A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Cry Baby

I vaguely remember crying this much when I first had my ears pierced, I’ve toughened up a bit in the ten years since then though.

Humour aside if it were my kid (or if I were the piercer for that matter) I really would have to search myself very hard for any reason why it would be necessary or fair to pierce someone so young, someone that still isn’t able to control bodily functions most adults take for granted, let alone decide if it’s what they want. It certainly can’t be so they’re popular at nursery school, or because “all the other babies are doing it”.

Granted the physical trauma is minimal but I just don’t believe a baby belongs in a piercing environment, at all..

No offence to the mother (I’m assuming she’s the mother) in the photo but seeing my child in obvious distress, whether it be through physical pain, emotional stress or otherwise, would definitely lead me to reassess any decision that caused that distress, for a decade or so anyway.

I’m sure posting this will restart the “should kids be pierced” debate, so click the previous links then come back here if you feel like taking part or shouting at each other. Just don’t take the last two seriously..

Comments

476 responses to “Cry Baby”

  1. Dimruthien Avatar
    Dimruthien

    #111: What is different between an infant getting their earlobes gunned at Claires and an infant getting immunizations at the doctor? Are you fucking joking?

    For starters, piercing an infant’s earlobes is purely cosmetic and serves no function except to make the mother proud of her “pretty widdle bubby”. Immunizations prevent life threatening illnesses such as petussis.

    Secondly, getting immunizations at the doctor doesn’t expose the infant to the blood-borne pathogens of people who have been pierced before them with that gun.

    I can’t even -believe- you said there is no difference between the two.

  2. Dimruthien Avatar
    Dimruthien

    #111: What is different between an infant getting their earlobes gunned at Claires and an infant getting immunizations at the doctor? Are you fucking joking?

    For starters, piercing an infant’s earlobes is purely cosmetic and serves no function except to make the mother proud of her “pretty widdle bubby”. Immunizations prevent life threatening illnesses such as petussis.

    Secondly, getting immunizations at the doctor doesn’t expose the infant to the blood-borne pathogens of people who have been pierced before them with that gun.

    I can’t even -believe- you said there is no difference between the two.

  3. Dimruthien Avatar
    Dimruthien

    *pertussis.

  4. Dimruthien Avatar
    Dimruthien

    *pertussis.

  5. SS Avatar
    SS

    i got my ears pierced when i was 8 in a chemists, i guess that was a slightly better option? they were done with a gun, didn’t hurt and i didn’t get infected.

    the baby is just shitting itself because it doesn’t know whats going on. we all get injections when we are babies, which is a needle entering our skin. same as a piercing. personally i would say injections are more painful than piercings.

  6. SS Avatar
    SS

    i got my ears pierced when i was 8 in a chemists, i guess that was a slightly better option? they were done with a gun, didn’t hurt and i didn’t get infected.

    the baby is just shitting itself because it doesn’t know whats going on. we all get injections when we are babies, which is a needle entering our skin. same as a piercing. personally i would say injections are more painful than piercings.

  7. Scou Avatar

    That picture breaks my heart. I love piercings myself and have quiet a few. However, I do not think it’s okay to pierce a baby. They should be able to decide for themselves and understand what is going to happen and how to take care of them when finished. That just looks cruel regardless of what minimal pain that baby may be in. I have three kids myself and I cried every time they had to get shots! Poor baby

  8. Scou Avatar

    That picture breaks my heart. I love piercings myself and have quiet a few. However, I do not think it’s okay to pierce a baby. They should be able to decide for themselves and understand what is going to happen and how to take care of them when finished. That just looks cruel regardless of what minimal pain that baby may be in. I have three kids myself and I cried every time they had to get shots! Poor baby

  9. MissMeg Avatar

    As someone who occasionally pierces infants, I figure I will chime in.

    I fucking HATE piercing wee ones. I do everything in my power to explain to the parent why it’s NOT a great idea (poor placement as the child grows, the hissy fit that will occur, the risk of infection or losing the jewelry, etc..), but some parents are adamant that it be done, either for cultural or religious significance.
    In that aspect, where the parent is going to have the piercing done, come hell or high water, then I feel that I am doing the child a favor by offering a clean, precise procedure in a clean and safe environment.

    Do I hate the screaming and the fussing and the trauma that goes along with it? YES!!
    But would I rather see that little shitter get pierced by a professional like myself, or by some jack-ass at the mall..
    that takes no thought.

    Yeah, I think parents that do this to their kids so they look like girls are assholes. Stick a bow on the kids head for fuck sake..
    but with cultural and religious stuff.. that’s the way it is, and better it be done safely in a professional studio than in a Claire’s like the photo up there.

  10. MissMeg Avatar

    As someone who occasionally pierces infants, I figure I will chime in.

    I fucking HATE piercing wee ones. I do everything in my power to explain to the parent why it’s NOT a great idea (poor placement as the child grows, the hissy fit that will occur, the risk of infection or losing the jewelry, etc..), but some parents are adamant that it be done, either for cultural or religious significance.
    In that aspect, where the parent is going to have the piercing done, come hell or high water, then I feel that I am doing the child a favor by offering a clean, precise procedure in a clean and safe environment.

    Do I hate the screaming and the fussing and the trauma that goes along with it? YES!!
    But would I rather see that little shitter get pierced by a professional like myself, or by some jack-ass at the mall..
    that takes no thought.

    Yeah, I think parents that do this to their kids so they look like girls are assholes. Stick a bow on the kids head for fuck sake..
    but with cultural and religious stuff.. that’s the way it is, and better it be done safely in a professional studio than in a Claire’s like the photo up there.

  11. JustJen Avatar

    “the pic makes it look far worse than it is.
    if jews can circumcise their kids wtf is wrong with this kinda thing?
    either way each to their own as is the mantra of bme.” -mariess

    I laughed out loud when i read this!
    It’s not just “jews” who circumcise their children. It’s a wide array of people. Really.

    My opinion is that kids don’t need to have ANY body part pierced unless they’re old enough to ask for it. Despite having circumcised my son, I don’t think it’s a necessary action.
    Seeing babies with earrings just creeps me out. They can’t take them out when it gets infected, or scratch them when they itch. They can’t communicate that the rings are uncomfortable. There’s just no good reason to have it done so young.
    *shrug*
    That’s all personal opinion though.

  12. JustJen Avatar

    “the pic makes it look far worse than it is.
    if jews can circumcise their kids wtf is wrong with this kinda thing?
    either way each to their own as is the mantra of bme.” -mariess

    I laughed out loud when i read this!
    It’s not just “jews” who circumcise their children. It’s a wide array of people. Really.

    My opinion is that kids don’t need to have ANY body part pierced unless they’re old enough to ask for it. Despite having circumcised my son, I don’t think it’s a necessary action.
    Seeing babies with earrings just creeps me out. They can’t take them out when it gets infected, or scratch them when they itch. They can’t communicate that the rings are uncomfortable. There’s just no good reason to have it done so young.
    *shrug*
    That’s all personal opinion though.

  13. Anthony Avatar

    I say Y the hell not, this will prepare the child for the massive amount of pain they are going to endure during their life

  14. Anthony Avatar

    I say Y the hell not, this will prepare the child for the massive amount of pain they are going to endure during their life

  15. Anthony Avatar

    Also I very much regret that my father had me circumcised at birth, even though foreskins are disgusting I just wish it had been up to me

  16. Anthony Avatar

    Also I very much regret that my father had me circumcised at birth, even though foreskins are disgusting I just wish it had been up to me

  17. Jon P Avatar
    Jon P

    I just thought I’d drop the circ-bomb on the discussion. I’m 24, circumcised at a few years old due to a medical condition that at the time required circumcision. It’s not the norm here in New Zealand and I was teased ONCE from what I remember, when some dumb kid (who has since grown up to go to prison numerous times) told me I couldn’t have children.

    I was ashamed of my dick, and it caused problems only in as much as I didn’t pursue women until age 19. But when I finally got over it and realised there wasn’t anything wrong with my meatrocket, I put that shit to good use, haha.

    I haven’t had any physical problems with being circumcised. And kids get teased all the time for myriad reasons so you shouldn’t use teasing as a reason not to do it. In my case it wasn’t cultural, and I agree the decision should be left up to the individual at such time as they can make a fully informed consenting decision, but I don’t think you can say “given that it causes severe discomfort, serves no medical purpose, and could cause problems for the child in the future (especially in areas where circumcision is not the norm, I know guys who have been teased because they were forcibly circumcised at birth)”

    Because in the first instance it served a medical purpose for me, though I realise that they probably don’t need to do it in those instances any longer (medicne having obviously progressed in the past 21-22 years)

  18. Jon P Avatar
    Jon P

    I just thought I’d drop the circ-bomb on the discussion. I’m 24, circumcised at a few years old due to a medical condition that at the time required circumcision. It’s not the norm here in New Zealand and I was teased ONCE from what I remember, when some dumb kid (who has since grown up to go to prison numerous times) told me I couldn’t have children.

    I was ashamed of my dick, and it caused problems only in as much as I didn’t pursue women until age 19. But when I finally got over it and realised there wasn’t anything wrong with my meatrocket, I put that shit to good use, haha.

    I haven’t had any physical problems with being circumcised. And kids get teased all the time for myriad reasons so you shouldn’t use teasing as a reason not to do it. In my case it wasn’t cultural, and I agree the decision should be left up to the individual at such time as they can make a fully informed consenting decision, but I don’t think you can say “given that it causes severe discomfort, serves no medical purpose, and could cause problems for the child in the future (especially in areas where circumcision is not the norm, I know guys who have been teased because they were forcibly circumcised at birth)”

    Because in the first instance it served a medical purpose for me, though I realise that they probably don’t need to do it in those instances any longer (medicne having obviously progressed in the past 21-22 years)

  19. anametamystik Avatar

    Anthony…

    The same prepared-for-the-pain-of-life reasoning is used by parents who are in fact assholes to justify their cruelty. I believe from personal experience that such “justified cruelty” is neither effective or justified. It simply strains relationships without equiping one with the assertiveness to deal with the pain and assholes in the future.

    Furthermore, the end does not justify the means. Cruelty to a child because it might help the child is still cruelty to a child.

  20. anametamystik Avatar

    Anthony…

    The same prepared-for-the-pain-of-life reasoning is used by parents who are in fact assholes to justify their cruelty. I believe from personal experience that such “justified cruelty” is neither effective or justified. It simply strains relationships without equiping one with the assertiveness to deal with the pain and assholes in the future.

    Furthermore, the end does not justify the means. Cruelty to a child because it might help the child is still cruelty to a child.

  21. serialxkillerxcomplex Avatar

    I would have no problem with this if it was in a sterile environment using a sterile equipment and needles. I wish they’d ban piercing guns, it would make the world a better place.

  22. serialxkillerxcomplex Avatar

    I would have no problem with this if it was in a sterile environment using a sterile equipment and needles. I wish they’d ban piercing guns, it would make the world a better place.

  23. serialxkillerxcomplex Avatar

    “Using sterile equipment and needles”***

  24. serialxkillerxcomplex Avatar

    “Using sterile equipment and needles”***

  25. molly delilah Avatar

    This made me cry.

    My mom had my ears pierced when I was 3 I believe, I had asked to get them done so I don’t blame her. But she brought me to a hair salon type place where they pierced me with a gun and the wonkiness, along with the scar tissue, and the low placement of the holes has made stretching my ears very frustrating.

    I am pregnant right now and will not be getting my girl’s ears pierced until she is old enough to understand it and ask me for them herself. My hubby has the same opinion. (Although we joke that she’ll never want them done to rebel against us. Haha!)

  26. molly delilah Avatar

    This made me cry.

    My mom had my ears pierced when I was 3 I believe, I had asked to get them done so I don’t blame her. But she brought me to a hair salon type place where they pierced me with a gun and the wonkiness, along with the scar tissue, and the low placement of the holes has made stretching my ears very frustrating.

    I am pregnant right now and will not be getting my girl’s ears pierced until she is old enough to understand it and ask me for them herself. My hubby has the same opinion. (Although we joke that she’ll never want them done to rebel against us. Haha!)

  27. mitchadams Avatar
    mitchadams

    holding a child still is wrong. if the child can ask for it then you should be able to do it.

  28. mitchadams Avatar
    mitchadams

    holding a child still is wrong. if the child can ask for it then you should be able to do it.

  29. vonwolf Avatar
    vonwolf

    ***FUCK THIS***

    Just look at that babies face, very clearly unhappy!!! I had my ear first pierced with a gun when I was 6/7 after asking my mother, that was like ’92.

  30. vonwolf Avatar
    vonwolf

    ***FUCK THIS***

    Just look at that babies face, very clearly unhappy!!! I had my ear first pierced with a gun when I was 6/7 after asking my mother, that was like ’92.

  31. Donna Avatar

    This makes me sick. Piercing a baby or toddler’s ears is just so fucking wrong, they didn’t give consent so it shouldn’t be allowed. Unless the child is old enough and asks to have their ears pierced themselves do I consider it to be ok.

  32. Donna Avatar

    This makes me sick. Piercing a baby or toddler’s ears is just so fucking wrong, they didn’t give consent so it shouldn’t be allowed. Unless the child is old enough and asks to have their ears pierced themselves do I consider it to be ok.

  33. torie Avatar
    torie

    i recall once reading “awwww how cute!” comments (i’m sure they were on bme/modblog) with regards to pictures of modified tribe kids… wish i could remember where i found them.

  34. torie Avatar
    torie

    i recall once reading “awwww how cute!” comments (i’m sure they were on bme/modblog) with regards to pictures of modified tribe kids… wish i could remember where i found them.

  35. LadyLuckLove Avatar

    hmm. personally i think its up to the parents. i mean, the kid’s not gunna remember it anyway.

  36. LadyLuckLove Avatar

    hmm. personally i think its up to the parents. i mean, the kid’s not gunna remember it anyway.

  37. natalie elizabeth Avatar

    when i was 5 years old and my uncle tried to pierce my ears in his kitchen with a gun that my mom had bought.
    my cousin and i were both getting it done and i was forced to go first and the gun got stuck half way through my ear, it was fucking horrible, for years i was too scared to try to have it done again.

  38. natalie elizabeth Avatar

    when i was 5 years old and my uncle tried to pierce my ears in his kitchen with a gun that my mom had bought.
    my cousin and i were both getting it done and i was forced to go first and the gun got stuck half way through my ear, it was fucking horrible, for years i was too scared to try to have it done again.

  39. Mr. Mister Avatar
    Mr. Mister

    I definitely wish that all parents wouldn’t take their girls to get their ears pierced at such a young age. My sister took her daughter to get her ears done so everyone would stop calling my niece a boy. to that reason, I can understand why they would want to do it, but at least get it done at a professional and well respected shop instead of a claire’s. At least my sister waited until my niece was almost two to get her ears done. but to each their own.

  40. Mr. Mister Avatar
    Mr. Mister

    I definitely wish that all parents wouldn’t take their girls to get their ears pierced at such a young age. My sister took her daughter to get her ears done so everyone would stop calling my niece a boy. to that reason, I can understand why they would want to do it, but at least get it done at a professional and well respected shop instead of a claire’s. At least my sister waited until my niece was almost two to get her ears done. but to each their own.

  41. Iuseagun Avatar
    Iuseagun

    I do not think anyone who can not say ” I want my ears pierced” should be pierced. period. No babies, no toddlers, nothing.
    I however have no say in this since i pierce ears for a living.
    I was like, everyone else who has piercings very anti the piercing gun!
    But after actually working with the gun. I am less anti the gun. It is better to get pierced with a needle but the earrings are closed in a sterile package. The only part that touches the actual ear is sealed in till it is needed.
    The training program where i work involves at least a 2 month training program. Again, this is only in the case of where i work. The problem with getting a piercing at the mall is you may get someone who cares and makes sure everything is done by the book (Aka me) or you may get the person who doesn’t give a fuck and will do whatever it takes to hurry up and get you out of there.
    Basically you pay for what you get.

  42. Iuseagun Avatar
    Iuseagun

    I do not think anyone who can not say ” I want my ears pierced” should be pierced. period. No babies, no toddlers, nothing.
    I however have no say in this since i pierce ears for a living.
    I was like, everyone else who has piercings very anti the piercing gun!
    But after actually working with the gun. I am less anti the gun. It is better to get pierced with a needle but the earrings are closed in a sterile package. The only part that touches the actual ear is sealed in till it is needed.
    The training program where i work involves at least a 2 month training program. Again, this is only in the case of where i work. The problem with getting a piercing at the mall is you may get someone who cares and makes sure everything is done by the book (Aka me) or you may get the person who doesn’t give a fuck and will do whatever it takes to hurry up and get you out of there.
    Basically you pay for what you get.

  43. KIRILLIONARIE Avatar

    Your so right!

    “look at the kids face!!! The child does not understand what is going on, and really doesnt like it…. This sort of practise should be illegal, and the mother should be shot!!!”

  44. KIRILLIONARIE Avatar

    Your so right!

    “look at the kids face!!! The child does not understand what is going on, and really doesnt like it…. This sort of practise should be illegal, and the mother should be shot!!!”

  45. T Avatar
    T

    I don’t feel as sorry for the baby as I do anyone in the vicinity who has to listen to it. Just by the look on its face and the color it turned, I can tell that thing is about on par with an icepick to the ear drum.

  46. T Avatar
    T

    I don’t feel as sorry for the baby as I do anyone in the vicinity who has to listen to it. Just by the look on its face and the color it turned, I can tell that thing is about on par with an icepick to the ear drum.

  47. Canada Dude Avatar
    Canada Dude

    I could beat the crap out of this “mom” and the piercer.

  48. Canada Dude Avatar
    Canada Dude

    I could beat the crap out of this “mom” and the piercer.

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