I think a lot of these kids that make themselves look abnormal with crazy hair coloring, tattoos, and piercings, are just striving for attention. In today's fast paced world with both parents working they don't have much time to spend with their kids, and give them the instruction, confidence, and attention they need and desire.
My daughter-in-law has talent in drawing pictures, which I think its something you got or you don't have. Like singing, or musical ability. Anyway last night I had the grandkids, and my Grand Daughter is almost 9 years old. She was telling me how much she likes to draw. I said to her that she will have to get mommy to show her some tips for drawing, since mommy is so good at that kind of thing. She said mommy doesn't show me. I said I bet if you ask her she would. MY grand daughter said, "Mommy said she doesn't have time". It kind of broke my heart. There is my son and his wife so caught up in their careers that the kids get neglected. Its so sad and its happening all over America. Mommy and Daddy working hard, so they can buy more "Stuff" all the while the kids are getting tattoos, coloring their hair pink, red, green, and purple, and getting all kinds of piercings, just to grab some attention that they have missed out on getting.
Back in the day when I was a kid. I never saw kids getting stuff done to their bodies like today. But back then a large majority of dads were the bread winners, and mom was home with the kids, taking care of the household, and giving the kids much needed attention.