Catwoman, you make a very interesting point.
I don't know that anyone is saying that all tattoos and other body art are bad or trashy. Many tattoos are beautiful and evocative. But...in my opinion, having your tongue split in two goes WAY past beautiful art and far into the territory of self-mutilation.
I think of it this way. 2 years ago I had surgery to correct malformed toes on both of my feet that were causing me so much pain that I was having trouble walking. The surgery was significant, and involved restructuring, and removal of parts of my toe bones. Now I can walk and wear shoes without pain.
But...suppose I started out with perfectly normal toes, and decided to have surgery to add extra bits of bone and malformed curvature, which would result in a lot of pain.
That's where I make the distinction. If your body art is an enhancement that won't damage you or cause you possibly irreparable pain, then fill your boots. When you are causing yourself harm through body changes, then I have a significant issue.
Just my $0.02
Trinity
