Specific Purpose Statement: To persuade my audience that Tattoos should be widely accepted in the workplace.
Thesis Statement: The number of people with tattoos is continually growing, but employers are still reluctant to hire those with visible tattoos.
Introduction: Is there anyone here that does not like tattoos or likes them, but would never think of getting one? Today, tattoos are a growing in popularity when before tattoos were only seen on people in a circus as an act or on military veterans who wanted to display their troop proudly. Even though there is this growing popularity of tattoos, entry-level jobs require strict dress code policies disapproving the sight of tattoos while at work. Why don’t employers allow tattoos to be seen? It is because in the work place we want a professional, responsible appearance. I am making it my job today to prove to you that there should be an acceptance of tattoos in the workplace. I will go over why people have a tattoo, the negative effect a tattoo can have, and finally new regulations in some companies and what people are doing just to keeping getting that new ink. Why do people get Tattoos? Several studies and interviews have been done to answer that question, and there are many answers as well. Some get them because each one holds a special meaning; another has them because they want it to represent a milestone in their life. Then there are some who want a tattoo, but do not know what exactly they want because, “you have to truly care about something to have it tattooed on your body forever. (Bevill, Bracy, Dale, Glasgow, & Roach, 2009)
Transition: I now want to discuss with you all about the negative effects of tattoos.
Body: In a professional business setting, tattoos are unacceptable and should not be seen at all. A manager of Starbucks said something similar, “Tattoos have symbolized many things, but responsibility isn’t one of them.” (Gasper, 2010)
Bibliography: Anderson, R. M., Armstrong, M. E., Koch, J. P., Owen, D. P., Roberts, A. P., & Saunders, J. P. (2009, July 21). Curren Strong Mainstream tattoo procurement and Societal Support Within the Young Adult Population. American Medical Association. Bevill, S., Bracy, C., Dale, L. R., Glasgow, S., & Roach, T. (2009). Body Adornment: A Comparison of the Attitudes of Businesspeople and Students in Three States. Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 1-9. CATO: The Cato Corporation. (2005, October 12). New Staff Orientation. United States. Gasper, J. (2010, October 5). The Oakland Post. Tattoo Acceptance in the Workplace.