Re: Should tattoos and piercings be banned from the workplace?

[Kristolyn Brown]

I'm all for tattoos and piercings in the workplace. Times have changed and so have people. I feel that the need to express yourself is deeper, because there are so many ways to go about doing so. With everyone wearing versions of the same thing, body art and modifications are a surefire way to get your point across. At the end of the day, as long as it isn't anything vulgar, there shouldn't be any complaints.

On Monday, October 6, 2014 at 8:42:32 AM UTC-4, Taylor Hice wrote:

What crosses the line of inappropriate piercings or tattoos? What are inoffensive?

[popta...@gmail.com]

I agree, the times are changing. One of the receptionist's at my doctors office has some awesome sleeves! I think tattoo's are totally okay but piercings are a different story, not so much that they are offensive, but they could be a potential health or safety hazard.  

[Whitney Whitaker]

I say that tattoos and piercing should be banned from the workplace, but it depends on the job that person or persons has.

[royal...@gmail.com]

I think tattoos shouldn't be banned, but offensive ones should be covered. Some offensive ones would be of naked men or women, offensive words, signs or symbols that are generally offensive. I can see that larger corporations would just require everyone to cover up. It creates a fairness across the board and leaves out the nuisances or going through each case, but some professions actually encourage their staff to show their tattoos.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[cade.ja...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I feel we should be able to keep our tats and piercings. It's okay to express our creative ways I'm for it but what I don't understand is as long as its not on our bodies we can do so disagree. It seems the only time that we can express our creative ways in society's eye is to put it on something that can be disposed. Growing up as kids we were always taught to use our imaginations now that we are as young adults it's unacceptable. I'm going through this right now at work when I first got hired in my boss said your piercings are fine as long as you don't get anymore. I haven't gotten anymore but soon as someone else gets one nose ring oh I have to take mine out. Basically saying I'm an influence on my co-workers no their grown they do what they do because It's what they want to do. KEEP TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS IT'S ART AND EXPRESSIONS SOME EVEN STORIES.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[harlukow...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

I find this to be very interesting. Although I agree with freedom of expression, I do think there needs to be some boundaries when it comes to tattoos and piercings. Personally, I do not feel high level jobs will hire you if you have tattoos and piercings that cannot be covered. If the tattoo or piercing becomes a distraction from the job, that is where I see it to be an issue. It just does not look professional in my opinion to have a septum piercing or tattoos on your face while on the job.

[jenkin...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I love my Tattoos and piercings I don't feel anyone should worry about what's on my body as long as its not getting in the way of my work or performance.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[tate....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think that as long as the tattoo(s)does not interfere with the image of the company, it should not matter. I mean, I do not have any,but I am not discriminating against those who do.

[Alexis Hairston]

I think it depends on the job and what kind of tattoos they are. You shouldn't be able to have racial slurs or references that might offend people just showing. However harmless things like names, sports teams and things of that nature I believe are ok in most situations

[nichols.c...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I agree, as long as the tattoos and piercing do not interfere with the job there should be no issues. There may be some inappropriate tattoos, and I think the employee should cover that type of tattoo up with a long sleeve shirt.

[Christopher Detmer]

Tattoos and piercings should NOT be banned from the working place. Even thinking like this is completely illogical. How will a piercing/tattoo be detrimental to the outcome of a company? Does wearing glasses or having hearing aids have any significance it work productivity? Does having primary lesions such as freckles on your face make you more likely to succeed in your work environment? Any form of visual anomalies will make no difference. People who feel they should be banned have been brainwashed into thinking that people with piercings/tattoos are inferior to other individuals. These thoughts and feelings towards the image of negativity of tattoo's and piercing have been TAUGHT to you. These things do NOT reflect one's intellectual level. Therefore there cannot possibly be any negative impacts in the workplace. 

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[malone...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I feel like it should be completely fine for people to have tattoos and piercings in the workplace, DEPENDING on where you are working. I understand having a small tattoo or piercing that can be covered if need be, but having a tattoo that covers your whole face is crossing the line. I feel like people would be really intimidated and that the workplace would lose business.  

[mccloske...@yahoo.com]

No, I don't see how any piercing could be deemed inappropriate or offensive. On the other hand i could see a potential for tattoos being offensive to some religions or races, and if people want to be judgmental about them so be it. This should not stop anyone from getting a job to support themselves or family, though.

[campo....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think that there's a time and a place for everything. Some jobs might not want employees to show tattoos or piercings because of the clients. Personally, my job caterers to a somewhat "high class" of people who are older and more traditional-minded. I feel like it shouldn't be a problem because we live in such a different time now where there's hardly anybody who doesn't have some type or tattoo or piercing but it's really up to a business to decide and if an employee isn't okay with it, they can take action.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[Roxy Bazinski]

I agree with you. But it would depend on the specific job and how many piercings and visible tattoos one actually has. If you want to be a lawyer or a child care professional, and you have more metal, holes, and ink on your visible skin...it may not be the best choice.

[chang...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I don't think people should judge others based on tattoo and piercing.

I think people should be able to get tattoos and piercing regardless to their profession, but it should't be completely visible. I don't care if the tattoo is visible, as long as it's not completely visible, especially on the hand.

To base or group people just because they have tattoos or piercing would be discriminating. 

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[Rachel Bellestri]

i know tattoos and piercings are looked down upon, but what makes a person without tattoos or piercings smarter then a person with them?

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[beverl...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

I believe that tattoos and piercing shouldn't be allowed in the workplace. Meaning that you can cover your tattoos and take out your piercings before you go into your professional job. One tattoos may be offensive to some people, piercings can also be in some subjective places.

[Rachel Bellestri]

i know tattoos and piercings are looked down upon, but what makes a person without tattoos or piercings smarter then a person with them?

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[thoma...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I feel the quality of the person should determine if they get, or get to keep a job. many people have tattoos for sentimental reasons and those tattoos have (usually) no impact on their ability to do the job that has to do with your actual ability to do a job.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[pardy....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Personally, I do not find such things as being distracting or unsightly until the tattoos or piercings either have negative/vulgar words, depictions, or images, or when the piercings appear to cause a sense of "phantom pains" among the customer(s). For example, having large enough gauge earrings to cause a customer to begin to touch their on ear lobes at the sight of the stretched skin. Gauges can cause this to a certain degree, especially in some certain situations in which that aesthetic beauty causes the wearer pain, such as getting headphones stuck through the gauge and needing to remove them. Really, I am glad that the only type of body modifications discussed here are piercings and tattoos, because that shows that hair dye has now become so normal that no one has any real pressing issues with it, and since other body modifications can be fairly visually disturbing - like the lip gauges that have a clear screen so food and drink don't fall through, but still allow the inside of the mouth to be seen, or the eye-dying that involves having one's eyes tattooed a certain color, or the surgically done skin grafting over objects so that the skin is morphed to certain shapes in certain places. Those body modifications are incredibly disturbing to see and to read about, as they also cause phantom pains in others.

[Salina Murphy]

I believe that it would have to depend on the job and your employer, and also the type of piercing and the tattoo. I have always wanted to get a tattoo that represents my mother that has passed on my wrist, but im nervous about not getting a job in the future because of it. I think that tattoos should be more appropriate now a days. 

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[RJ Saroli]

I believe that there is nothing wrong with tattoos and piercings. People have different ways of expressing themselves and if their way of doing so is through tattoos and piercings then people in the work place need to accept that. If it's nothing inappropriate then I see nothing wrong with it.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[sikowski...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I believe that tattoos and piercings should not be banned from the workplace. Individuals have the freedom to do what they want with their own bodies, and tattoos and piercings are a way to express yourself. There should be guidelines, however, in place to ensure that the tattoo/piercing will not inhibit someone from doing their job properly. In the end, tattoos and piercing are not going to make an educated, qualified person any less educated or qualified for a job.   

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[pardy....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I believe that personal tattoos: things that bear some form of significance rather than being purely for aesthetic purposes (i.e dates, names, or quotes) would namely be perfectly fine with employers, versus things such as unnecessary skulls or guns or roses, and such. Even things such as the semicolon:( ; ), are perfectly acceptable primarily because that is being used recently by suicide hotlines as a symbol of choosing to continue to live versus choosing suicide. I think that there is a discrimination between "professionalism" and appearances but I believe that the line is most notably present when the tattoo or piercing is purely aesthetic and incredibly flashy or looks very painful. I'm pretty sure that many would be totally fine if you had a tattoo in dedication to your mother, but if you get one, I highly recommend that you ask your interviewer if that is fine, because that would show just how much you really care and also remind them that you are a fellow human versus another paycheck to sign.

[plontus...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

To me, i believe tattoos and piercings are a pretty neat and unique thing. Yet it also depends on what kind of tattoo you have and what type of piercing you have. If you have a simple tattoo on your arm or just have a few piercings on your ears and one on your nose, i don't think it should be a problem. But if you have your entire face tattooed and a ton of piercings on your face, then it would be hard for a customer because you are not always going to get the younger generation of people who would think its "cool". Before i get anything done, i always think about my future employer. Yes, i would like to express myself, but i would also want a future. I know some employers who pay good money to their employees despite their excessive tattoos and piercings. Like i said before, it is all going to depend on who is hiring you. 

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[thompson....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Times have changed in regards to tattoos and piercings, however I feel it depends on your job or where you work.  I work at a large company which has a manufacturing side and a professional side.  I feel on the manufacturing side tattoos and piercings are fine.  The piercings could be a little dangerous though.  The professional side is not the appropriate place to display all of your tattoos and piercings.  If you have tattoos then they should be covered up.   It doesn't look too professional to be all dressed up and then have tattoos ruin the appearance.  A lot of people are old fashioned and probably wouldn't appreciate looking at them all day.

[junga.kr...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think it should be okay to go into any field with body modifications. In fact I feel it is discriminatory to not hire someone because they have piercings or tattoos. It is a way to express yourself, and tattoos are way more accepted in today's society than it was 20-30+ years ago.

[beaudin....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I also think that all tattoos and piercings can be in the workplace. This is how many express themselves. How can you judge what crosses the line? everyone is offended by something different and others like things that offend those people. I feel that what you like should be allowed on your body because its your own body nobody else, Do what you love. 

[katie lewis]

I feel that tattoos and piercings are a form of expressing yourself and if that should not be taken away from you. A person who is tattooed head to toe can be just a smart and motivated in the work place as someone who has no tattoos at all.

[alexandri...@gmail.com]

I very much agree that times have changed. I don't see the problem in having a studded nose ring, lip ring, eyebrow ring, etc. As long as their not super flashy and hanging off of your face. I could see why someone might find those kinds unprofessional. I work at a sub shop, and the rules were just recently changed so that you can wear small facial jewelry and show tattoos, because I think that corporate finally realized that a lot of young adults have some sort of piercing or even a tattoo.

[freeman...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Times have changed and a good majority of people have tattoos now whether you can see them or not. I was working in a hospital last summer and I couldn't tell you how many doctors and nurses had tattoos that weren't covered up and it didn't impact the getting a job at all. Now with that said some people can be extremely inappropriate and offensive and get something offensive tattooed on them in an easily visible area and if your job requires you be in close or constant contact with people, like doctors and nurses, then maybe it should be covered up. and for jobs that are more independent like construction or landscaping it shouldn't be as big of a deal.

With piercings I personally believe that piercings can be respectable or not. Small piercing are generally alright like ear piercings and maybe a small nose piercing but when it coms to eyebrows, dermals, lips, or huge gages, those types of piercings can make people feel very uncomfortable and should be allowing in professions that working closely with people.

[kristia...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I'm not against tattoos but, I do believe offensive ones should be covered.  It also depends on the line of work.  If it's a very professional company were you dress up all the time, I believe they shouldn't be allowed in that company.  But in other company's were it doesn't conflict, I don't think they should be banned. 

[Tyler Hudson]

I'm all for expression, and for the most part agree that tattoos and piercings should be allowed in the workplace unless they are for whatever reason offensive. I think that with the current generation, perceptions are changing and people are not caring as much as the previous generation. Being someone that has a few tattoos (also a hard working college student), I feel that body art in no way makes me any less able to perform tasks that I would be able to complete otherwise.

[Abi Howe]

I agree that now days people are becoming more accepting of different and unique ways of expressing yourself. Workplaces should allow their employees to have tattoos and piercings but should also be aloud to put restrictions on what can be shown. For example, I work at a daycare/preschool and we are aloud to have tattoos and piercings but there is a level of professionalism we are supposed to have. So our tattoos should be covered up if there are profound images or text and certain piercings need to be taken out while at work.

[Jonathan Azzam]

It shouldn't matter what you look like. What should matter is how you do the job. 

[Jeremy Callahan]

I don't believe it is right to treat someone different because they may have a tattoo that someone else doesn't have. You are then making an assumption that if they have a tattoo they can not do a job as good as another person without a tattoo. Unless the job has something to do with your skin then it shouldn't matter if you have a tattoo or not. 

[Kristin Wygocki]

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:
> I'm all for tattoos and piercings in the workplace. Times have changed and so have people. I feel that the need to express yourself is deeper, because there are so many ways to go about doing so. With everyone wearing versions of the same thing, body art and modifications are a surefire way to get your point across. At the end of the day, as long as it isn't anything vulgar, there shouldn't be any complaints.
>
> On Monday, October 6, 2014 at 8:42:32 AM UTC-4, Taylor Hice wrote:What crosses the line of inappropriate piercings or tattoos? What are inoffensive?

Tattoos are piece of art. I feel as long as they are not offense they should be allowed.

[rus.a...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think tattoos are tacky.

[kuril...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I'm all for allowing people having a tattoos and piercings at the workforce. If they are banned then employers miss out on some of the best employees that could work for them in their company. I understand the employees should be professional, but they can easily cover the tattoos or take some piercings out and be able to look like everyone else. Tattoos and piercing should not define a person how well they can do something because they could do as good or better as a person who doesn't have tattoos or piercing.

[huber...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I have no problem with tattoos or piercings. Like most people have pointed out, so long as it's not offensive and people are mature about the situation, I don't see anything wrong with either. 

[daleo....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I have many tattoos, sure I can easily cover up my tattoos but I don't believe that they should affect you in the workplace. Tattoos can not change how you are as a worker. If you are a good worker, tattoos will not stop you from being a good worker. I think that tattoos are a way to express yourself and who you are as a person. 

[manley...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I believe that tattoos and piercings should be allowed in the work place to an extent. If you have vulgar tattoos they should be covered. But i believe that they do no harm to the people walking into the door, some people express themselves differently and they could be a brainiac with sleeves and a lot of piercings. and you would miss on the opportunity to have them improve your business. 

[Dominique Taylor]

I absolutely agree! Times have changed and I also believe that tattoos and piercings are ways of expressing yourself. To some its art to other its disturbing to look at. Why should we get our right of expressing ourselves away to "impress" the customers that come into our work. The same thing goes with the color you want to die your hair. Some places don't let you die your hair without their consent WE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO EXPRESS WHO WE ARE!

[fallon...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I agree with this statement.  People should be allowed to express themselves along as it isn't vulgar or harming anyone.  Too many tattoos or piercings could be a problem is certain professions though.  

[waldecker...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Has anyone addressed this from the employer’s perspective? If I am an employer, particularly in a private company, I have the right to choose my employees, the people who will be representing my business. People get tattoos and piercings to make a statement about who they are and what is important to them. They certainly have the right to do that. But they can’t come into my company and demand I hire them. When people meet face to face, the first thing they notice is what the other person looks like. A person with piercings and tattoos is making a statement loud and clear, with the intention of being seen.

When you are reading all those tips on how to write a resume, what to include and what to leave out, keep in mind that all your body markings are bits of information you are giving to your prospective employer, and that person will evaluate your message. It will be as much a part of the decision as if you had written all that on your resume. 

[bonilla...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I'm certainly not into piercings and tattoos on myself, I just do not feel attracted to them but I don't mind them on others, i actually think its pretty cool how every single tattoo on a person is unique. Everyone has the right to do whatever they want with their own body in whatever art creative ways there are, as long as you don't convince others (teenagers) to do so. I'm not in for banning piercings and tattoos in the workplace, but i think it also depends of where you work. For example I work in a kitchen environment and we're are not allow to wear any piercing because its hazardous to the food not because the manager is against it, we just need to learn how to respect each other and opinions of others. 

[turnbul...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I feel that as long as tattoos/piercings are appropriate they should be allowed in the workplace, I dont believe that you should turn someone down that'd be good for the job just because of a tattoo, especially in 2016.

[turnbul...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I feel that as long as the tattoo/piercing is appropriate it should not be banned from the workplace. I don't believe that you should turn someone down that would be good for the job based off if they have a tattoo or not, especially in 2016.

[pettit.a...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I am totally for piercings and tattoos in the workplace. Although, I wear none of those, it is everyone's right to express themselves. I do not find them offensive or inappropriate.  

[Brenda Yang]

I feel that tattoos and piercings should not be banned from the workplace because what a person decides to put on his or her body should not/will not affect how that person provides a service. Likewise, I also believe people should not be turned down for a job based on their appearance.

[klebba....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I agree completely that times are changing and expressing yourself is important. But I feel that there are other ways of expressing yourself then piercing and tatting up your body, there are certain jobs that isn't appropriate for like a lawyer, judge etc. I mean I am more concerned with piercings then tattoos not like ear piercings but like tongue rings, nose rings, lip rings etc.. I don't find them classy nor professional. Also even if you take piercings out you still have a hole in your face somewhere visible. Tattoos are a lot more easy to cover up with clothes and makeup. That is just my opinion.

[Julie Bennett]

I think as long as nothing is posting a health hazard (uncovered healing tattoo, infected piercing), they should be allowed. Just because you are working doesn't mean you should be unable to express yourself. It is also unfair that someone who is perfectly eligible for a job could be turned down just because they have tattoos or piercings.

[Gaeun Park]

Depending on the place you work, tattoos and piercings should be banned because some people do not feel comfortable at looking at those.

[turner...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

This is a really great question! I agree that times have changed when it comes to physical appearances in most work places. Even though most companies have changed their dress codes to a more relaxed look versus 5-10 years ago I do believe that treading carefully is in order when it comes to how you want to present yourself to an interviewer. Lets face it...most individuals judge by first impressions to determine the type of person you are. In my opinion, that is the incorrect way to determine anything about anyone. Yet, when it comes to interviewing ask yourself what the company is looking for as whole. Keep in mind that just because we want to express ourselves doesn't make it appropriate and acceptable for some job positions or companies. Some companies may need an employee to have the background and to look the part. Just remember that there is a time and a place to express yourself and in most cases the work place is not the time nor the place. 

[turner....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I agree. Tattoos and piercings should be allowed in any type of workplace as long as it does not cause a hazardous work environment. People should have the right to express themselves how ever they choose. Freedom of expression is something that should never be taken away from any human being. This issue will never go away because unfortunately even though society has came a long way, we are still very judgmental. I work at a law office that deals with employment and civil rights matters, and so many people call in  with issues related to their piercings or tattoos. Many employees have been discriminated against and/or even terminated from employment  after it was discovered that he or she had piercings for tattoos. It is an extremely sad situation.

[fraser...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Tattoos and Piercings in the workplace has never effected me, even though I have visible tattoos. It has never been an issue in any of my workplaces. I think tattoos and piercings are liberties we are allowed to enjoy at our own will. Tattoos dont physical hurt anyone but the person it is on. As an American we have these freedoms to do the things we choose. Stand up and do what you feel is right for your own sake. 

[butler...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Tattoos no. Piercings, depends. Although both are situational, I'd still never get tattoos on my hands, even though I have a high desire to, solely because they are near impossible to cover up. The workplace is changing though, just look at how many Men are allowed to have long hair and even beards, when before it was all short hair and clean shave. With piercings there can be a health hazard to the person, and with anyone they might work with.

[jy]

I don't like any tattoos and piercings. I'll never put any tattoos and piercings on myself. I think I was perfectly created, so I needn't any of those staffs. Creater is a much better artist than any mankind. I used to have some negative impression about people whom having tattoos and piercings. But there is one event changed my views. Once I got flat tire, it was in the middle of nowhere and I didn't know how to change a tire. A guy who full of tattoos on his arms and neck stoped and changed tire for me. Since then, I realize that I shouldn't "judge a book through its cover‘ even I still don't like tattoos and piercings. About workplace, it depends on what kind of job. For instance, a job like k-12 teacher, tattoos and piercings should be banned or at least be covered when they are at work time.

在 2015年7月17日星期五 UTC-4上午2:17:03，Kristolyn Brown写道：

[edwar...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

Having tattoos in the workplace as come a long way, I believe that any tattoo is appropriate in the workplace. But if an employee does have a tattoo that deals with nudity or some form of profanity , just make sure that it is covered so other people wont feel uncomfortable. now tattoos that are associate as hate towards certain groups are unacceptable in the workplace. Now piercings is totally different. It okay to have piercing as long as the piercing does not interfere with your work.

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

[Olivia Mecum]

I don't think tattoos and piercings should be banned from the workplace. As long as the tattoo is not of something inappropriate then I think it should be perfectly fine to have visible tattoos at work. People shouldn't have to hold back from getting a tattoo or piercing to express themselves because they are afraid they won't get a job or be taken seriously in the workplace.

[Cassandra Greer]

They should be allowed. If it's offensive then I would say don't work with children but adults shouldn't be concerned with how other adults choose to express themselves.

[Conner Farrand]

i do not believe tattoos and piercings should be banned. Everyone should have the choice to put what they want on their own body.

[Cassie Begert]

Body art and modification has become such a big topic and most forms are not allowed in the workplace. There is such a fine line between vulgarity and beauty but definitions of both of these words vary with each person. This largely comes from tradition and how people are raised. People should not have to fear for their career because they like to express themselves with their appearance. 

[guzowsk...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I agree, times have changed tattoos are more acceptable now more than ever. With that being said why are they banned in the work place and why are people still looking down on them? I think that people have the right to put whatever they want on their bodies, its their canvas if they want it to be. Them having tattoos at work doesn't affect the way they do their job, so why is it an issue?

[Gaeun Park]

Since I'm working at a public area where many people visiting and go, it is better to see tattoos covered.

It is true that time has been changed, but if tattoos are covering entire arms, neck, or leg, some people might not be comfortable seeing those.

[Ariana Bagnik]

I don't think they should be banned.  If they are not to vulgar, what other people do to their bodies shouldn't people shouldn't have a problem with it.  

[kenyon...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I feel like tattoos and piercings should be allowed in the work place. Why judge a book by its cover?

[bernas....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think that a person should still look professional but tattoos and piercings should not keep a person from obtaining a job.

[mullins...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I agree that times have changed and that our generation is a lot more open to the idea of tattoos and piercings in the workplace. I think that as long as they aren't insanely inappropriate there shouldnt be an issue.

[Angela Malek]

Everyone has a right to free expression especially through their own body, but i think that if the workplace wants to make you cover it up becuase a customer or other co workers can get a offended easily, then that is their decision. you chose to work there you don't really get a say when it comes to what your boss wants you to do.

[Ben Wiseman]

Tattoos that aren't vulgar or display any gore should be perfectly acceptable but with piercings it depends on the job, in certain jobs you're working around magnets or something so it could be a safety issue.

[Lucas McManus]

I think that tattoos and piercings should absolutely be allowed in the workplace as long they are not innapropriate. Tattoos are just pieces of art and they can add alot of personality to a person in a society that is required to work like machines. Piercings I feel slightly different about. I think that minimal piercings should be allowed, but excessive piercing might disturb customers.

[jlj...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

i feel like you shouldn't have piercing all in your face in stuff but other then that its coo with me

On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 4:31:51 PM UTC-4, Whitney Whitaker wrote:

I say that tattoos and piercing should be banned from the workplace, but it depends on the job that person or persons has.

[olson....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think we shouldn't judge people if they have tattoos or piercings. It defiantly shouldn't be the reason they shouldn't get a job either. What people decide to put on their body has nothing to do with their job performance. Some people can be covered and be the brightest in the room, but you wouldn't know that because you judged them because of how they looked. Thats why they have the saying, "never judge a book by it's cover". 

[jbmc...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think that tattoos and piercings are fine to an extent. Similar to clothes, where wearing promiscuous things is frowned upon, same with promiscuous tattoos and piercings. Dress codes should be standard for appearance across the board. Being able to wear anything you want but not being able to have tattoos or piercings seems counter-intuitive. Same with uniforms. If a tattoo or piercings can be seen outside the uniform, it would seem that that is a violation just like wearing jeans when you should be wearing scrubs is wrong.

[Jacob Newby]

On Friday, July 17, 2015 at 2:17:03 AM UTC-4, Kristolyn Brown wrote:

I'm all for tattoos and piercings in the workplace. Times have changed and so have people. I feel that the need to express yourself is deeper, because there are so many ways to go about doing so. With everyone wearing versions of the same thing, body art and modifications are a surefire way to get your point across. At the end of the day, as long as it isn't anything vulgar, there shouldn't be any complaints.

On Monday, October 6, 2014 at 8:42:32 AM UTC-4, Taylor Hice wrote:

What crosses the line of inappropriate piercings or tattoos? What are inoffensive?

I believe that a company should be allowed to employ whoever they want, so if they believe that they don't want someone covered in tattoos with gauges then that is their choice. it may also be bad for business for a few companies, and I personally don't think it helps a career at all to have tattoos but it doesn't matter if your work ethic is extremely good, dress for the job

[jemmoa....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think it all depends on what field of work you are in, but I do believe that is does express yourself and shows creativity. 

[romerooter...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I am currently working with a company which even our CEO does not judge you whether you have tattoos or piercings. Although tattoos can make someone look different, it is never okay to judge a book by its cover. Piercing are the same it is just from my perspective it is more of a safety hazard mostly if you are working in a medical environment. Also, it all depends on the company they may be stricter on different things but I believe everyone deserves a chance at getting a job. 

[poniewiers...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I believe as long as a person's tattoos or piercings are not inappropriate or vulgar, they should not be an issue. Though times are changing and both are becoming more and more accepted, it depends on the workplace and its specific environment. 

[starksii...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I don't think that tattoos & piercings should be banned for the work environment. I believe that if you can cover your tattoos with and work dress shirt and cover them up it should be fine. I only think they should be banned there offensive and cant be covered up.

[william...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I don't feel it should be a law either way. I think it should be up to the business owner, as it is there business and they should be able to try to reach their target demographic in whatever manner they please. Personally, I see no issue with it. If I owned a business, I wouldnt make a big deal out of it unless it was something explicit and vulgar. But again, I dont think we should be able to impose our notions regarding this manner on a business.

[stewart...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I defiantly agree, time are changing indeed. I see nothing wrong with tattoos or piercings in the work place as long as it's tasteful

[kendricks...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think it all depends on what job you work at. If it's a job where piercings are a hazard, one should just simply take them off for work. If it's a job where you need to be classy and super formal, take them off as well, just for the job. But, if you're at a job where It's more laid back, in an office, working at a store, etc. Why not? And tattoos, if you have one, you have one. If someone has everything you want for the job, but has a tattoo...you shouldn't not hire that person because he/she has one.

All 'n All, if it's a nice job, where they pay you well, treat you well and all they want you to do is remove your piercings, then I say just do it. In life, we're all going to have to do things that we may not like. We may not be a person who wants to get dressy, but at a wedding, it's a must. If you're a nudist and don't like wearing clothes, sorry. You can't just go out naked. But, yeah, I know that's a different matter, but hopefully you get what I'm saying. But yes! A person should be able to them express themselves otherwise. xD

[dailey....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I completely agree with your post your post, you couldn't have said it any better. Some jobs make you cover them up no matter what society says regarding them being accepted or not. I had a piercing and I have 7 tattoos and my last boss told me to take it out. therefore I had to and one day he asked me, if I  would want my doctor to have a tattoo or someone how was helping me. In which I was offended by,  Therefore some people are still affected by the whole self expression. all in all tattoo don't bother me but companies feel they have to keep up and image and its not allowed. Personally I don't think they should be banned from the workplace.

[page....@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I believe everyone should be able to express themselves however they feel comfortable doing so, which includes clothing and accessorizing. I'm completely in favor of allowing body jewelry and piercing to be shown because it is the freedom of expression and if someone feels comfortable with who they are and how they dress then no one should be able to put them down for that. The only place I would maybe find something like this to be risky is jobs involving food preparation or assembly line work where certain piercings could get in they way of doing your job or creating an unsanitary environment. 

[rusher...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

On Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 1:42:14 PM UTC-4, rusher...@student.oaklandcc.edu wrote:

I am all fore self expression but for the work place I feel that a person should try to look as professional as possible. It is no longer just you that is being represented when working, it is also the institution and your coworkers. Face piercings, hair color, and tattoos can be distracting and even offensive to some patrons. This does not mean no piercings or tattoos all together. There are clear retainers on the market for people with piercings and counselors for tattoos. When I went to get my hair dyed purple I understood that I would have to pin the purple back for work and I was ok with that. Work is not a place ware you need to express yourself to the fullest. 

[Moore2016]

I think that if you want tattoos and piercings, more power to you.  Here is where the problem comes in that many people who have never worked in Corporate America don't realize.  I've worked in large corporations for about 25 years.  I'm not a know it all or an expert on the subject, but I've seen a lot of new employees come in to the places that I've worked and I've heard a lot of managers give their reasons for not hiring someone.  I'm well aware that tattoos and piercings are popular and accepted among younger people, and I personally don't have a problem with them.  And I think that people who are going in to "creative" fields won't face any negativity when going for an interview.  But if you are planning for a career in anything business related or generally conservative in nature and you are sporting visible tattoos and piercings, things will be different.  You will interview in front of a panel of people/managers.  The managers you are going to interview with in most corporations are going to be middle-aged.  There may be a younger manager or two mixed in there, but most will be 45+ years old and are going to be very concerned with how you will represent the company and their department.  Even if they are fairly open minded people, they will be concerned with what higher management will think of them if they hire someone with a tattoo scrolling around their neck, or a piercing in their face.  They will also be concerned with how you will be perceived by clients and customers that you will be interacting with.  You may have great qualifications, but if they fear that you may offend ANYONE in the corporation or ANYONE that does business with them, they'll go with the next very well qualified candidate who they don't have to have that concern with.  You will find a job, but it may not be THE job that you want.  And you'll probably get promotions and be fairly successful.  But it won't happen as quickly as it could and it may not happen in the companies that you want it to happen in.  You will be judged, like it or not.  And more than likely, you will be turned down for positions that you could have had if you had realized that it's probably not a good idea to sport tattoos and piercings if you're serious about your own success.  I know it's not what most 20-something people want to hear, but it's completely the truth.  Maybe in 30 years, things will be different. 

[slma...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I think that there's a entire race of people with Tattoo's... It's awful that they're being discriminated against because of the way that they're expressing themselves. They're still people and judging people because there tattoo's is just ignorant to me!

[sulamaan...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

It all depends on the job.  You can't be a PR person in a position to represent your company and have visible piercings or tasteless tattoos.  If you're a cashier at fast food, no one is probably going to care unless your stuff is way out there.  If you solder for a living, or build things, work in construction, as long as the piercings aren't a danger no one will care

[Breanna Eickholdt]

[Matt Butler]

I feel a consistency of the of the rule should be found, in that case , what does it hurt to be inked or piercings.  I personally do not have either, nor do I have any desire to, but to attempt to control ones body in this sense seems odd.   Like any negative thing, its oppression is lead by fear. 

[Justin Wright]

Time and place for everything. I feel that most tattoos and piercings would be totally fine in the workplace. I would personally try to avoid them on the face and such though, that way I mean if your employer doesn't like your tattoos on your arms or something you can just cover them.

[Sabrina Kotila]

I believe that tattoos and piercings should most definitely be allowed in the workplace. People go to tattoos and piercings as a way to express themselves and show the world who they really are on the inside. If every workplace didn't allow people to have tattoos or piercings, no one would be able to have a job because so many people have these things on their body. As an example, I have many piercings and numerous tattoos. Even though I can hide the tattoos and the piercings are only on my ears and nose, I still look at it as a way to express myself and to show people who I am. So yes, I think that tattoos and piercings should 100% be allowed in the workplace. 

[O Harris]

I don't mind piercings or tattoos, however if you're working for a place that is conservative, such as being a doctor or a lawyer, some clients or patients would feel uncomfortable having a doctor or lawyer with a face tattoo, or face piercings. As long as it's coverable and not offensive, I don't see a problem with it. My nephew had his eyebrow pierced, he had to remove it when he started his residency. So it just depends on where you're working and what the tattoo is and where it is. 

[London Fulks]

No. I don't think someone's tattoos and piercings determine their work ethic or intelligence.

[bethel.a...@student.oaklandcc.edu]

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just saying that this is a shame. It's ridiculous that a person's appearance is more relevant than their work ethic, qualifications, ect. Personally, I hope more heavily tattooed people do climb the corporate ladder so that the people at the top can see that we're not inferior employees just because we're decorated.