>one view is that this is just reflective of the extremes that today's younger generation has to go to in order to be unique. (see tattoos, body piercing, etc.)<

AMEN! And just what is the next generation going to have to do to establish themselves? And the one after that....and so one???? I know it can get worse than it is now.....but geez, Im-a-feared for all of humanity!

My son comes out of his room the other day, with 6 safety pins across the front of his perfectly good, not torn t-shirt. Now in "my day" we used safety pins to secure torn clothing, and we hoped no one noticed......