In Africa, piercings of the ear have been a long standing culture among the girl child, once you're born after some months your parents will have to do that, the aim of it was to first give identity, add to her beauty, elegance, and it also symbolizes cultural identity. However, in recent years, the trend has shifted significantly, we now have men also engaging in piercings as a form of self-expression and fashion. This shift in trend has sparked controversy, particularly among older generations, who view male piercings as an abomination and a sign of indecency.
In Nigeria where I come from it is a part of our culture, piercings are an act that is associated with femininity and beauty. Women have traditionally adorned their ears with intricate piercings, adding beauty to themselves, and identifying with their cultural heritage, as a land in my country when you're of age it is expected that you pierce your ear, even the girl child will be the one requesting for it because of the beauty it adds to her personality. This practice has been passed down from generation to generation with our mothers, and grandmothers encouraging their daughters and granddaughters to pierce their ears when they are of age. But as fashion evolve, we the Africa have now embrace the western culture because of colonization, men now follow the trend to pierce their ears which is looks like a challenge to the culture, what was once seen and believe as feminine practice is now a trend by both genders to express their self and sense of fashion.
While some Nigerians, especially the young generation have welcomed this shift, others have been quick to condemn it. Older generations, in particular, view male piercings as an abomination and shouldn't be, because it was not so in the beginning,seeing it as a deviation from traditional cultural values. Some have even gone as far as to label men with piercings as "indecent" and "unmanly."
Impact on Employment Opportunities
Unfortunately, this shift in trend can have real-world consequences, particularly in the workplace. In some industries, having piercings can be seen as unprofessional or inappropriate, limiting job opportunities for individuals who choose to express themselves through body art. There are some schools where you can't work as a teacher because of your tattoo or piercing as a man, it is just their discipline and mode of conduct. Finally I would like to say that the original intention of piercing was for identity, but now it is sad to see people piercing every part of their body and to me some are irritating and unprofessional.
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