The Stigma Associated
with Visual Self-Expression in the Workplace
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| 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)
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| 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
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| 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
