Discriminated against for tattoos, piercings hair or weight?
I was in a place of business earlier today over in the next town, and another customer was lamenting to the owner on how he couldn't find good help for his business. Then he proceeded to say that he never hires anyone with tattoos, piercings, men with long hair or those that are obese. I asked him, "Doesn't that preclude you from possibly finding some really good people? I added, "Besides, I think it's illegal to discriminate against someone that is overweight."
Now... forget about the guy I just mentioned, I know it will be hard, because he is not the focus of this thread. The focus is - Has this ever happened to you? How did you know? What did you do about it? Let's keep it at that please.
Now... forget about the guy I just mentioned, I know it will be hard, because he is not the focus of this thread. The focus is - Has this ever happened to you? How did you know? What did you do about it? Let's keep it at that please.
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I personally feel in general I was treated better by the general public when I was thin! Maybe it is just me being paranoid, but that's what I feel!0
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A company can have policies and when you sign your employment papers you have to adhere to them, I do think its illegal to not hire someone based on it.
I had worked a job where I couldn't have visible tattoos, so I took an ace bandage and wrapped it around my arm and that was that.0 -
Happens to my beautiful sister all the time. Because of her tats & piercings she been really limited with work and she is not a professional. Is it wrong? I don't know because employers choose their employees to help uphold an image in their company, especially if they are customer-facing. Appearances are the first impression so they may not see the gem a person really is because our society today is highly focused on appearances.0
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A company can have policies and when you sign your employment papers you have to adhere to them, I do think its illegal to not hire someone based on it.
I had worked a job where I couldn't have visible tattoos, so I took an ace bandage and wrapped it around my arm and that was that.
At least they hired you.0 -
Happens to my beautiful sister all the time. Because of her tats & piercings she been really limited with work and she is not a professional. Is it wrong? I don't know because employers choose their employees to help uphold an image in their company, especially if they are customer-facing. Appearances are the first impression so they may not see the gem a person really is because our society today is highly focused on appearances.
How does your sister know that? Did anybody admit to it?0 -
Here in Japan you are not allowed into most water parks and bath houses if you have tattoos.0
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First convince me that those four things aren't under the control of the potential employee, then we can have the discussion. Anti-discrimination laws are based on protecting classes of nearly unalterable traits, and have nothing to do with personal choices and their enduring wisdom.
Will that employer miss out on some good talent? Without a doubt. But the weighing of the visual evidence of personal choice is NOT discrimination. Stereotyping, maybe.0 -
"tattoos, piercings, men with long hair and the obese" are not protected classes under Anti-discrimination laws here in Arizona. Employers won't tell you why you were not hired. They'll just say "We wish you the best in your continued job search."0
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First convince me that those four things aren't under the control of the potential employee, then we can have the discussion. Anti-discrimination laws are based on protecting classes of nearly unalterable traits, and have nothing to do with personal choices and their enduring wisdom.
Will that employer miss out on some good talent? Without a doubt. But the weighing of the visual evidence of personal choice is NOT discrimination. Stereotyping, maybe.
^This
You're right, it is not illegal. There are several things that can or have been discriminated against when it comes to hiring that people may disagree with, but it is not against the law. If you want to view protected classes, research Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, ADA, and ADEA.
But, I know that's not what you wanted this post to be about. As a Human Resources professional, it just bugs me a little when say "I think that's illegal," without actually knowing it or not. Morality and legality are not always one and the same. For example, it's not illegal, at least not on a federal level, to discriminate from hiring someone based on their sexual orientation.
I have never been discriminated against for any of the above mentioned things. However, I have always felt judgement from others based on my younger age and status in the workplace. I have previously received comments that always made me feel like I would not be seen as anything else other than a "kid." My younger age does not mean I am incompetent. I also refuse to be lumped into a stereotype of a younger generation who speaks in "text messaging language." I know how to use complete sentences and when to use proper grammar.0 -
I've been discriminated against at jobs for my religious status but never the other stuff0
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Yup. Tattoos. An piercings. It's just par or the course, there is no point *****ing about it. Some people are **** and won't hire certain types of people when their focus should be on the ability of the person to do the job. I mean it annoys me it's tough to find work but I find I appreciate work more.0
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I would not hire anyone with tattoos or piercings for public facing jobs. They are a reflection of my company and having people who color on themselves and poke holes in their bodies isn't a good impression.
Sure people can express themselves anyway they like, but there are consequences.0 -
There are industries where being really fat can be a liability and a safety hazard. I'm glad that the our laws understand this; I myself have refused to be accompanied by obese personnel because I cannot support them if they are somehow incapacitated/disabled in the field (the risk of injury in mountain climbing is pretty high for them).
Tattoos, piercings and hair--cool, fine, no problem for me. I've hired men with gang tattoos. However some companies feel the need to maintain a certain image. I've been told that "employees are ambassadors", so yeah they can totally pass up the candidate especially if there are others who have the same credentials.0 -
Whilst i was a serving police officer, i was told by my inspector that i had to wear long sleeve shirts, i just agreed, i might come across as intimidating to some people. It never affected me though, as i work in a school now for the past 5 years ive only had one head teacher say she didnt personally like tattoos but she couldnt force me to cover them up, its never affected my job to teach though and thats what matters. Obviously i do get looks wherever i go but its about 50/50 that like/dont like them.0
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I would not hire anyone with tattoos or piercings for public facing jobs. They are a reflection of my company and having people who color on themselves and poke holes in their bodies isn't a good impression.
Sure people can express themselves anyway they like, but there are consequences.
What about someone who has been in an accident and has scars all over their face and arms? Or what about someone who has a birth defect is missing an ear? Would you not hire them because it "isn't a good impression".
Being covered in tattoos and piercings is one thing. But you shouldn't judge someone because of having some body art. Just my opinion.0 -
My job said you had to cover tattoos, but since we live in FL they didn't expect us to put on long sleeve shirts so they asked us to bandage them, all the time people would ask what happened and we would just tell our guests its our tattoos so a lot of people wanted to see them and enjoyed them, they obviously weren't derogatory or inappropriate. So our bosses ended up letting it be ok, just not being carried away with it. They did however discriminate, when I was smaller all of the guys would run over each other to help me out give me all the attention which I didn't want, but any of the girls that were bigger, they were straight mean to them half the time especially my co manager, he would flirt with me all the time, but he would be real rude and mean to a couple of other girls. Ridiculous.
It's one thing if it's a health hazard I understand I had a couple people that wouldn't hire me just because I'm a smoker. my boss at my part time job actually smacked my arm when she saw I had another tattoo, but when she put down my tattoo I literally had 2 customers who complimented it and thought it was beautiful, so needless to say I can show my tats and I work at front desks at timeshare resorts.0 -
I used to be anorexic and people would treat me way better. I'd get amazing service in shops, especially clothing ones and if I brought a block of chocolate (which I rarely did) no one would bat an eye. Now people ignore me, especially in clothing shop and if I buy chocolate I can feel the judgement from the cashier / other people around. What I've found is other overweight people are the best sales people because they don't tend to judge either so I now try to find them.
I have pierced ears and am considering getting a tattoo but as long as its tasteful or can be covered for work I see no need for not hiring people because of it.0 -
I would not hire anyone with tattoos or piercings for public facing jobs. They are a reflection of my company and having people who color on themselves and poke holes in their bodies isn't a good impression.
Sure people can express themselves anyway they like, but there are consequences.
What about someone who has been in an accident and has scars all over their face and arms? Or what about someone who has a birth defect is missing an ear? Would you not hire them because it "isn't a good impression".
Being covered in tattoos and piercings is one thing. But you shouldn't judge someone because of having some body art. Just my opinion.
^^This exactly!!! The tattoos on my arm are bad scars from an accident as a kid, and they never went away, so I put something beautiful for my cousin and grandmother that passed away and meant the world to me!0 -
First convince me that those four things aren't under the control of the potential employee, then we can have the discussion. Anti-discrimination laws are based on protecting classes of nearly unalterable traits, and have nothing to do with personal choices and their enduring wisdom.
Will that employer miss out on some good talent? Without a doubt. But the weighing of the visual evidence of personal choice is NOT discrimination. Stereotyping, maybe.
Spot on. If an obese person also happens to be genuinely disabled (and in the UK certain obesity-linked chronic illnesses such as diabetes are covered in the legislation) then you might have a claim and blame the disability rather than the obesity, but other than that they can hire who they like based on the kind of image they wish their staff to project.0 -
When I was going through some interviews for my (second) nanny job in January of this year I came up against quite a lot of stern looks being aimed at my nose piercing and blue streak in my hair. I don't even 'look' alternative, so I was surprised by this.
The family that took me on did later say that they'd had negative feelings towards my bright hair..... but they hired me for myself, so that's fine. I've since had purple, blue again in my hair and a visible tattoo (inner wrist). I guess they've learnt to deal.
This post reminded me of a lovely cafe in town.... and it is lovely...but they very clearly only hire attractive peoples in their late teens/early 20s, they have to have an on trend look, clear skin and dark hair. They all look so similar they could be family. I can bet you that this establishment are turning people aware who don't fit in to the bracket of looks they're going for.0 -
I'm afraid those things aren't covered by anti-discrimination legislation as they are choice. I have loads of tattoos, one very visible, and I have found this to be true but its image and any employer wants to portray a good one. Since tattoos have a stigma within the older generation if a company has them as their main customers I've found I haven't got a job there. I'm more lucky in places with a younger customer base.
My boyfriend says I'd never make a manager or supervisor role even though I'm more than capable. It is disappointing but I made the choice to have tattoos so I have to live with that. 0 -
yes i was leaving my job and by boss asked if i could recommend someone...i said yes mantioned the name of the lady whome i thought would do a stonking job...he said her no way im not having that sat at the front desk...she was approx 17st...i was astounded....he replaced me with a bimbo and then had toi get her some help...so 2 x people replaced me...
i was alos a ww leader for 8 years and heard stories of people not getting jobs because of their weight:mad:
shame some good talent out their.
tats no dont personally like them...but that said its the wearers personal choice like my hair and style is my personal choice0 -
I used to be anorexic and people would treat me way better. I'd get amazing service in shops, especially clothing ones and if I brought a block of chocolate (which I rarely did) no one would bat an eye. Now people ignore me, especially in clothing shop and if I buy chocolate I can feel the judgement from the cashier / other people around. What I've found is other overweight people are the best sales people because they don't tend to judge either so I now try to find them.
I have pierced ears and am considering getting a tattoo but as long as its tasteful or can be covered for work I see no need for not hiring people because of it.
Yeah like the overweight salesgirl in a shop once that told me I needed to eat a cheeseburger. Or the one in torrid that asked me if I was in there to make the other customers feel bad. Feeling your being judged is not the same as out right being judged0 -
This is why I try to teach my young nephews/nieces about marking up their bodies and excessive piercings. Fair or unfair, hiring managers in corporate America will not take you seriously if your body is decorated like a Christmas tree. Now, if your goals are to be an entertainer or to work in an artsy kind of environment, that's a different story.0
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I work in the educational field and employee with a tattoo are required to keep it covered. I was hired at my job when I was heavier but since losing weight and looking better I feel like I am treated better or noticed more by others.0
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I went into my interview for my current job with my lip ring and nose ring in, tattoos covered. I went through the interview stunningly then told her I was more than happy to take our the nose and lip ring for the job. I also pulled back my hair and rolled up my sleeves and said you wouldn't have guessed that. It was for a front desk job in a very professional environment. I was hired and I took out my piercings and kept my tattoos covered when we had clients in the building. I would roll up my sleeves when no one but the employees were around. I was offered a promotion after 4 months which came with my own office and a lot more responsibility. I got a raise, and no longer have to cover up my tattoos. Clients see me in my office or walking around, but no one says a word. Some of my very conservative coworkers always like to discuss my tattoos but not in an insulting fashion. Our corporate employees and president are at our office every few months and were surprised by the number of tattoos I had, but never said one word. So yes, I work in a professional environment, hold an important position in our branch of my company, and let my arm, throat, feet, and leg tattoos out in all their glory. I would have been fine having to continue covering them up, though. Prior to this job, I had several interviews where I knew the minute they saw me they weren't going to hire me. I'm great in interviews and very well spoken, but it didn't bother me. It is what it is. I made the choice to have my beautiful artwork and I fully accept that it changes first impressions of me. But my tattoos are part of me forever and they don not inhibit my ability to work in a professional environment.0
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Not too long ago, I read about a woman that successfully sued a company, because she was not hired because of her weight. Good for her. Apparently, she was more qualified than the person that was hired. That's what made me think it MIGHT possibly be illegal to not hire someone because of being overweight.
Don't get hung up on my use of the word "discriminate". I meant it in the sense of making a choice over something else, not in the illegal sense. That's something we all do every day. We discriminate against foods, clothes, colors, the cars we drive and many other things. Carry on!0 -
Not too long ago, I read about a woman that successfully sued a company, because she was not hired because of her weight. Good for her. Apparently, she was more qualified than the person that was hired. That's what made me think it MIGHT possibly be illegal to not hire someone because of being overweight.
If your weight directly affects your ability to do your job, then you shouldn't be hired. You are an asset and an investment for a company. You cost them money while providing your skills. If your health is going to affect that, then you shouldn't be hired. I say this independently of her case but in general with the weight discussion.0 -
If I'm hiring it's for a job in corporate America and I am going to expect you to have good judgement. If you want to work for me and in the company I work for, but chose to get a visible tattoo that can't be covered up then you have, in my opinion, bad judgement so I would not hire you. It's just the way it is, I could never send one of my resources in to a client if he/she had a tattoo on his/her neck, that person would be kicked out of most office buildings just based on their look and I would lose a lot of respect from the client. It might not be right, but that's how it is.
As I stated, to me, visible tattoos are more of a judgement issue and they show me poor judgement for someone who wants to work and advance in a corporate environment. If you have no desire to do this, then go ahead and do whatever you want with your body, but don't get upset if you miss out on jobs because you can't cover up your ink.0 -
Happens to my beautiful sister all the time. Because of her tats & piercings she been really limited with work and she is not a professional. Is it wrong? I don't know because employers choose their employees to help uphold an image in their company, especially if they are customer-facing. Appearances are the first impression so they may not see the gem a person really is because our society today is highly focused on appearances.
How does your sister know that? Did anybody admit to it?
Nothing to admit to.....they hire who they want to pay. She was told if she could cover up the tats (pretty much impossible, she's covered head to toe) & remove her piercings to come back and try again. More than once.0
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