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Tattoos & Piercings in the Workplace

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Tattoos & Piercings in the Workplace
Tattoos & Piercings in the Workplace
PHI221
Shelley Hipps
College America

Abstract
This paper focuses on the subject of whether or not tattoos and piercings should be allowed in the workplace. There are a lot of resources arguing that they should not be allowed, but this research maintains the point that they should be more accepted in the workplace these days. This paper concludes by discussing how tattoos and piercings are much more of an artistic expression rather than a form of rebellion as it was once considered.

Tattoos and piercing have become increasingly more common over the years. Obvious issues within the workplace have surfaced. Some would argue that tattoos and piercings in the workplace are inappropriate, unprofessional, and even distracting. However, I believe there is nothing wrong with tattoos or piercings in the workplace. It will be argued that tattoos and piercings have no affect on the work of an employee and therefore should not be prohibited. The world is always changing and society is in a constant flow along with it. That is why so many rules and policies just seem outdated in the workplace. Things had to change when women were not even allowed to wear pants in the workplace why should this matter be any different? Tattoos and piercings are just another way of expressing one’s self. The one thing holding you back from getting a job you are completely qualified for should not be tattoos or piercings.
Tattoos can be beautiful works of art and can hold a lot of meaning for someone. It just seems wrong to ask someone to hide a piece of him or herself. “Indeed, body modification practices have become increasingly normalized through mass media exposure, not only as news or lifestyle pieces but also as the primary substantive content of television shows like Extreme Makeover, The Swan, Miami Ink, or Inked” (ADAMS, 2009) There are not only television shows about the tattoo and piercing world but also magazines and it even has a



References: ADAMS, J. (2009). Bodies of Change: A Comparative Analysis of Media Representations of Body Modification Practices. Retrieved 05 21, 2011, from proquest.umi.com: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?SrchMode=1&sid=3&firstIndex=0&RQT=511&TS=1305958979&clientId=49285 Levins, H. (1996). Tattoo Arts in America. Retrieved 05 21, 2011, from tattooartist.com: http://www.tattooartist.com/history.html WONG, B. (2005, 06 27). Tattoos getting more common in workplace . Retrieved 05 21, 2011, from seattlepi.com: http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Tattoos-getting-more-common-in-workplace-1177030.php#ixzz1MxzxjImk

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