Rituals & Stereotypes on Tattoos and Piercings!

Tattoos and piercings in the workplace are known for a common stereotype on an individual. Years ago if someone would walk into a company for a job and had visible tattoos or a piercing, besides the ears, would be thrown into the “no hire” pile, but in this decade majority of the people in society either have tattoos or a piercing. Most companies now are looking for the best working candidate instead of focusing on someone’s appearance.

A recent study found that 32% of 18-29 year olds have a visible tattoo on them to where everyone can see it. The Food and Drug Administration predicted that more than 45 million Americans do indeed have at least one tattoo. If a company now wants to be stereotypical against someone who has a visible tattoo or piercing that company would be drastically diminishing their practical group of employees.

            In today’s society a lot of the companies hiring decisions are made by someone young and not as devoted to traditions about the workplace’s appearances. While employers are typically more accepting of tattoos and piercings, some businesses continue to be traditional about their employee’s appearances.

            Many years ago people with tattoos and body piercings were considered to be rebels and a disgrace to society; those individuals were shunned in their communities and were also viewed as outcasts. People still have the same beliefs, but seeing how society has changed since they don’t have that strong of beliefs.

            I work at a Juvenile Detention Center and my employer doesn’t mind ears and a nose piercing as long as the earrings are not too dangly for possible altercations with a youth. I did at one point want the side of my bottom lip pierced and asked if that was ok, but they did not want the lip piercing. Also the girl’s place that I took a year ago got fired for dying her hair pink. They stated that she should have asked before dying, but they also had other things on her as well, but the hair being pink was the last straw and a definite rule violation from the employee handbook.