Discriminated against for tattoos, piercings hair or weight?
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I think it is all about how you are perceived. I would take my eyebrow piercing out when I went for job interviews, and they would hire me. When I put it back in during regular working shifts, I never got an issue. It's ridiculous to discriminate people for tattoos, piercings, or especially being overweight.
I understand it's an old fashioned thing to think of tattoos as classless or distasteful, but in my opinion its simply an expression of one's personalities or beliefs. Only way I would discriminate would be if someone had a gang tattoo / tears, or if it was something visible and completely inappropriate.
I was discriminated a few times because I was perfectly qualified for jobs, but would often lose them out to someone who did not have a spanish last name like I did.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.
I guess I will continue to exercise "poor judgement" as I invest in high quality artwork from talented artists on my body. Also, while sitting in my office in my conventional job, all while still having the potential to move up into the corporate division at some point.0 -
Alls I know..is when I was not fat...I was treated a lot better in public, by men anyway. Now that I'm fatter, more females are nicer to me. I guess I am no longer a threat to them? Go figure. As far as "visible" tattoos, most people like them, it's been a conversation starter. BTW, I have a corporate job so obviously my higher ups didn't think my tattoos affected my ability to do my job :-). Let's try to open our minds and try not to make so many judgements based on appearance. I respect whoever respects me.0
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I make sure I keep all of my ink covered at work : (
It stinks no doubt but that is the way of the world right now. Hopefully someday it will change.0 -
In high school I was the girl with the hot pink hair, or red, orange, green, blue, purple etc... Also have my lip pierced twice.
I moved to Las Vegas and the public school in my district told me to dye my hair "normal" colors and take out my lip rings or I couldn't go to class due to their gang policy. I ended up doing distance education to maintain my style.
The I had dreadlocks, I still have my lip pierced twice and tattoos are in abundance.
I was going to college to be a high school English teacher, and the professor told me to lose the hair and the piercings or I'd never amount to anything.
I was so distraught I combed my hair out (taking about 36 hours of intense pain to comb out the dreads) and then I ended up dropping out of college because it had messed with me mentally about pursuing teaching.
Now I'm stuck in a dead end job, with pretty much no future, because I lost a part of myself.
I'm working on getting it back though :]0 -
If I were hiring someone for a job where maintaining a professional appearance would directly affect their ability to perform, such as a position in sales, then yes I would make those kinds of discriminations because it IS a fact that people push better sales numbers when they look more professional and attractive.
Also, I fully agree with the above poster who said that, in his opinion, getting tattoos in places that are not covered up by professional dress attire can be indicative of poor judgment. I wouldn't rule someone out for it entirely I don't think, but it would essentially be starting the process with one strike already against you.0 -
I have a 3/4 sleeve and when I got it I knew I would need to cover it up in a corporate environment. After my company hired me they found out that I had it. I was made to sign an agreement that I would keep it covered. I'm sure if I had gone to the interview with tattoos showing they would have seen me differently, but I was hired because I looked the part and was the most qualified. I never had the intention of having my tattoos show at work because they aren't a cry for attention they are personal artwork.0
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My fiancé is a three time world record holder for various body modifications. I myself, have not a spot of ink. He always has some crazy hair , and has had a 4 foot Mohawk in the past...LOL He has his own reasons, and though I'm sure he's missed out on some job opportunities, there's not much you CAN do about it. The employer has the right to not hire based on your CHOSEN physical appearance. Someone who is scarred or disfigured can't exactly help that. Being obese or drastically over weight is something that can be helped, though not easily. My fiancé has a job where he can pretty much look how he wants as he is not face to face with the public every day. He does get harassed by the police EVERYWHERE we go. Yet he doesn't drink, he doesn't do drugs, and he isn't a loud mouth, he's never been to prison. He is a very gentle soul and yet he gets discriminated against on a weekly basis by police.
Fair,shmair. Life isn't fair, you suck it up and keep truckin. Find a job where they WILL hire you. My personal opinion is you pretty much know when you go get any body modification that there will be consequences. You just have to be prepared for a few "slaps in the face" and to be persistent. It isn't any one's job to take care of YOU- it's yours. You have to make your own way in this world.0 -
I haven't for any of those things, but I have been for where I went to high school and growing up on the "wrong side of town".
A professor at college, openly discriminated against me and advised I would struggle in his class since my educational background wasn't as strong as most of my peers (my educational background was completely based on growing up in a lower income neighborhood). He also stated, once, in front of the entire class that any student without access to a computer and the internet at home would not be able to pass the class. (At the time I had neither.)
I proved him wrong on both points. What a jerk he was though.0 -
Although I am still heavy and am continuing to work on my weight, I was once over a 100 lbs heavier. As other people have stated, the difference in the way people in general treated me then compared to now is huge. Men almost always hold the door open now and almost always speak; before...well, let's say only the true southern gentlement held the door open. Same thing with clerks in stores, they are friendlier and more helpful (especially men) then they were before and as someone else said, I dont' feel as judged when eating out or buying groceries as I did before. So while I have never been told, "I'm not going to hire you because you are fat" you would have a hard time convincing me that potential employers were the only people who didn't descriminate against me because of my weight.0
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When I worked at Subway, I was required to cover my nose ring, and all facial piercings had to be covered. One Subway location I worked at said visible tattoos had to be covered - but I've seen plenty of other Subways where they had visible tattoos, including the second one I worked at. (These were all in the same country and province)
But when I started my co-op position for the federal government, I was surprised to see that a lot of employees have visible tattoos and piercings, and this really shocked me - I've been told this can depend on the department, but most people I've talked to about it have said that discrimination against employees for tattoos and piercings is old thinking and a way of the past, and majority of employees and employers in the government (at least in Canada) don't care.
I assume that if someone had something really offensive tattooed visibly on their body, or an extreme amount of facial piercings, that would be an issue almost everywhere you try and get hired, and that should be expected. But should someone not be hired due to it? NO - body art does not in ANY WAY represent the abilities of the individual that are required for the position, just like religion, ethnic background and sex/gender doesn't.
If I was to find out/suspect that I was turned down a position because I have a pierced nose and (currently) a visible (but tasteful) tattoo on the back on my neck, upper back and left ankle, I wouldn't want to work in such a prejudiced and up-tight work environment anyway.0 -
And the sign said "long haired freaky obese people need not apply"
I have visible tattoos (my wrists, the back on my leg) but I also have hidden ones (my hip, my shoulder), and I have a nose ring. I saw a job ad very recently that said they would not hire anyone with facial piercings. I submitted my resume and was definitely qualified for the job but noted that I had a small nose stud and asked if that would be a problem. The response was "no facial piercings at all." and then was told that because I wasn't willing to remove my nose ring, I was not going to be considered.
At that point, I figured I didn't want to work for a company like that anyway.0 -
I guess I have been lucky. I have a nose piercing, and one visible tattoo (the rest are covered with clothing). Granted, The PTB were not terribly thrilled with my personal choices, but there is no policy in place that prohibits either (got both after I was hired). I am in a management position with a staff of six in an administrative/healthcare environment.
Now, would I wear a retainer in my nose and cover my wrist if it came down to it? Yeah, probably, if it came down to choosing that or my job. Fortunately, even where I live, ink and piercings are becoming more mainstream.0 -
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.
And you would think that people would be smart enough to make themselves as marketable as possible in a tough economy. As "amazing" as someone might think they are, and cry dsicrimition for various physical choices as such, there are dozens of others with the same caliber of talent who present themselves in ways that align with the image the employer and company want for THEIR company.
It a personal choice in how you look and the benefits and consequences of those choices are well known.0 -
This is going to sound awful...but here goes...
I personally feel that sometimes and NOT EVERYONE use the tattoos and piercings
and yes even being over weight as something to hide behind.
I have 2 beautiful grand daughters with some of all 3..and I have to say
they use those things as BIG chips on their shoulders.
Sometimes its hard to look past the tattoos and piercings...these are great girls, both have jobs...but both have shyness issues too.
I feel the body art is a way to say...look at me. And I am only saying this in the case of my girls. We are the choices we make whether its a tattoo or piercing or being obese, we have to be responsible for it. Many of you in this thread with body art- own it - and i applaud you. But those same people that owned it also indicated that they understood that sometimes you have to keep it covered or private, especially working with the public.0 -
I know that in my twenties I got a couple of jobs because I was the best looking of the capable candidates. They were front desk jobs for law firms and I guess they preferred to have a cute girl representing them. No one has ever rejected me for my tattoos or nose piercing. I've also never been dumb enough to go to a corporate interview with a tattoo showing. I have never had a problem hiding my tattoos or taking my piercing out to comply with a company policy. It's more important to me to have a job and support myself than it is to express myself in the workplace. I can let me freak flag fly on my own time.0
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Why are we such an entitled and discriminating people? Why is "freedom" of choice only one-sided to so very many of us?
People who choose to look or act a certain way, is their choice--why must their choices be shoved down our throats under the threat of lawsuit or complaint or cries of foul play if others choose to exercise their right of accepting or not accepting certain behaviors, looks and lifestyles? To me, this is a matter of freedom on the employers side...just as those of us who choose to live a certain way. To me, it is nothingless than mind-boggling how this type of "discrimination" is even questioned. If you are grown enough to choose to do what-so-ever you want with your mind and body--you should be grown enough to start your own business and make your own way in life. Why choose to be bold and creative and free in one area and entitled and demanding in the same? There are PLENTY of jobs and areas of employment that welcome tats and piercing and whatnot--why not look there?
Fear not though, our nation is FAST approaching the place where anything goes--anything and those who object will be seen as old-fashioned, bigoted and worse. Soon, in our country...this (employers having the right to say who they want working for them will be gone). So it's just going to take a wee bit more time and "lack of freedom" (that's the way I see it) will be a thing of the past. Just a matter of time. Freedom isn't free, as we as a nation shall soon enough discover, each and everyone of us!
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Charles Kingsley0 -
Back when I still had hair, I never cut it. I would wear it down most of the time, or in a pony tail. It always amazed me when there would be mothers with small children who would clutch their children closer when I would walk by. That doesn't happen now that I have "regular" hair. Also, I always had people treat me as if I were less intelligent. They would always be amazed when I would talk about nuclear physics, or any intellectual subject. :grumble:0
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I was offered a job the other day with the condition that I dye my hair a "normal" color. I wasn't there looking for a job and that particular business couldn't pay me enough to not be able to express myself through aesthetics! Besides that, the color of my hair has absolutely no impact on my competency to do a job! :explode: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.
You're my new Hero! Amen!~0 -
I get hashed on A LOT when it comes to my tattoos. I had been at places of work that have told me I have to put makeup on my tattoos on my legs to cover them up - I did that for a while then I said screw it, if someone has a problem with it then can talk to me about it. It was never mentioned again until I got a new company - I was so scared to talk to people about it, but I finally did. One said she didn't care and another said they made her uncomfortable. So who knows...
THEN...when it comes to working in the school district...tattoos and hair - need I say more? lol My hair is always has natural colors in it, but it might be in a way people wouldn't expect LOL. As for the tattoos, I just want to say screw it again. I mean the kids are like "oh that is cool" and then move on.
I have been told I have to remove one of my piercings in my ear before and I told them no lol. I only have two in each ear, that would be stupid.0 -
People who still discriminate against tattoos and piercings are living in the past.0
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I work a corporate job in Business Development. I was told that it is not company policy to police tattoos, piercings, and hair colour. The general rule of thumb was that as long as they can be covered when I go to sales meetings, then I'm fine.
I have always been discouraged from applying for bartending or waitressing jobs because of my weight. I'd be a great bartender... but because I'm fat, I just know I'd never get hired...0 -
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.
Differnece between a choice and no choice.
That is what equal opprunity was meant to enforce.
Again, piercings and tattoos are a choice. As much as you think people should have to accept you and not judge for your choice to have them, you have to accept there are those that do not like them and will not support people with them.0 -
There is a man who comes into my office sometimes looking for information. He happens to have facial tattoos and large piercings on his face. He seems like a nice enough man and I have no problem helping him unlike other people in my office. The unfortunate thing is he always smells like he hasn't showered in a month. It's nearly unbearable and that is what I have a problem with.0
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I used to work for the world's largest retailer's corporate headquarters for 7 years. They have a policy regarding facial peircings and exposed tattoos in the office along with unnatural hair color. At their retail locations, you will see employees with all of the above, but not in the office. I left the company earlier this year to expand my retail knowledge..
The day of my exit interview, I got my tongue pierced. Within two weeks, I was called for an interview for the company I now work for. A couple months after I started, I wore capri's and my boss (Sr. Director) noticed my very large tattoo on my calf. Her response - "You have a great artist"..
I still work in corporate, I am valued here and NOT once have I been asked to cover my tattoo up or take out my tongue ring. As a general rule of thumb, if it is a new client prospect, I choose to wear a clear plastic stud in my tongue, and slacks.. Otherwise I wear whatever tongue ring I want and wear skirts or capris frequently around the office.0 -
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.
Differnece between a choice and no choice.
That is what equal opprunity was meant to enforce.
Again, piercings and tattoos are a choice. As much as you think people should have to accept you and not judge for your choice to have them, you have to accept there are those that do not like them and will not support people with them.
There's also a difference between saying, "You're a jerk for being judgmental" and saying, "There ought to be a law banning judgmental people."0 -
Bottom line: There IS discrimination in their workplace against people who have visible tattoos and piercings. People who got these tattoos and piercings knew this going into it. They made the choice to put up with it and deal with the downsides. Nothing else matters. Just like getting one in the first place is personal choice, so is putting up with the discrimination you KNOW PERFECTLY WELL that you are going to have to put up with.0
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I work a corporate job in Business Development. I was told that it is not company policy to police tattoos, piercings, and hair colour. The general rule of thumb was that as long as they can be covered when I go to sales meetings, then I'm fine.
I have always been discouraged from applying for bartending or waitressing jobs because of my weight. I'd be a great bartender... but because I'm fat, I just know I'd never get hired...
If you can make a great martini, you could have a moustache for all I care. lol.0 -
I have no problems with tasteful tattoos and piercings. The elephant in the room when it comes to tattoos and piercings is a subjective mammal...
Most companies create their policies to deal with the lowest common denominator. The company would likely have no problem with a single piercing or two, a tasteful tattoo or series of tatooes but there's always going to be someone who takes policies to the Nth degree... It is far easier to simply prohibit or severely restrict tattoos and piercings than to be sued by someone who chooses to push the limits of taste and common sense...
I'm sure she has a lovely personality.
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