A subject that is becoming less taboo over the years is body piercing. Whether it's a simple hoop dangling from an earlobe or a metal stud implanted in the lower lip, piercings can be seen in all environments and virtually anywhere on the body.

The Hoban dress code states that "visible piercings are not permitted (except female earrings). Tattoos may not be visible during the school day or at any school-sponsored event." Specifics about the male dress code include the rule that earrings may not be worn during school hours. For girls, earrings may be worn but are limited to a maximum of three in each ear. Violating these rules will result in a detention.

Principal Mary Anne Beiting said the rule is due to the "business-casual" theme of the dress code.

"We're trying to keep in line with the business community standards, and there are still places of business that don't allow or accept piercings," Beiting said.

Junior Mike Mure said that he probably would not get a piercing even if it were allowed in school, but that the rule may be an inconvenience to others.

"[Getting a piercing] is not my thing, but I know a lot of guys who want to and [the dress code] is what's preventing them," he said. "I think if a guy wants to get an earring, he should be allowed to."

Despite the dress code, some students, like senior Julie Mitchell, have found ways to get pierced while staying in line with dress code.

Mitchell said of her nose piercing, "I took it out before school started because I know there are strict dress code rules."

However, she still wears a practically invisible, clear stud to keep the piercing from closing up.

While piercings are becoming more accepted, there are still those who don't even have the most common piercing, that of the ears.

Freshman Sarah Kenny never got her ears pierced due to her continuous sports involvement and lack of desire to get it done.

"I've never really thought getting your ears pierced was necessary or that any other piercings are very attractive," Kenny said.

If you do decide to be a little rebellious and get something pierced, it is important to go to a shop that has a reputation for cleanliness. La'Rox Body Piercings and Tattoos on Arlington Street is known as very sterile and as having a well-trained and knowledgeable staff.

Sarah Flasher, an employee at La'Rox, offered some tips in choosing a good shop.

"Make sure they only use single-use needles and autoclave (sterilize) all their tools," Flasher said. "Go in and talk to them before you get anything done. Any really nice shops will let you talk to the tattoo artist or piercer before you get anything done to make sure you're comfortable with the person."

Another important fact is that you must be 18 to get a piercing or a tattoo without a parent's permission.

Flasher also said the most common service La'Rox does is navel piercings on girls, and the most frequent age group of people who come into the shop is between the ages of 18 and 25.

Over the years, body piercing has made its way from a part of ancient cultural ceremonies to the grunge scene and now to just about anywhere you look.

"People used to think piercings and tattoos were only for dirty people, but they are so mainstream now and almost everyone has at least one," Flasher said.

However, piercings may still carry some negative connotation and are not accepted by all.

"Right after I got my nose pierced, I went to a store and noticed that people treated me a lot differently," Mitchell said. "I don't think piercings are as controversial anymore, though."

Piercings and tattoos are a part of history and of society today. Just how much controversy the topic will be able to shed over the years is unknown. Now, it is important to be safe about what one gets done in the way of body art.

Flasher's last comment was to those who have already had something done.

"If somebody thinks they have a problem with a tattoo or piercing, they can always come to La'Rox, and we'll help them out."