Discriminated against for tattoos, piercings hair or weight?

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Replies

  • Hexahedra
    Hexahedra Posts: 894 Member
    Tattoos and piercings are choices people make, just like clothes. It's true that tattoos can't be removed and changed as easily as clothes, but since we're not born with them, there must be a point where a choice is made.

    If you accept that a job interviewer can reject you because you fail to dress appropriately for the position, then surely you can accept that he can reject you for displaying tattoos and piercings.

    I respect people's freedom to have body modifications, but I also respect people's freedom to employ only others who comply with their business philosophy.
  • Thewatcher_66
    Thewatcher_66 Posts: 1,643 Member
    Tattoos and piercings are choices people make, just like clothes. It's true that tattoos can't be removed and changed as easily as clothes, but since we're not born with them, there must be a point where a choice is made.

    If you accept that a job interviewer can reject you because you fail to dress appropriately for the position, then surely you can accept that he can reject you for displaying tattoos and piercings.

    I respect people's freedom to have body modifications, but I also respect people's freedom to employ only others who comply with their business philosophy.

    This ^^^^ sums it up pretty well and drives the point home. Well said, sir.
  • JunkFoodJane
    JunkFoodJane Posts: 150 Member
    I was once told that if I wanted the position I was pursuing I needed to start wearing less colorful socks. I was surprised- I mean, they were just colorful. I wasn't wearing socks with penises or anything. I liked skirts or cropped pants with bright, patterned socks.


    I didn't care. I accepted that as a condition, for the job and a few months later a new position was created and I received a 25% raise.


    With the exception of the obese part, if people don't want to be judged on their appearances maybe they shouldn't put so much effort into expressing themselves through them.


    In reality, the employer you overheard doesn't not hire people because they have tattoos. There's a difference between having a tattoo and going to a job interview tattoos blazing.
  • SciTechJunkie
    SciTechJunkie Posts: 12
    As a writer of science and tech, I don't really bump into those types of discriminating feelings by those I work with or close to. But even in public, everyone who notices my ink doesn't have anything negative to say. They really enjoy it and ask what the molecular strand means. I enjoy explaining as well.
  • sbbhbm
    sbbhbm Posts: 1,312 Member
    I lost a job for having my tongue pierced. I had it when I was hired, but the guy didn't notice. He was a Jehova's Witness, and it was a private business, so he could fire me for it if he wanted to. He only noticed it because I happened to yawn in front of him after I'd been working there for two months. He had no qualms about telling me that's why he was firing me either.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    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."

    True. Us jerks haven't truly found an effective way to make laws to punish opinions. We are working on it though.

    We have forums in the meantime.
  • doomspark
    doomspark Posts: 228 Member
    At my agency, we will not hire:

    Anyone with tattoos (visible or not)
    Any male with piercings
    Any female with piercings other than ears (and only 2 per ear allowed)
    Males with scruffy beards (neat, short beards are ok)
    Males with hair below the collar or greater than 4 inches in length

    We also require polygraph, drug test, fingerprinting, and complete background check. Are we picky? Yes we are.
  • VictorianJade
    VictorianJade Posts: 705 Member
    I used to have a pierced nose, a chunk of peacock blue in my otherwise-raven (at the time) hair, and visible tattoos (my allergy tattoo). I had a client come in and go off about how people in this city are just all punks, etc etc etc. This is a long-term client of mine. I was like... really? You're saying this to my face? I smiled sweetly and listened until he was finished, and then asked him to pay his rather significant bill.

    Also, I have been turned down from various jobs because of my weight. Apparently obese WOMEN can't sell insurance, but obese men can. Verbatim, from the interviewer. I called the Better Business Bureau on them so fast his head spun.
  • ice1200s
    ice1200s Posts: 237 Member
    Also, I have been turned down from various jobs because of my weight. Apparently obese WOMEN can't sell insurance, but obese men can. Verbatim, from the interviewer. I called the Better Business Bureau on them so fast his head spun.

    This is what I'm after. People relating personal experiences. Good job VictorianJade, and a few others, for staying on topic.
  • knucklesammie
    knucklesammie Posts: 196 Member
    i would 100% expect to be discriminated against for my hair color if looking for employment. fortunately, i work for myself and my clients love it. but i am considering picking up some part time work and know that if i do it will a) be a long journey to find someone who accepts the hair or b) have to dye it a more natural color. i think it's unfortunate. i did help out my mom and worked as a receptionist at a huge teacher conference with over 1200 attendees per day (most of whom were middle aged) and i have never received more compliments on my hair in my life. i think employers would be scared of the impression i would leave with my hair, but i know from having it for 3 years that it is very well accepted.
  • VictorianJade
    VictorianJade Posts: 705 Member
    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.

    I have a medical tattoo that is visible. It is my allergy alert, and lists the four things I am allergic to, that will kill me. I have a tattoo because I was allergic to my allergy bracelet.

    Would this keep you from hiring me?
  • eric_sg61
    eric_sg61 Posts: 2,925 Member
    "Conform or be cast out"
  • michael1976_ca
    michael1976_ca Posts: 3,488 Member
    when i use to walk down main street back home old girl and younger ones would cross the street or they would cluch there purse real tight i would just laugh because i'm harmless as far as work i just took out the one they could see and once off work i put them in. my time. it use to bug me big time but people are weird. my ex said if i got my nose pierced like a bull she would never date me. it been 11 years so its a blessing
  • MaryJane_8810002
    MaryJane_8810002 Posts: 2,082 Member
    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!

    No you are not paranoid. I get treated waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy better when I am not obese.
  • MightyDomo
    MightyDomo Posts: 1,265 Member
    I have actually been pretty shocked with the fact that I wasn't discriminated for my facial piercing as it's not as tolerable as a small nose piercing or normal as an ear piercing. I have a monroe which is very visible and sparkles, haha, and I was hired with a large oil and gas company and have been here nearly a year and the only people to have an issue were the cafeteria folks that were concerned for my teeth and professional career. All my tattoos are not very visible or not very noticable so those have never been an issue.

    I still stand for the point though that more businesses should be accepting as it's becoming more and more common for persons to have a visible body modification such as tattoos or piercings, I also believe a company shows it's worth by being competitive, high quality and effective ini their work not by how a person within the company wears their hair and decide to dress or if they have visible markings on their body as that is not a representation of the work.
  • ice1200s
    ice1200s Posts: 237 Member
    Some of these responses are pretty interesting. Let's kick it up a notch. Were you ever fired, demoted or given a job change after you got a tattoo, piercing, men grew long hair or became obese?
  • VictorianJade
    VictorianJade Posts: 705 Member
    Some of these responses are pretty interesting. Let's kick it up a notch. Were you ever fired, demoted or given a job change after you got a tattoo, piercing, men grew long hair or became obese?

    I have never been. I tend to get promoted, and quickly. Mind, I tend to work hard, and am great with clients.
  • bekkahlokey
    bekkahlokey Posts: 73
    I have been pretty lucky with finding jobs and having tattoos and piercings. I'm a pharmacy technician so that says a lot.
    I had an 87 yr old woman come up to me and ask me about my tattoos, then she showed me hers from the 50's/60's and said "you wear your tattoo's well". It was my favorite compliment.

    I cannot wait for the day when the "older" generation of thinkers is gone. I love seeing people express themselves through their attire, piercings, tattoos and whatever else they want.

    There is a difference between art and "prison" tattoos and piercings. You'll know 'em when you see 'em.
  • NewLIFEstyle4ME
    NewLIFEstyle4ME Posts: 4,440 Member
    I have been pretty lucky with finding jobs and having tattoos and piercings. I'm a pharmacy technician so that says a lot.
    I had an 87 yr old woman come up to me and ask me about my tattoos, then she showed me hers from the 50's/60's and said "you wear your tattoo's well". It was my favorite compliment.

    I cannot wait for the day when the "older" generation of thinkers is gone. I love seeing people express themselves through their attire, piercings, tattoos and whatever else they want.

    There is a difference between art and "prison" tattoos and piercings. You'll know 'em when you see 'em.

    You will not have to wait too much longer, because we "older" generation "of thinkers" will be gone soon--BUT, you also don't have to wait for us to leave this planet, because things are going in our culture, society and America--serious changes are already in play/are radically/rapidly taking place even as I type and will effect/affect us ALL before we "older generation of thinkers" are gone. Here's the rub (though you being young, won't believe me..) when you are "the older generation of thinkers"...people will be saying what you accept and love and like will be "old fashioned" and they can't wait until your generation of thinkers is gone. I know you most likely won't believe this--but it's true none-the-less...watch:flowerforyou:


    ETA: A wise person once said: "Be careful what you wish for...because you just may get it" :wink:
  • tiffanyraylene
    tiffanyraylene Posts: 97 Member
    I have 6 tattoos. My last job was in petcare at petsmart for about 2 years. During that time I was asked to keep the butterfly on my right forearm covered as well as the small flower behind my left ear, by a bandage or otherwise.(My others aren't visible), Honestly, it was never a huge problem because I did comply. The thing that had me slowly starting to hate the bandages I would put over my tattoos is it draws MORE attention to them! And every single person, all ages, thought it was absolutely ridiculous for me to keep them covered and most would ask to see them! lol If there was ever a day I forgot bandages, not a single customer ever complained. I thought one elderly woman might at one point when I saw her eyeing them but then she just told me they were pretty. haha :drinker:

    Never lost a job because of tattoos or piercings (had a face full of those at one point, too) lol.
  • ice1200s
    ice1200s Posts: 237 Member
    I have been pretty lucky with finding jobs and having tattoos and piercings. I'm a pharmacy technician so that says a lot.
    I had an 87 yr old woman come up to me and ask me about my tattoos, then she showed me hers from the 50's/60's and said "you wear your tattoo's well". It was my favorite compliment.

    I cannot wait for the day when the "older" generation of thinkers is gone. I love seeing people express themselves through their attire, piercings, tattoos and whatever else they want.

    There is a difference between art and "prison" tattoos and piercings. You'll know 'em when you see 'em.

    You will not have to wait too much longer, because we "older" generation "of thinkers" will be gone soon--BUT, you also don't have to wait for us to leave this planet, because things are going in our culture and society and are already in play/are radically changing even as I type before we "older generation of thinkers" are gone. Here's the rub (though you being young, won't believe me..) when you are "the older generation of thinkers"...people will be saying what you accept and love and like will be "old fashioned" and they can't wait until your generation of thinkers is gone. I know you most likely won't believe this--but it's true none-the-less...watch:flowerforyou:

    True enough! And they won't listen to you, just like you don't listen to us and just like we didn't listen to our elders too. Ahh the circle of life! But I'm off topic here as well. Back to it please folks.
  • Mcgrawhaha
    Mcgrawhaha Posts: 1,596 Member
    I go to church in tank tops, with one arm almost fully covered, and some other tattoos on other areas (other arm, ankle, back, etc) and I do not receive any negative treatment what so ever. I do not work, or even attempt to work, so im not sure how my tattoos would play out in the professional world. my husband has many tattoos also, and he is in a professional field... no problems for him, except for a few clients that he prefers to wear long sleeve shirts to those meetings... facial piercings don't really seem like they would cause concern, since they can be removed and the hole (unless stretched) liked like a pore or a freckle. I even let my daughters (the ones who wanted to) pierce their nose, and when they got sick of it, the hole closed right up and has disappeared!
  • triciab79
    triciab79 Posts: 1,713 Member
    As a store manager, I did a lot of hiring for a plus size clothing retailer when I was younger. The employees in a service or retail business reflect the brand image. If you are Torrid then hiring a plus sized girl with pink hair tats and piercings all over is ideal if she has the right personality. If you are Lane Bryant you aim for plus size girls who look somewhat professional but still youngish and non matronly. If you are Catherines you aim for someone with a more matronly appearance. Pink hair only flies at Catherine's if you did it by accident because your grey hair won't hold the red color anymore. Would I hire a skinny girl? Yes if she had the right personality and dress to fit the brand. Would I hire a guy? Yes, (and I did hire a few both straight and gay) if they had the right attitude and their image fit the brand. Brand imaging is crucial to business. People do not pay double or triple for your clothing because it is that much better than what they can find at Walmart, they pay for the image and the service. If you fail on the image and still give the service it still fails because they lose confidence in your employee's recommendations. If you fail on the service but nail the image it fails because your employee doesn't deliver the recommendation. You have to have a decent product, a great image and great service to win in retail and the hiring manager can only control 2 of those things so expect that they won't budge from the brand image.

    If you like your tats, piercings, or funky hair, that is great - more power to you - but know that you have just limited your pool of employers. You are choosing this when you choose that image.
  • NewLIFEstyle4ME
    NewLIFEstyle4ME Posts: 4,440 Member
    I have been pretty lucky with finding jobs and having tattoos and piercings. I'm a pharmacy technician so that says a lot.
    I had an 87 yr old woman come up to me and ask me about my tattoos, then she showed me hers from the 50's/60's and said "you wear your tattoo's well". It was my favorite compliment.

    I cannot wait for the day when the "older" generation of thinkers is gone. I love seeing people express themselves through their attire, piercings, tattoos and whatever else they want.

    There is a difference between art and "prison" tattoos and piercings. You'll know 'em when you see 'em.

    You will not have to wait too much longer, because we "older" generation "of thinkers" will be gone soon--BUT, you also don't have to wait for us to leave this planet, because things are going in our culture and society and are already in play/are radically changing even as I type before we "older generation of thinkers" are gone. Here's the rub (though you being young, won't believe me..) when you are "the older generation of thinkers"...people will be saying what you accept and love and like will be "old fashioned" and they can't wait until your generation of thinkers is gone. I know you most likely won't believe this--but it's true none-the-less...watch:flowerforyou:

    True enough! And they won't listen to you, just like you don't listen to us and just like we didn't listen to our elders too. Ahh the circle of life.! But I'm off topic here as well. Back to it please folks.

    Ahhhh, you may be speaking "French" when you say "we" because I not only listened to elders, but sought out their counsel and advice much of my young life--which may attribute to my way of thinking and living today. Also, I do indeed listen to all people, young and old as I can and do learn from everyone, all the time--no matter their age or opinion.. Only when I'm "gone" will I not listen to people, because I will be dead an unable to. I especially love listening to those whose views are different from mine, because that's how I learn things and I LOVE learning. But as you so rightly say...enough of this old folk talk--back to the subject. Also, it's not that this is off topic, I was replying to what someone said, which in my old opinion is very relevant and not off topic in the least, but...in honor of your request to get back on topic, forgive me to veering off topic:flowerforyou:

    Lastly...I know the French is Oui---I was making a pun saying "we"
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Being fat is not a protected class and therefore not illegal to avoid hiring someone who is overweight.

    Unfortunately, the way you dress and act causes people to make initial judgements about your character. Some people view people with tattoos, piercings, crazy hair as degenerates and assume they are no good or lazy. This may not be true of everyone but it is important to be aware that how you present yourself affects the opportunities you have in life.
  • britttttx3
    britttttx3 Posts: 458
    Lol, I've gotten a write up at a past job for getting my tongue pierced. Also.. I only have 3 tattoos, but two are on my wrists. I've felt judged by employers a lot because of them...I think how close minded people can be about tattoos is pretty silly. If you don't have tattoos in excess like the lizard man, or offensive ones I don't see what the problem is. I understand proper business attire but I don't get how having a tattoo on your arm makes you any less professional if you're presenting yourself accordingly.

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