Abstract
The body piercing today is one of the means of the contemporary teenagers' expression. The teenagers construct their relationship to body piercing in a confrontation of three mutually synergistic levels.
These are: a) motivation, b) symbolism and c) reflection. These three above mentioned levels are mutually completely incompatible and do not support each other.
Individuality dominates on the motivational level while on the symbolic one nonconformity and commerce are prevalent and on the reflective level dominates homogeneity and negative status. This incompatibility makes the body piercing bearers uneasy about this phenomenon.
While they are persuaded of their own individuality, they keep thinking about inwardly perceived shared symbolism and presumed reflection of society. The discrepancy which arises from this tension leads to ambivalence, uncertainty and hesitation.
These lead to anticipation of giving up this presentation as a result of a conformal press of society or in consequence of fear of be