It is wonderful to see how many ethnic cultures have preserved their habits, ways of living and what they believe is the right way to live. Sometimes people in what is called "civilized" countries admire the way of living of people from many parts of the world and they do fantasize of living such loving, united and pleasant life, they wished they lived a way from noise and pollution and their big desire is to live in a jungle, a tribe or perhaps a life where people respect the right of others to live. Sometimes those who complaint of not having enough money to spend on a trip forget there is people who can't afford shoes or had never wore them at all, they might not know they exist. There is people in this world who don't care about things that we think we can't live without, still they got what we wish we had.
People around the globe have their ways of living and cultural differences that make them unique and allow them to have their own identity. Having their bodies modified since an early age is common and normal, it represent status or let everyone know where they come from without saying a word, could also be a warning for those who try to get in their way. When it comes to the so called civilized world things change, many years ago, having a tattoo was taboo and would make anyone think whoever wore them was associated with criminal gangs or was an ex-con, etc. Every individual has a reason to get a tattoo and all reasons are different from each other.
People have learned to accept tattoo and body modification in a great way and it is simply because they have taken the time to educate themselves and passed it on to others. Tattoos and piercings are more common this days and people who enjoy body modification in general have moved up to new options and more things to enjoy. Many years ago it was shocking to see someone with a tongue piercing and today, anyone can just have it. Today those who want to get to a higher level or want to upgrade from a tongue piercing, simply make an incision to make it look like a snake tongue (see posting below) cause they want something new, exciting and that not everyone dares to do, people have a desire to stand out from the crowd and thats not a bad thing at all.
Some people might be shocked to see something different or unique, but if they look around and read a bit of history you will realize body modification has always been there, it is nothing new and sometimes a generation present it to the next one as something bad or wrong. We have to keep in mind that regardless of a professional career if a person have a desire to identify with a community they will do it regardless of what others might say, just because it is not visible, doesn't mean is not there.