Cartoon by Stephanie Garrido
Tattoos are no longer taboo – except for some employers.
Piercings and hair color can also turn an otherwise qualified job candidate back into the unemployment line. Self-expression becomes self-elimination.
In a professional setting perception rules, which is understandable. If employers want to project a formal or business casual façade, they have that right. That right, however, does justify discrimination. Decorative body modification is popular among millennials, but unnecessarily stigmatized.
A 2012 The Harris Poll reported that 50 percent of adults perceive people with ink as more rebellious. About 27 percent see people with tattoos as less intelligent. If, however, the same person were to apply with their tattoos covered, they are seen for their personality and qualities, and more likely to get the job.
For those fortunate enough to find employment despite their tattoos, piercings or hair color, “corrections” to their outward appearance are often required. Tattoos and piercings must be removed or covered and hair dyed a natural color.
This comes with a price. Some workers feel stripped of their identity, which can disrupt the atmosphere of the work environment. It is like telling someone to wear a mask while they work because their face is offensive.
In a 2011 CareerBuilder survey, 31 percent of employers said they would deny an employee a promotion due to tattoos and 37 percent said they would a deny a promotion due to piercings. Sometimes these concerns are legitimate. In the case that a piercing, tattoo or hair color has the potential to disrupt the workplace or create an unsafe work environment, adjustments must be made. Piercings, like any other piece of jewelry, could cause injury to employees working with heavy machinery, large magnets or welding tools. Obscene tattoos, gruesome piercings or brightly multicolored colored hair can be distracting or offensive.
Employees who work with the public should not have to alter their appearance in order to service customers. Those who serve behind the scenes should not be censored.
Society needs to adjust to decorative body modification in the workplace. Tattoos, piercings or wild hair are symbols of freedom.
Instead of judging the book by its cover, judge it by its content. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to deny someone a position due to sex or race. Body art should receive the same protection.
