.
Tattoos have become a part of American culture and no longer is it unacceptable for the
typical person to have a tattoo or a few. Tattoos have gradually become a part of everyday
life and are relevant to everyone and since tattoos are seen as being a common accessory,
the question of why people decide to get them is rarely asked. The stereotypes and
misconceptions that are often associated with tattoos would pose the question as to why
anyone would actually choose to get a tattoo, especially if they can be a hindrance to a
professional career or the way people may perceive you. People get tattoos because it
enhances their body image according to them and is a self-expression of creativity or
individuality. An immediate positive response is felt after receiving a tattoo and even
though body art is becoming more and more widely accepted, the hospitality industry is
one of those that sit on the fence whether or not they may be found to be suitable.
“In the Harris Interactive poll, 27 percent of the respondents without tattoos said folks with
tattoos are less intelligent, and half said they’re more rebellious. In a 2011 CareerBuilder
poll (the most recent one on the topic), 31 percent of nearly 3,000 hiring managers said
they would be less likely to promote someone with a visible tattoo, and 37 percent said the
same for piercing”. An important rule to always consider is the industry and role that plans
to pursue. If you plan on entering a more conservative career like a politician or head of
department, perhaps reconsidering body art would be a wiser decision to be as successful
as possible without obstacle. With so many problems arising with dress policy, “corporate
dress code policies have swung to the extreme in recent years” (Faw).
You may find a that the executive chef of a well-renowned hotel restaurant is tattooed from
his neck all the way down to his feet but the Front Desk Manager may not even be allowed
to have any visible tattoos and won’t even be considered for a position due to them being
“the face” of the hotel but then there’s the issue of tattoos and piercings. For the past few
decades, it’s likely that coffeehouse baristas and graphic designers would be adorned with
tattoos or piercings, but now, it’s just as likely that the kindergarten teacher, bank manager,
or real estate agent is sporting ink or a nose ring. Nearly half of 26-40-year-olds (40%) and
