Ink for yourself Tattoos deserve to be considered professional in workplaces Emilia Citoler
A
citolemi000@hsestudents.org
s many of my peers turn the coveted age of 18, many new and exciting opportunities are made accessible for them. For example, 18-year-olds can vote, buy a lottery ticket and, arguably the most exciting, get a tattoo. Tattoos have a long history, dating back to ancient Egypt where they were used as a symbol of comfort and protection for pregnant women. Across the centuries, tattoos have been utilized in almost every country. In Samoa, highly skilled tattooists use only ancient methods of tattooing and use tools that closely resemble those used in early times. In Africa, face tattoos are a common practice of different cultures within the country. Modern uses of tattoos have become much more personally significant. Tattoos can have a sentimental meaning behind them and can be a powerful form of self-expression. Some may dedicate a tattoo towards a passed family member or get a matching tattoo with a close friend. While certain tattoos have a significance behind them, some get tattoos with the sole purpose of it being an artistic expression. More and more young adults are choosing to partake in getting a tattoo, as a Pew Research Center study reported that about 38 percent of young people aged 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo. Especially with newly turned 18-year-olds, many older adults will say something along the lines of “Are you sure you want that on your
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body forever?” or “What will your future employers think of this?” While these questions can become irritating, they do have some validity behind them. Tattoos are permanent and should be treated as a lasting decision. As for what future employers will think, more and more companies are becoming accepting of tattoos. But even with this developing acceptance, there still is a stigma of tattoos being seen as “unprofessional.” A study conducted through Colorado State University professors found that hiring managers would rather not see tattoos on job candidates. These managers were also found to offer those who have visible tattoos and piercings a lower starting salary than to those without. However, this study did not take into account the placement or content of the tattoo. In order to pursue the argument that tattoos should not be considered unprofessional, certain parameters need to be clarified. In an interview done by Inside Out, Matt Gertz, an actuary from NYC who has over 200 hours of tattoo work done, explains that there is a difference between professional and poorly done or homemade tattoos. Professional tattoo artists spend years honing their craft and many serve under an apprenticeship before they
become a fully fledged tattoo artist. He also explains that visible tattoos, like ones on the arm or leg, should be appropriate for anyone to see. Not only does this prejudice affect high school students, but many school systems also have restrictions placed on whether or not teachers can have tattoos. HSE schools have not expressed a definitive opinion on the matter, but can be assumed to be more accepting, as many teachers across the county have tattoos. English teacher Scott Black has 13 tattoos, several of which are visible.
He reminisced that when he was hired, nothing was said to him about whether or not his tattoos were acceptable for the work environment. Black’s experience should be more universal as employers should base their hiring decisions on merit and other qualifications rather than physical appearance. Tattoos can be deeply meaningful and are simply designs on one’s skin. Tattoos do not change or affect work ethic or one’s ability to fulfill their responsibilities at their workplace. In a perfect world, getting a tattoo should be an exciting moment for young adults, not something they are forced to worry about.
Graphic by Emilia Citoler.
Tiger Times
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