Tattoos in the Workplace and Personal Experience Having Tattoos

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Having four tattoos, three piercings and hopefully more to come, it's hard for me to grasp the fact that the workplace discriminates against people who have them. The tattoo on my shoulder is for my twin brother, the two on my right foot are for my grandma and best friend, and the one on my collarbone is my favorite quote. Each of my tattoos has meaning, and my piercings are not meant to offend anyone. I am not alone. Several years ago Jon Tevlin, staff writer for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis noted the number of adults with tattoos was "growing, especially among the young"(Tevlin). I don’t believe businesses should discriminate against people with tattoos and piercings because it is our personal choice to have them; the tattoos people get have meaning to them; and no one has the right to judge others based on their tattoos and piercings. Many people have tattoos and piercings in today's society. According to Tattoo Statistics, 36 percent of U.S. adults between ages 18-25 have at least one tattoo, and the average annual amount spent on tattoos in the U.S is $1.65 billion. However, job discrimination against people with tattoos and piercings has been happening for a long time, and it is legal to do so. In fact, Jay P. Whickson, a writer from Demand Media, noted many employers legally discriminate against those with tattoos. My thought on that is why? Whickson stated that in most cases, the employer isn't against body art; he simply doesn't want it to reflect on his business. So, tattoos and piercings make businesses look bad? Unprofessional? Tattoos are a form of art, a form of expression about one’s self. The world is very diverse. We have different races, ethnicities, believe in different religions, enjoy different sports, ... ... middle of paper ... ... Kosut, 2006) with increases not only in the number of individuals getting tattoos, but also in television shows featuring tattoo artists (e.g., LA Ink, Tattoo Highway) and tattooed individuals (e.g., Inked) as well as in the availability of temporary tattoos for both adults and children" (Mun' et al., 134). Therefore, I believe society is going to have start accepting the fact that individuals enjoy getting tattoos and piercings. Even though deviant behavior was once linked to tattoos, today tattoos are a choice and part of a person's personality. Many people who have tattoos and piercings are not causing harm to anyone, especially in the business world. People who live in an independent society where there is freedom of speech and expression shouldn't have to hide their tattoos and piercings in the workplace. They are part of who we are and who we always will be.

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