<< I must say that bragging rights and showing off are not reasons why I got a tattoo, hell, my tattoo isn't in a exposed place. >>
Same here, 3 tattoos and 3 piercings by now. Got my tongue done just a week ago, and it is the most visible of all of them. I don't get tattoos or piercings for a "shock value". I try to keep it hidden not only from my parents, hehe, but also because I know that narrow-minded people will judge mostly on appearances.
I really don't believe that piercings, at least most of them, are a big deal anymore. Daily I see people on campus with either nose, eyebrow, tongue or belly button done. So getting those things done really couldn't be considered "shocking" anymore.
I know that there are people who will get piercings partially because of the pain. Personallly I have never been a fan of pain, but I know it's part of the process. And with the favorable end results I really believe that a little prick is worth it. Most people that think piercings are sick probably just couldn't handle getting a needle shoved through a body part.
Btw, I have a tongue, navel, and genital piercing, and belly button was by far the most painful of all.