But the difference Jim is that the Africans are making these changes to themselves in order to emulate 'superior' white Westerners. Those other practices (tattoos, piercings etc) are a form of body art for one's own pleasure.
I suppose one could question why I like to get a bit of a tan when the sun comes out. But I'm not trying to copy any particular racial characteristic, I just look more healthy than when I'm pale and pasty, and the extra vitamin D is good for me.