Tattoos and Body Piercing in the Workforce
Tattoos and Body Piercing in the Workforce
What canvas holds some of the most creative artwork today? If you guessed the human skin, you would be right. However, about three decades ago, one would only find these types of markings and insignias on what would be considered the “rough” crowd: bikers, sailors, gang members, and prison inmates. Today; however, tattoos and piercings can be seen on nearly anyone from the age of 15 and up. Not to mention, these body modifications can be found on all types of workers, male or female, white and blue-collar. Even though times have changed and opinions along with it, the workforce is still making a firm stand to some older thoughts. Although, body art has become a more accepted form of individualistic expression; it will continue to suppress individuals’ chances of succeeding in a professional environment, because employers, clients, and customers still have a negative connotation associated with the presence of tattoos and piercings. Expressions portrayed through body art in today’s society are becoming continuously more acceptable. However, not all agree to what extent of body modification is acceptable or where it is acceptable in today’s society. In fact, “According to career publisher Vault.com’s (www.vault.com) new Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey, 85 percent of survey respondents believe that tattoos and body piercings impede your chances of finding a job (OfficeSolutions, 2007). However, there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason culturally. According to a survey completed by American Demographics “When it comes to gender and race, body art appears to be an equal opportunity phenomenon. For example, 13 percent of men have or have had a tattoo or body piercing, compared with 18 percent of women. Similarly, Whites (18 percent), Blacks (16 percent), and Hispanics (14 percent) are almost equally likely to have embellished their birthday suits” (American Demographics, 2001). An individual’s age group is
What canvas holds some of the most creative artwork today? If you guessed the human skin, you would be right. However, about three decades ago, one would only find these types of markings and insignias on what would be considered the “rough” crowd: bikers, sailors, gang members, and prison inmates. Today; however, tattoos and piercings can be seen on nearly anyone from the age of 15 and up. Not to mention, these body modifications can be found on all types of workers, male or female, white and blue-collar. Even though times have changed and opinions along with it, the workforce is still making a firm stand to some older thoughts. Although, body art has become a more accepted form of individualistic expression; it will continue to suppress individuals’ chances of succeeding in a professional environment, because employers, clients, and customers still have a negative connotation associated with the presence of tattoos and piercings. Expressions portrayed through body art in today’s society are becoming continuously more acceptable. However, not all agree to what extent of body modification is acceptable or where it is acceptable in today’s society. In fact, “According to career publisher Vault.com’s (www.vault.com) new Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey, 85 percent of survey respondents believe that tattoos and body piercings impede your chances of finding a job (OfficeSolutions, 2007). However, there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason culturally. According to a survey completed by American Demographics “When it comes to gender and race, body art appears to be an equal opportunity phenomenon. For example, 13 percent of men have or have had a tattoo or body piercing, compared with 18 percent of women. Similarly, Whites (18 percent), Blacks (16 percent), and Hispanics (14 percent) are almost equally likely to have embellished their birthday suits” (American Demographics, 2001). An individual’s age group is