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I have had my nose piercing for a number years and while I rarely wear one of my rings at work, I enjoy adding one of my prized rings for effect for an occasional night out. Several years ago I had the opportunity to go with a group of friends to London for several weeks. The trip was supposed to be a self discovery mission for all of us. At the time we were all going through a divorce or other life changing event. Collecting our resources and moving ahead as a group gave us a sense of solidarity, and purpose. The places we were frequenting at night had many patrons wearing nose rings, and that is what drew my attention to the decoration. From that point on, I have always been fascinated by body art and jewelry outside of the main stream of society.

My personal favorite is an artistic piece manufactured to look like some of the nose rings worn in Africa by tribal people. It is large and made of a material that looks like wood, but is actually more user friendly metallic substance. Circular in shape, it drops below my lower lip when wearing it. I have purchased several others from the same vendor, all with the same effect but with subtle differences in size. There are smaller more elegant pieces out there that are more common, but I prefer decorative pieces that people can actually see from a distance. My friends from the trip we took years ago have really jumped off the deep end since then getting many more body piercings and many interesting body decorations.

I have yet to see a financial services person wearing a suit with a nose ring, But, similar to the biker community that gather every year in Daytona Beach, many people have alternate lifestyles behind the mask they wear at work to fit in with corporate America. It is a form of self expression that is unique to each individual. Contemporary society is becoming more accepting of all of these forms of decorative art, but it still may be awhile before we can walk into an interview with our nose rings in tact. Even serving coffee at one of our super chains require workers to hide their body art and not wear nose rings. The entertainment industry may be the only workplace environment which promotes individuality. Nonetheless, the nose ring is an extension of ourselves just as a pocket book is an acceptable carry on with a business outfit. As society grows more civilized, tolerance to individuality will become more widespread. It is a pity that our culture has not progressed in that way for so many decades. Where we live in the South, wearing a nose ring to go line dancing would be like going topless to church. Lots of luck to the brave souls who dare to be an individual.

Learn more about this author, Eric Ernstrom.
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