." These tattoos can be a range of things. One thing is certain, they'll almost certainly be original.

Whatever the reason that someone gets a tattoo, it will probably be a fun story to listen to. Of course there will be tattoos that don't fit any of their categories, but these are definitely common reasons. Next time you can't imagine why someone would get a tattoo just remember, people have their reasons.

In all honesty, all of those opinions are true, but at the same time couldn’t be more wrong. The truth is that some people do get their tattoos to rebel or be different and some tattooed people are in fact uneducated thugs and criminals. But that fact should not lead to the conclusion that this is the case for all people with tattoos. Unfortunately, some people can and will jump to those very conclusions.

Symbolizing a life-changing event

Some tattoos are a representation of a period of time or specific event which was a turning point for that person. They can serve as a reminder of what we have been through to get where we are today. There are an infinite number of events that occur in our lives that help shape us to be who we are. Relationships beginning or ending, overcoming a terrible disease or beating cancer, or in some cases covering the resulting scars.

For the love of art

Some people don’t get tattooed for deep personal or spiritual reasons, they simply like the art and design aspect of it. In some cases an artist may want to showcase a piece of their own art on their body, others may walk into a shop and see a design that they just need to have.

sources:http://voices.yahoo.com/5-reasons-why-people-tattoos-325397.html?cat=7

Purpose of Our Research

Question: Should we allow alterations to our body?

Our definition

Allow: It is to support or accept one's decision, idea or opinion in something.

Alterations: It is an act or procedure of modification.

Body: It means our entire body, including limbs and face.

Types of alterations:

-Plastic Surgeries

-Cosmetic Surgeries

-Permanent Tattoos

-Piercings

-Implants

-Scarification

-Tongue Splitting

Why are we investigating into this topic?

Currently, the hot topic within youths is about the Korean and American Popular Culture, many youths look up to their Korean idols to their songs, dances and especially looks for inspiration. 80% of Korean artists and many American artists undergo plastic surgery to boost their appearances so as to attract more fans and popularity and gain more profits. This encourages youths to undergo alterations to their bodies to be just as good as their idols. We want to explore and find out more if the society should accept or allow such a practice of altering our bodies.