Tattoos were once limited to the bodies of the men who: protected our country, had been to prison, or came off as a stereotypical “bad boy”. This taboo label given to tattoos has been disappearing. According to Brian Elzweig and Donna K. Peeples “Life magazine estimated in 1936 that only 10% of the American population was tattooed in whole or in part” (13). The popularity of tattoos among the generations to come could be the factor putting this change in high gear. The Pew Research Center found of this younger generation, ages eighteen to twenty-five, thirty-three percent has at least one tattoo (Melville). These young adults are not only paving the way for body art lovers of all ages to express themselves, but they are the people currently …show more content…
In some cases the tattoo policy is supposed to work as a compromise on both sides. Employees are allowed to have tattoos so long as they follow the rules set by the employer on covering them up for the sake of the clients. Jon Kelly says that words like “untidy,” “repugnant,” and “unsavory” have been used to describe body art not only by the employers but also the clients. People could find this as a hindrance on their freedom of expression, but there is a level of professionalism that all companies. Although this could seem like a loss for the employee, but they get to keep their tattoos, piercings, and jobs so it seems as though it is an overall win for both …show more content…
According to CEO John Challenger, “Most companies aren’t going to view tattoos too harshly. Companies have a vested interest in hiring the most qualified candidate” (Hennessey). Various artistic fields a very accepting of people with all types of modifications. These occupations often do not pay well, but support all creative ways of expression. Another option could be IT or Technical. Skills not looks are often judged in this field and is always in high demand. Another location open to those who rock their art is at a bar. This occupation although very open to modifications and often thrives on them requires quite a few certificates, background, and overall mastering skills in this field to be successful with or without tattoos. Construction companies, although hard to come by, are very lenient with tattoos, but require the removal of piercings for safety reasons. Other jobs accepting of those with tattoos and piercings include commercial drivers, waste management or removal, hair salon, and spa staff. Karen L. Hudson says people has an option, “Find an employer that doesn’t mind your body art – better yet find one that considers it an asset.” So for those who want to be tattoos from head to toe there are still options without losing any
In the twenty-first century, where people want to express themselves and their art, getting a tattoo isn’t all about representing gangs or committing crimes anymore. Times have changed and what people might consider normal nowadays wouldn’t be considered normal in the past. In the article, Secret Ink: Tattoo’s Place in Contemporary American Culture, states that, “The expanding popularity of tattoos seems to be based on the fact that these can serve various purposes for different individuals. Some use them as a fashion tool whereas others use them as a method of identity formation, such as commemorating a lost loved one or representing one’s neighborhood.” (Roberts 163). This challenges my assumptions because it argues that not all individuals that own tattoos don’t always get them for the intention of being perceived as criminals but rather for something that is very personal to them. My assumptions are influenced on what tattoos used to mean from the past more than what they mean in this era. For example, not all people who have tattoos are affiliated with gangs. “Perhaps some of these historically negative connotations have permitted the subconscious thoughts of society and perceptions o f modem day tattoo.” (Foltz 593). This quote challenges and proves that people still hold these perceptions towards those individuals that have tattoos because they still think of them on how they were
In Kosut’s article “The Artification of Tattoo: Transformations within a Cultural Field”, the author takes a look at how tattoos are a form of art and should be seen this way. It also indicates how tattoo artists have to have a technical skill in order to do this job and should be seen as actual artists and not overlooked. In addition to having steady hands like a surgeon, tattoo artists create original work for their clients. If tattoo artists and their work were seen as a legitimate career, it would be even more likely that tattoos would be accepted in society.
Even though the unemployment rate is the lowest in years, the job market has becoming so highly competitive. There are hundreds of the qualified applicants that have no tattoos nor piercing. And still historically and religiously, tattoos and piercing are found upon as a bad decision once upon a time.
With the latest trends in today’s society, it is not unusual to see people with tattoos on a daily basis. Typically, if you visit a business you are more likely to see someone who has body art hid in the back with the least social occupation, so that the public does not see the tattoos or piercings. Many businesses have a specific dress code where employees have to have long sleeve shirts, bracelets, or other types of traditional jewelry to cover the not-so-typical body art. The strict dress codes that businesses have set up regarding body art are too drastic with the latest changes in society, and should probably be loosened up to allow people the opportunity to express themselves.
Individuals that have tattoos in the workplace should be judged based on their work ethic, not body art. Conduct should count more than appearance. The image brings emotion to the reader, for example; on both sides the individual has a serious face, making the viewer feel sympathy with that certain individual. Overall, we see the same person on both sides with the same problem of discrimination for individuals that have body art. Having a tattoo is not a crime is a way to
Tattoos became socially acceptable in the 1980’s. Before that, tattoos were associated with deviants such as gangs, criminals, and bikers. To be tattooed meant that you were a violent social outcast. Today, getting a tattoo is one of the most socially normal things to do. Tattoos and piercings are everywhere, people of all backgrounds and ages have them. Tattoo artist makes a very good living owning a tattoo and piercing shop. According to Statistic Brain, it is estimated that America has 21,000 tattoo studios with more opening daily, and about 45, million Americans have at least one tattoo. On a similar form a deviant appearance modification, there are those that dedicated their entire life to changing their appearance.
Tattoos have been utilized in various ways for thousands of years, ranging from punishment, to status symbols and indications of religious beliefs. They have served as the ultimate illustration of cultural diffusion in America, and despite generally carrying a negative social stigma, perception of tattoos has continued to evolve into a more acceptable practice.
In today’s world there are several occupations one may choose from once receiving an education. Whether a person wants to be a doctor, a teacher, or a business person, one should be able to use their education to gain access to that job. Getting a job is no easy task, for there are many people who are also searching for that same job. Employers will interview many people just to find the right one and often times will have many stand-out applications to evaluate. When it comes down to making a decision, something as simple as having a tattoo could ruin every hope one has of getting the job. One may ask, “why does having a tattoo ruin ones chance of getting a job?” A tattoo would ruin one’s chances at getting a job simply because it is wrongly viewed as unprofessional.
Tattoos have been around for quite some time now, and they have always been a symbol of belonging, cultural expression or for religion. These days, individuals choose to tattoo themselves because it is part of their lifestyle or personal image. While continuing to grow in popularity and becoming a lifestyle, people are facing issues with having visible tattoos in the workforce. Although it is a form of free expression, employers have a right to enforce certain rules about tattoos in their company because they have a public image to uphold. How you present yourself to the public is solely important, which is why tattoos should not be allowed to be seen in the workplace, since it may appear offensive or unconservative.
How do tattoos affect the workplace environment? This is the question that we based the study on. Tattoos in the workplace are a big controversy in an everyday life situation. Everyone has different beliefs on whether tattoos should be covered up or not. Before conducting the survey, we believed the subjects would find problems with employees having tattoos. Other sociologist who have studied tattoos in the workplace such as Williams, Thomas, and Christensen (2014) stated “... new research shows that such stigma and prejudice lead to workplace discriminatory effects, specifically related to potential employment and workplace policies, practices, and promotions” (p.374). It has scientifically been
Seeing how not accepting tattoos and piercings in the workplace can cause greater problems, employers need to start accommodating for individuals of all different backgrounds. Businesses need to start focusing on the important matters such as, education, work ethic, attitude, and the willingness to do their job successfully. Anything else is just an
Tattoos are a controversial subject in the world we live in. The kind of people that get tattoos is now varied to almost all humans regardless of race, religion, or age. What many people fail to understand or realize is how much of an effect a tattoo can have on the rest of your life. The original tattoo stereotypes have faded from what they were many years ago and yet tattoos still have a reputation as for what kind of people get tattoos. There are many reasons as to why people would get a tattoo but there are many reason why you should think before you ink. Our society and the social media today has a huge impact on the tattoo industry. Movie stars and pop singers with many tattoos are posing as role models for our generation and
Symbolism and meaning is by far one of the most important aspects of the tattoo industry. “The abstract emotions and human awareness of emotions show what really is going on in ones life (Johnson)”. For that reason tattooing is a form of self-expression, and can stand for literal interpretations. For the most part these interpretations are the conveying of spiritual meaning, or marking milestones such as life or death” (Johnson). For those who think tattooing is just for looks or put a bad judgment on it, should also realize that ones personal interest reflects upon their lives. “Many individuals get their first tattoos during adolescence or young adulthood.”(Bravermark) Due to the mainstream culture, these traditions traditionally associate with stereotypes. Stereotypes defiantly have a huge impact on life. Which leads to the next point? Whether flaunted or hidden, sought as art or brought out on a whim, the tattoo has left a huge impact on generation after generation.
Tattooing has increased widespread from all ages, careers, and social classes (Westerfield, Stafford, Speroni, & Daniel, 2012). Tattoos’ usual meaning is “to stain the skin with colorings” (Goldstein, 2007). With the growing the populations, who have tattoos and/or body piercings in the work environment, there is requiring decision about what policies to establish forward associates a professional atmosphere. Thus, there assesses patients’ perceptions of health care workers with tattoos and/or body piercing (Westerfield, Stafford, Speroni, & Daniel, 2012).
Are tattoos a kiss of death at a workplace? According to Student Research Center, nearly 4 out of every 10 Americans in their 30s have been inked. ''In April 2000 15% of Americans were tattooed (which is roughly around 40 million people) (The National Geographic).'There are different types of tattoos, from color to black and white, even glow in the dark. Number of tattoo paralos in the U.S. is 21,000'' (Tattoo Statistics 1) and more is being added every single day. People spend about $1.6 billion on tattoos once a year. ''In the U.S. more women than men are tattooed, 36% of the ages is between 18-25 and 40% of those ages are 26-40 that have at least one tattoo.''(Random facts 1) People have been getting tattoos for a while now. It has been said that ''tattoos date back as far as the Neolithic era or around the fourth to fifth millennium BC.''(skinsight.com 1) Tattoos should be acceptable at a place of business because people get tattoos for significant purposes, tattoos can tell stories and build confidence, body art is a way for someone to express themselves, make up, and tattoos are reminders of life time experiences.