The Stigma Associated with Visual Self-Expression in the Workplace

The Stigma Associated with Visual Self-Expression in the Workplace

Campaign for equal rights for women
in the workplace

The extensive presence of job discrimination in American society has typically been associated with race and gender rights.  Most notably in the past century, all kinds of groups have been created with the sole purpose of securing greater equality for specific demographics.  And while women on average still make less than men even while doing the same work, and racial stereotypes still permeate American culture and hiring practices, rather recently an increase in a new type of job discrimination based on appearances has emerged. 

Business’ Role

Major businesses and corporations have highly publicized policies regarding external forms of self-expression.  Ranging from restrictions on hair color, piercings, and tattoos, small and large businesses have created regulations and standards that prohibit the extent of self-expression.  Employers can deny applicants jobs if they do not approve of any of the applicants' visible body alterations.  Workers can be denied promotions even if they have proven themselves more than adequate and prepared for increased responsibility.   (For more on legal discrimination based on appearance see http://smallbusiness.chron.com/workplace-discrimination-tattoos-piercings-16708.html.)  Understandably, any offensive or obscene tattoos would be unacceptable in most work places.  Dress codes exist in most workplaces and are established to maintain employee and customer comfort.  But in many cases, candidates who have proven themselves to be trustworthy, capable, and/or qualified are overlooked or discriminated against due to more minor physical alterations.

Pleasing the Masses (and Failing)

Performing artists like Adam Levine
have body art which is considered
socially accetpable because of
their chosen industry

Some people really do consider their work to be their life.  But many do not wish to limit themselves based solely on how their company or place of employment dictates.  Jobs in industries like music and entertainment have been largely accepting of artists and performers with external alterations.  However, sales, finance, and many other professions tend to be less willing to allow for employees to display their modes of self-expression.  In the end, it comes down to image.  Nobody wants to do anything that would even remotely insult or upset anybody.  Because that could never happen if the staff and employees are not allowed to wear or have forms of self-expression and individuality on their bodies.  Right.  There will always be at least one person who does not like or agree with something; pleasing everyone is impossible. 

Express Yourself

This many piercings, while
expressive, would be considered
inappropriate in some work
atmospheres today

If a sales clerk or a banker wants to have, say, a tattoo on their wrist or a nose stud, why should their chosen profession tell them "no"?  Why should a cartilage piercing or a tattoo on an ankle be considered any less appropriately expressive as a patterned shirt or a tight skirt?  Just as someone may have their heart set on a particular outfit for a day, another person may want their hair to be purple for the next few weeks.  Both of these choices can be decisions reflecting personal taste, style, and preference made by intelligent, informed, and responsible adults.  People choose their jobs because that’s what they love; and nobody deserves to be told they have to hide part of themselves in order to do what they are passionate about.

Let’s be clear— I have not had the chance to become a pincushion and have no desire to dye my hair pink, but if any member of society wishes to do so, then they have every right to without having to fear rejection in the professional world.  As America and the world have repeatedly learned throughout history, appearance does not dictate any person or group of people’s skills, abilities, or ethics.  After all the progress that has been made and the battles still being fought over workplace treatment and equality, I would hope that as a society we would be further along.  We cannot accept preconceived notions and stereotypes about any person or groups of people. Whether those notions based on appearance stem from reputations of certain heritages or people with piercings, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep an open mind.  The golden rule, do unto others a you will have them, must be adhered to universally by society, or else unfair hiring practices and employment discrimination (legal or illegal) will continue to plague our society.

Questions?  Thoughts?  Input about job equality in the modern world?  Adam Levine fans?  Feel free to contact me at katnovak1@gmail.com