Amanda Smith
Lantern Staff
As I look around me, I notice that nearly everyone I know, regardless of gender, has some sort of piercing or tattoo. Whether that piercing on the ear, nose or lip and the tattoo on the forearm, neck or ankle, these are just a couple ways that society chooses to express itself these days. Should this desire for individuality really have an effect on employment or even the way that we perceive someone? Absolutely not.
I couldn’t tell you why there is such a stigma around tattoos and piercings– is it a social class thing, a cultural thing or just a generational thing? Regardless of the reason behind this negativity, the fact of the matter is that nearly 40% of Millenials, aged 18-29, have at least one tattoo and 25% of them have piercings someplace other than the earlobe, according to Pew Research Center. Since it’s so common for people to alter their bodies in this way, it only makes sense to eliminate any negative feelings towards them.
When it comes to employment, those hired should meet standards in terms of qualifications, not their appearance. It’s completely absurd to assume that somebody with tattoos and piercings is classless, unintelligent or lazy. Piercings and visible tattoos tend to make a person more personable and relatable, a trait that more employers should value in most fields.
Because of the negative connotations that have been placed on tattoos, Pew Research Center states that nearly 70% of those with tattoos have them placed underneath clothing. It’s sad to see a chance at expressing oneself taken away because of the fear that society will not accept them. People should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies– the only restraint in terms of tattoos should be those designs that encourage hate or violence.
While the stigma around tattoos and piercings has decreased a bit in recent years, I think that there is still a lot of awareness to be raised. I am hopeful that as the older generation retires and is replaced in positions of power that this stigma will go away. Until that happens, I will continue to encourage everyone to go out and get whatever tattoo or piercing they want and to wear it with pride.