Tattoos Free Enterprise Gainley Summary

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An employer may make many decisions for their company based on looks, but does that make it morally or ethically right? Gainley’s (2003) essay “Tattoos; Free Enterprise”, claims that businesses have the right to hire based on appearance. I do not agree with Gainely. Employers do have the right to choose based on qualification, but not hiring only based on visible tattoos seems extreme to me. A great “shell” can be an advantage in the workplace, but a candidate’s talent must be considered first. I believe that image isn’t everything and you should not judge the worth of something by its outward appearance. Looks may be the first thing that anyone notices, but it should not outweigh competencies, skills and qualifications. People tend to associate certain looks with stereotypes. In the words of Gainley (2003), They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, yet some people “cover” themselves in ways intended to convey certain messages. The message may be,” my uniform says I am a police officer” or “I like the latest fashions” or “I am gang member. (para.5). Tattoos have many meanings; they tell stories about an individual and should not determine someone’s value. I am a manager in the medical field and have visible tattoos …show more content…

I do partially agree with this statement. I can expect employees to maintain a professional image and acceptable standards of appearance. I work in a company that does have policies in place for appropriate dress and grooming habits. My company likes to express that they are an equal opportunity employer and strives for diversity. I also feel that a piece of the puzzle for any successful organization is having employees who feel accepted for who they are and not what they look like. Professionalism should not be based on the

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