Tattoo News Stories
In general, tattoos only become an employment issue when worn on a visible part of the body, such as the forearms, neck and hands. But even the most exposed tattoo designs can be covered by everyday clothes or work related clothing.
In fact a survey by Northwestern University's Department of Dermatology in 2004 showed that more than 50% of people with tattoos have at least one tattoo located on an exposed area of their body, such as an arm, neck or ankle.
However, many employers refuse to hire anyone who has a visible tattoo that may be seen by customers.
Peter Ronza, a spokesperson for the Society for Human Resource Management explains that "people make decisions based on image" and while some customers might understand, many will take their custom elsewhere. Ultimately, employers "can't afford to lose business because a guy has something [a tattoo design] crawling up his neck."
Other employers operate more lenient tattoo policies. For example, Walt Disney World allows employees to use opaque makeup to disguise their visible tattoo designs.
Seaworld Orlando allows employees to wear visible tattoos provided that they're not "non-conservative, large or offensive tattoos". But even then, tattoos will be considered on a case by case basis.
The terms of employment issued by Wal-Mart state that tattoos which are "offensive or distractive are to be covered by clothing or other means."
Surprisingly, the Bank of America operates one of the most lenient tattoo policies. A spokesperson for the company stated that as far as their terms of employment are concerned, "A tattoo is not a factor in hiring a skilled professional who is the right person for the job."
So perhaps these examples show that tattoos are reaching the stage where they're universally accepted. After all, surveys have shown that more than a third of everybody in the U.S. has a tattoo. More importantly, as these people move into positions of power and responsibility, explains Ronza, tattoos will become more widely accepted.
However, Eric Storch, a clinical psychologist from the University of Florida states that it depends upon the size and subject of the design, as "there's a difference between a dainty butterfly and a cross with skulls"
Meanwhile Russell Parrish remains unrepentant, stating that "I won't stop being tattooed because people don't like it. All my tattoos have meaning,"
"I don't regret any of 'em" he claims and vows to keep campaigning until society reaches the stage "where people like me, good people who deserve the job and are qualified - more qualified in some cases - can get the job,"
Click here to read the first part of Tattoo Discrimination
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Visible Tattoos Make People Unemployable - Part 2
In fact a survey by Northwestern University's Department of Dermatology in 2004 showed that more than 50% of people with tattoos have at least one tattoo located on an exposed area of their body, such as an arm, neck or ankle.
However, many employers refuse to hire anyone who has a visible tattoo that may be seen by customers.
Peter Ronza, a spokesperson for the Society for Human Resource Management explains that "people make decisions based on image" and while some customers might understand, many will take their custom elsewhere. Ultimately, employers "can't afford to lose business because a guy has something [a tattoo design] crawling up his neck."
Other employers operate more lenient tattoo policies. For example, Walt Disney World allows employees to use opaque makeup to disguise their visible tattoo designs.
Seaworld Orlando allows employees to wear visible tattoos provided that they're not "non-conservative, large or offensive tattoos". But even then, tattoos will be considered on a case by case basis.
The terms of employment issued by Wal-Mart state that tattoos which are "offensive or distractive are to be covered by clothing or other means."
Surprisingly, the Bank of America operates one of the most lenient tattoo policies. A spokesperson for the company stated that as far as their terms of employment are concerned, "A tattoo is not a factor in hiring a skilled professional who is the right person for the job."
So perhaps these examples show that tattoos are reaching the stage where they're universally accepted. After all, surveys have shown that more than a third of everybody in the U.S. has a tattoo. More importantly, as these people move into positions of power and responsibility, explains Ronza, tattoos will become more widely accepted.
However, Eric Storch, a clinical psychologist from the University of Florida states that it depends upon the size and subject of the design, as "there's a difference between a dainty butterfly and a cross with skulls"
Meanwhile Russell Parrish remains unrepentant, stating that "I won't stop being tattooed because people don't like it. All my tattoos have meaning,"
"I don't regret any of 'em" he claims and vows to keep campaigning until society reaches the stage "where people like me, good people who deserve the job and are qualified - more qualified in some cases - can get the job,"
Click here to read the first part of Tattoo Discrimination
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