I just posted an interview with Toph about his amazing stretched piercings, which include a nearly 2″ lip plate. Click through the picture rm bmeto read the interview now, and then come on back to comment or discuss it here.
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Comments
830 responses to “Interview with Toph”
ROFL!
You all are missing the point.
I simply asked where will he get a job? Never once did I say anything about hating his mods, or welfare, or not being able to go to school.
A simple question that is so blown out of proportion because people read what they want instead of what is there.
It has nothing to do with Shannon or his interview.
Just a simple question: Where will Toph work? I’m simply curious as to the job opportunities that might be open to him. I never once meant to imply he was not able to be employed.
🙂
ROFL!
You all are missing the point.
I simply asked where will he get a job? Never once did I say anything about hating his mods, or welfare, or not being able to go to school.
A simple question that is so blown out of proportion because people read what they want instead of what is there.
It has nothing to do with Shannon or his interview.
Just a simple question: Where will Toph work? I’m simply curious as to the job opportunities that might be open to him. I never once meant to imply he was not able to be employed.
🙂
NASA is happy to hire people who are highly qualified in their field. I’m thinking a twenty year old landscaper isn’t going to get an interview with them whether his face is jacked up or not.
NASA is happy to hire people who are highly qualified in their field. I’m thinking a twenty year old landscaper isn’t going to get an interview with them whether his face is jacked up or not.
#377
…and there’s the rub, yeah. When you have a resume as long as your arm, or a lot of education at least, people are willing to look beyond appearance, because there’s not a big pool. If you’re one of 131489341023946 people with similar skills, then not so much, quite frankly, because it’s easy enough to not gamble, say “no” and go to the next guy in line.
#375
Welcome to the internet. No one is saying anyone should be legally prohibited from doing whatever it is they want to do with their own bodies. No one.
But if you post pictures of yourself on the ‘net, invariably some are going to start picking at you. Some people will say, hey, that’s a bad idea. They might even say “I think that’s such a bad idea that I’m laughing and I would advise anyone else not to do it.” Is that prohibiting? No. Restricting freedoms? No, it isn’t. It’s being critical.
I don’t see one post here claiming that this guy or any like him with similar ambition should be prohibited from what they do. But, people are asking questions about the line that most people have sensed, if they’ve done the job interview circuit. The edges are always the most interesting, and that’s why people ask[1], and quite frankly, the other side of “wow, that takes balls” I think is the recognition that you’re crossing that line. If there were no repercussions of crossing the line, there would be no “wow that takes balls.” No line, no balls cred.
I’m happy such things are posted, I think they do widen what people are familiar with and eventually willing to accept. But the line moving, while still in the permissive direction, is slow. Furthermore, the discussion is more interesting than the usual gaggle of posts all saying “wow, that’s great” or better yet “yes I think that’s great! See how openminded I am??”
(Mind you, I do enjoy “wow thats great” posts detailing what they think is great. There’s a lot of great stuff.)
Happily the line is moving though. In customer service just this week I’ve seen some people with multiple very large ear grommets per ear, with rings through those. I make a point to tell the wearers that I like it.
[1] Particularly on fora like these, because there are a lot of people who realize that it’s rude to just walk up to some random guy in the street and say “wow, man, how does having a lip plate affect your life?” but if someone is voluntarily doing an interview, will eagerly read it and sincerely have questions about that. I was happy to see the videos linked, because it did answer some questions I’d be shy to ask in person, as your random straight-laced going-grey nerd.
#377
…and there’s the rub, yeah. When you have a resume as long as your arm, or a lot of education at least, people are willing to look beyond appearance, because there’s not a big pool. If you’re one of 131489341023946 people with similar skills, then not so much, quite frankly, because it’s easy enough to not gamble, say “no” and go to the next guy in line.
#375
Welcome to the internet. No one is saying anyone should be legally prohibited from doing whatever it is they want to do with their own bodies. No one.
But if you post pictures of yourself on the ‘net, invariably some are going to start picking at you. Some people will say, hey, that’s a bad idea. They might even say “I think that’s such a bad idea that I’m laughing and I would advise anyone else not to do it.” Is that prohibiting? No. Restricting freedoms? No, it isn’t. It’s being critical.
I don’t see one post here claiming that this guy or any like him with similar ambition should be prohibited from what they do. But, people are asking questions about the line that most people have sensed, if they’ve done the job interview circuit. The edges are always the most interesting, and that’s why people ask[1], and quite frankly, the other side of “wow, that takes balls” I think is the recognition that you’re crossing that line. If there were no repercussions of crossing the line, there would be no “wow that takes balls.” No line, no balls cred.
I’m happy such things are posted, I think they do widen what people are familiar with and eventually willing to accept. But the line moving, while still in the permissive direction, is slow. Furthermore, the discussion is more interesting than the usual gaggle of posts all saying “wow, that’s great” or better yet “yes I think that’s great! See how openminded I am??”
(Mind you, I do enjoy “wow thats great” posts detailing what they think is great. There’s a lot of great stuff.)
Happily the line is moving though. In customer service just this week I’ve seen some people with multiple very large ear grommets per ear, with rings through those. I make a point to tell the wearers that I like it.
[1] Particularly on fora like these, because there are a lot of people who realize that it’s rude to just walk up to some random guy in the street and say “wow, man, how does having a lip plate affect your life?” but if someone is voluntarily doing an interview, will eagerly read it and sincerely have questions about that. I was happy to see the videos linked, because it did answer some questions I’d be shy to ask in person, as your random straight-laced going-grey nerd.
While I wouldnt choose this look for me Im always fascinated by the people pushing the envelope, testing the limits of their body.
The rate that Toph stretched at is rather fast, but clearly its worked for him.
Theres currently a big shitfest on the BAF forums about this interview because they have hardons for a stretching FAQ that the owner of the site wrote and they treat it like a holy scripture.
While I wouldnt choose this look for me Im always fascinated by the people pushing the envelope, testing the limits of their body.
The rate that Toph stretched at is rather fast, but clearly its worked for him.
Theres currently a big shitfest on the BAF forums about this interview because they have hardons for a stretching FAQ that the owner of the site wrote and they treat it like a holy scripture.
Stretching guideline rather, not FAQ.
Stretching guideline rather, not FAQ.
i just find it sad that 80 percent of these comments are the kind of shit that you would read from people who have never seen a stretched ear, much less and lip plate before.
when did modblog become so close minded.
btw, while watching tophs youtube vids, i stumbled across this jewel:
i just find it sad that 80 percent of these comments are the kind of shit that you would read from people who have never seen a stretched ear, much less and lip plate before.
when did modblog become so close minded.
btw, while watching tophs youtube vids, i stumbled across this jewel:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bkiua38BN2I
ooooops, forgot the link.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bkiua38BN2I
ooooops, forgot the link.
Maybe I’m simplifying things but I reckon the reason that a lot of African American people stared at him:
(“I’ve found that I get more attention from middle aged and older African Americans than I do from white teens and young adults… I don’t know why but I like it.”)
might be due to the fact that this kind of lip stretching is historically more prevalent there.
Go here for a gallery that would blow young Toph out of the water and many of the comments that go with it:
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Gallery%20Lip%20Plugs.htm
And of course this always makes me wonder if white culture (excuse the terribly general term) had a ceremonial reason for doing stuff like this, instead of what appears to be a more decorative one, would we all have the same negativity towards it? I doubt it.
However on the flip side of that, this extremely interesting and funny moment from the great Scottish pioneer David Livingstone:
David Livingstone asked a chief the reason for them [the huge lip plugs on the ladies] and in surprise the chief answered:
“For beauty! They are the only beautiful things women have. Men have beards, women have none. What kind of person would she be without Pelele ? She would not be a woman at all.”
Go the Scots.
Also from that web page: In southern Chad, lip plugs might exceed 6 inches. Large sized plugs afforded greater status to the wearer.
There you have it: status and decoration, much like big gold chains, Tag Heuer watches, Prada mobile phones, diamond rings etc etc.
Different culture different ideas – what a surprise.
I predict the same kind of plugs on the upper lip soon, here on ModBlog. Watch this space.
And for all you money/welfare Fascists out there – go fuck yourselves.
Maybe I’m simplifying things but I reckon the reason that a lot of African American people stared at him:
(“I’ve found that I get more attention from middle aged and older African Americans than I do from white teens and young adults… I don’t know why but I like it.”)
might be due to the fact that this kind of lip stretching is historically more prevalent there.
Go here for a gallery that would blow young Toph out of the water and many of the comments that go with it:
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Gallery%20Lip%20Plugs.htm
And of course this always makes me wonder if white culture (excuse the terribly general term) had a ceremonial reason for doing stuff like this, instead of what appears to be a more decorative one, would we all have the same negativity towards it? I doubt it.
However on the flip side of that, this extremely interesting and funny moment from the great Scottish pioneer David Livingstone:
David Livingstone asked a chief the reason for them [the huge lip plugs on the ladies] and in surprise the chief answered:
“For beauty! They are the only beautiful things women have. Men have beards, women have none. What kind of person would she be without Pelele ? She would not be a woman at all.”
Go the Scots.
Also from that web page: In southern Chad, lip plugs might exceed 6 inches. Large sized plugs afforded greater status to the wearer.
There you have it: status and decoration, much like big gold chains, Tag Heuer watches, Prada mobile phones, diamond rings etc etc.
Different culture different ideas – what a surprise.
I predict the same kind of plugs on the upper lip soon, here on ModBlog. Watch this space.
And for all you money/welfare Fascists out there – go fuck yourselves.
I predict the same kind of plugs on the upper lip soon, here on ModBlog. Watch this space.
couldn’t agree more with ferg
I predict the same kind of plugs on the upper lip soon, here on ModBlog. Watch this space.
couldn’t agree more with ferg
I’ve read all the posts after this interview (remember, it was an interview, right?!).
Toph – respect, good on you son. Keep up the good work! Thanks for the interview.
Shannon – respect, it must be a bitch trying to do what you are, in the midst of such ignorance. Stay calm 😉
I thought this site was for information, and a community of modified people. It’s difficult to cut through the shit and get to that information when so many people bitch. Less of that please.
Anyway, I have a degree in Human Biosciences, and have worked for about 2 months in the last 3 years since I graduated. This is because I didn’t want to work. It’s been brilliant, getting up at the crack of noon, veging out all day, doing as I please. You learn to live within your means, sometimes I would blow £100s, sometimes I could afford just a 12p loaf of bread. I live in a house, I have the internet, I have my health, I am happy. Now I’m trying to move out of poverty and do something I enjoy.
Respect people’s differences, smile at your similarities.
At the end of the day, we’re alone, even around those who love you, you are only one consciousness, and therefore we should be ourselves more. It doesn’t matter what people do, how they look at you or how you are percieved, as long as you are happy yourself, it doesn’t matter. Thus why body modification is constantly evolving. You’re born alone and you die alone. Love yourself. Make your own informed descisions.
Enough of the bullshit, back to BME!
Can anyone think of a use for Toph’s lip…?!
(And no, 2009′s Goodyear range is out of the question… 😉
I’ve read all the posts after this interview (remember, it was an interview, right?!).
Toph – respect, good on you son. Keep up the good work! Thanks for the interview.
Shannon – respect, it must be a bitch trying to do what you are, in the midst of such ignorance. Stay calm 😉
I thought this site was for information, and a community of modified people. It’s difficult to cut through the shit and get to that information when so many people bitch. Less of that please.
Anyway, I have a degree in Human Biosciences, and have worked for about 2 months in the last 3 years since I graduated. This is because I didn’t want to work. It’s been brilliant, getting up at the crack of noon, veging out all day, doing as I please. You learn to live within your means, sometimes I would blow £100s, sometimes I could afford just a 12p loaf of bread. I live in a house, I have the internet, I have my health, I am happy. Now I’m trying to move out of poverty and do something I enjoy.
Respect people’s differences, smile at your similarities.
At the end of the day, we’re alone, even around those who love you, you are only one consciousness, and therefore we should be ourselves more. It doesn’t matter what people do, how they look at you or how you are percieved, as long as you are happy yourself, it doesn’t matter. Thus why body modification is constantly evolving. You’re born alone and you die alone. Love yourself. Make your own informed descisions.
Enough of the bullshit, back to BME!
Can anyone think of a use for Toph’s lip…?!
(And no, 2009′s Goodyear range is out of the question… 😉
An indigenous African tribe member stretches their labret in an entirely different context from an American teenager and it’s misleading to equate the two.
An indigenous African tribe member stretches their labret in an entirely different context from an American teenager and it’s misleading to equate the two.
ferg,
Yes, I was noting that it is those with a historical perspective that were more accepting of his mods in public.
Different “subculture” therefore different ideas?
ferg,
Yes, I was noting that it is those with a historical perspective that were more accepting of his mods in public.
Different “subculture” therefore different ideas?
#383
I dont know about the rest of the US (or the world) But I’d say 95% of the black people around here have NO CLUE that lip and ear stretching started from their ancestors. Even though there are pics of tribes members on the wall of my shop. When I point it out, it blows their mind.
#383
I dont know about the rest of the US (or the world) But I’d say 95% of the black people around here have NO CLUE that lip and ear stretching started from their ancestors. Even though there are pics of tribes members on the wall of my shop. When I point it out, it blows their mind.
#388 ..majority of AA know where such practices come from. Don’t let the few you “pointed” it out to confuse you.
#388 ..majority of AA know where such practices come from. Don’t let the few you “pointed” it out to confuse you.
Bill – Suggesting that African Americans don’t know that ear stretching was popular in tribal cultures in Africa seems rather ridiculous to me, as that’s pretty much common knowledge, isn’t it?
And I think it’s important to point out that ear stretching is far from an “African thing” — it existed in just about every ethic group and every part of the world at one point in history.
Bill – Suggesting that African Americans don’t know that ear stretching was popular in tribal cultures in Africa seems rather ridiculous to me, as that’s pretty much common knowledge, isn’t it?
And I think it’s important to point out that ear stretching is far from an “African thing” — it existed in just about every ethic group and every part of the world at one point in history.
check out the egyptian pharoas for a mainstream example
check out the egyptian pharoas for a mainstream example
I can’t agree that his mods are amazing when he rushed so fast, earn your shit, take your time, we all make mistakes here and there but god damn..
I can’t agree that his mods are amazing when he rushed so fast, earn your shit, take your time, we all make mistakes here and there but god damn..
Paleblue, if the stretching is done for beauty then it fits my point as their lip plugs were also done for the same reason according to the chief.
Consequently he too has some status in his own community (BME) like the Africans in the pictures on that web site.
Beauty and status: the comparison is the objective and the objectives in this case are the same.
I don’t see which part is misleading for you.
Paleblue, if the stretching is done for beauty then it fits my point as their lip plugs were also done for the same reason according to the chief.
Consequently he too has some status in his own community (BME) like the Africans in the pictures on that web site.
Beauty and status: the comparison is the objective and the objectives in this case are the same.
I don’t see which part is misleading for you.
Yes, but the BME community is still a subculture community in the modern American society at large.
Simply read the comments above, indicating that in many places there is still discrimination against the modified, never mind the comments which seem to claim that there is no difference between a lip plate and nose ring in that regard.
There is also the never-ending debate over whether or not breast implants should be considered body modification or not, and usually the argument for “no” comes down to a claim that while breast implants are done to fit in, other body modifications such as the ones done on this site are done to stand OUT, to be different from the norm.
In a society where the mainstream norm (meaning, the custom of the rulers on downward, not a subset) is to have lip plates, then the decision to get a lip plate will be, I would imagine, somewhat different than a decision to get even an identical lip plate by a young person in the modern United States. If nothing else, his parents don’t have lip plates. Again, it’s back to the “that takes balls” comments. It maybe takes less balls, if your parents are assuming from your birth that well, of course you’ll have the mod like every other person your age has it.
There is certainly “beauty” in common, but there is a difference between “normative, common beauty” and “wow, that’s beautiful – but very, very unusual, I’ve never seen that on any remotely local before.”
I do think there is a good and very valid point to the idea of having status in the BME subcommunity, though, which also comes up in the breast augmentation threads.
Aside from all that – is there a group that only has upper lip plates? I’ve seen lower (though always in still photos – part of the reason I really enjoyed seeing the youtube videos posted here was getting a chance to see how they MOVE) and I’ve read that some of those people do both lips… now I’m curious. I suppose I should google around.
Yes, but the BME community is still a subculture community in the modern American society at large.
Simply read the comments above, indicating that in many places there is still discrimination against the modified, never mind the comments which seem to claim that there is no difference between a lip plate and nose ring in that regard.
There is also the never-ending debate over whether or not breast implants should be considered body modification or not, and usually the argument for “no” comes down to a claim that while breast implants are done to fit in, other body modifications such as the ones done on this site are done to stand OUT, to be different from the norm.
In a society where the mainstream norm (meaning, the custom of the rulers on downward, not a subset) is to have lip plates, then the decision to get a lip plate will be, I would imagine, somewhat different than a decision to get even an identical lip plate by a young person in the modern United States. If nothing else, his parents don’t have lip plates. Again, it’s back to the “that takes balls” comments. It maybe takes less balls, if your parents are assuming from your birth that well, of course you’ll have the mod like every other person your age has it.
There is certainly “beauty” in common, but there is a difference between “normative, common beauty” and “wow, that’s beautiful – but very, very unusual, I’ve never seen that on any remotely local before.”
I do think there is a good and very valid point to the idea of having status in the BME subcommunity, though, which also comes up in the breast augmentation threads.
Aside from all that – is there a group that only has upper lip plates? I’ve seen lower (though always in still photos – part of the reason I really enjoyed seeing the youtube videos posted here was getting a chance to see how they MOVE) and I’ve read that some of those people do both lips… now I’m curious. I suppose I should google around.
I rather enjoyed reading yttrx’s comments. Not that I take his side necessarily- just that I find them fun to read.
I rather enjoyed reading yttrx’s comments. Not that I take his side necessarily- just that I find them fun to read.
-way back to #184- Haha. Oklahoma does have shitty weather… but at least it’s never boring!
-Do people forget that we’re talking about actual human beings here and not some abstract concept? It’s really hurtful to say such negative things. You can disapprove all you want, but it’s not nice to be so disrespectful to your fellow man. Maybe you think my mom dresses me funny, but I don’t think you ought to devote the internet to questioning whether or not I’m a good person based on it. So, let’s call it a day and agree to disagree.
p.s. Toph, I hope you’re not feeling down because people are mean. XOXO
-way back to #184- Haha. Oklahoma does have shitty weather… but at least it’s never boring!
-Do people forget that we’re talking about actual human beings here and not some abstract concept? It’s really hurtful to say such negative things. You can disapprove all you want, but it’s not nice to be so disrespectful to your fellow man. Maybe you think my mom dresses me funny, but I don’t think you ought to devote the internet to questioning whether or not I’m a good person based on it. So, let’s call it a day and agree to disagree.
p.s. Toph, I hope you’re not feeling down because people are mean. XOXO
I really enjoyed the interview and reading the comments. It reminded me of when I finally decided to stretch my ears past the “safe” zone (where they could shrink back). I realized during college that I would be miserable working at any job that wasn’t related to my field of study (music), so I knew that if my ears were stretched it would force me to excel at what I do and get the job I want, rather than settling with some bullshit office job like so many liberal arts majors end up doing.
So Toph, I’m glad to hear that you’re an art student now and that you’re trying to get into a piercing shop. It’s great to see that you can enjoy being yourself.
I really enjoyed the interview and reading the comments. It reminded me of when I finally decided to stretch my ears past the “safe” zone (where they could shrink back). I realized during college that I would be miserable working at any job that wasn’t related to my field of study (music), so I knew that if my ears were stretched it would force me to excel at what I do and get the job I want, rather than settling with some bullshit office job like so many liberal arts majors end up doing.
So Toph, I’m glad to hear that you’re an art student now and that you’re trying to get into a piercing shop. It’s great to see that you can enjoy being yourself.
To be honest, this interview opened my eyes a whole lot. On my IAM page, there’s a really long version of this, but here’s the summary:
The only criticism that I support in this whole ordeal is the fact that he stretched his piercings way too fast. I’m not saying that some can’t healthily stretch that fast, but his stretches have OBVIOUS damage. I support stretching, but not one when it’s detrimental to the health of one’s piercings.
I don’t support those who are saying he’s going to get on walfare and stuff. Even if he does get on welfare, there is no way he can life just on welfare. He’ll have to get some type of job somewhere.
Who remembers ten years ago when if you had a nostril piercing, you were the outcast of society? Now they’re some of the most sought after fashion accessories. How do you know stretched nostrils and labrets won’t be the trend in 10 years? You don’t, so stop bitching about the future. There’s no way you can change society unless you fight for it.
Toph, I support your stretching 100%, but I can’t say I support the damage you’ve done to yourself. Keep on following your heart, and good lck with the job hunt.
To be honest, this interview opened my eyes a whole lot. On my IAM page, there’s a really long version of this, but here’s the summary:
The only criticism that I support in this whole ordeal is the fact that he stretched his piercings way too fast. I’m not saying that some can’t healthily stretch that fast, but his stretches have OBVIOUS damage. I support stretching, but not one when it’s detrimental to the health of one’s piercings.
I don’t support those who are saying he’s going to get on walfare and stuff. Even if he does get on welfare, there is no way he can life just on welfare. He’ll have to get some type of job somewhere.
Who remembers ten years ago when if you had a nostril piercing, you were the outcast of society? Now they’re some of the most sought after fashion accessories. How do you know stretched nostrils and labrets won’t be the trend in 10 years? You don’t, so stop bitching about the future. There’s no way you can change society unless you fight for it.
Toph, I support your stretching 100%, but I can’t say I support the damage you’ve done to yourself. Keep on following your heart, and good lck with the job hunt.
Shannon, it can seem ridiculous to you, but since you do not live here, and have not met the same people I have, it seems a little ridiculous to me to make the assumption that I dont know what I’m talking about. I did not say that all or even most african americans do not know about it. I only refered to those around me.
Shannon, it can seem ridiculous to you, but since you do not live here, and have not met the same people I have, it seems a little ridiculous to me to make the assumption that I dont know what I’m talking about. I did not say that all or even most african americans do not know about it. I only refered to those around me.
This is a good reminder of just how much people can, and will, read into appearance.
Bill, what is it perhaps about those in your area that makes them different?
This is a good reminder of just how much people can, and will, read into appearance.
Bill, what is it perhaps about those in your area that makes them different?