By Polina Pallieraki,
Nowadays, people with tattoos and piercings are excluded from the professional world. And I ask: Is this a form of racism?
In most cases, the following opinions are heard: Many employers are unhappy with the large number of tattoos or piercings when they hire someone who will deal with a “more serious job”, or when it comes to a job related to children. It is not rare to hear: “An office job does not suit a person with such a disguise” or “Anyone who deals with children, would probably frighten them with such an appearance “. In my opinion, such comments and opinions are prejudices.
However, just as it is a personal choice of each person to do what they want with their body, it is correspondingly a personal choice of the employer whether to choose us or not. Nevertheless, there are also workplaces that allow the highlighting of our personal taste, style, and way of expression. Therefore, I do not believe that the people who have made these choices “deserve to be punished”. However, I also understand the employers. So, I do not consider it racism. On the other hand, judging a book by its cover is a form of racism.
It is true that all of us are judged daily by our appearance. This certainly does not mean that it is wrong or right, it just happens. Many are those who believe that our image shows who we are. For example, if we see a goddess dressed as a woman, we will believe that she is a goddess.
In a working environment, the one who “dominates” is the employer and he will judge if someone deserves the job according to his own achievements. As such, an employer can reject a person with tattoos and piercings, because it probably “does not match the aesthetics of the working environment”, and not reject him because he does not have the qualifications or the necessary experience required.
Personally, I do understand that employers may not prefer people with such an appearance in their place, however, I am unable to understand the actual reason. Appearance does not reflect, in any way, the intelligence and productivity of any person’s work. Why should a person’s work and talents be dismissed because of his appearance?
At this point, someone could argue that rejecting a job position does not automatically mean that the other’s efforts are not appreciated, it simply means that this appearance is not consistent with the work context. However, in my point of view, this is the same. Rejection is rejection and there is no middle option.
Obviously, by this, I am not trying to disappoint you. I truly believe that times have changed and more and more people today with this kind of disguise, not only are hired but also have high positions. For several years, the hierarchical system prevailed, the fact that the superior hierarchically (in our case, the employer) had the absolute power to make decisions. However, as time passes, and as long as we fight for our rights, we will see that we can change our lives.
It is crucial to claim what belongs to us, what we deserve and have earned with hard work.
References
- Αγαπητή «Α, μπα»: Οι άνθρωποι με τατουάζ και πίρσινγκ δεν προσλαμβάνονται εύκολα σε δουλειές, ampa.lifo.gr, Available here
- Tattoos in the workplace: Do employers have to accept them?, realityhr.co.uk, Available here
