Representation and Discrimination in the workplace - 'Tattoos and Piercings'

Introduction

Cast your mind back in time for a moment, to the good old days. The proverbial 'Golden Age' which everyone has had. Normally around the age of 10, maybe a little older, before the rise of digital technology and the advancement of social commons, back when one would simply navigate and travel life, by bike or foot. Remember the time? We're getting warmer so stay with me. Now bring yourself to the local corner shop you and your friends would visit every day after school, the cool afternoon breeze which would shiver down your spines as you'd take it in turns who could shop first. I never really understood why the shopkeeper made the rule, never really questioned it then but it made sense over time. Anyways, I digress. You walk in, maybe 2 at a time and find yourself in the sweets aisle. Haribo's, Jelly Babies, Galaxy Bars...let me not assume your age. Liquorice Allsorts, Love Hearts, Gobstoppers but it was the White Candy Sticks which would always take your change to the counter. If not I can guarantee you've made the purchase (or someones been very kind and purchased it for you) of the infamous sweet which happened to offer a 'free' temporary tattoo. Deemed as 'cool' and even a little bit 'rebellious' it's what all children got their hands on. The only problem is, many years later, to the children who followed down the path of body expression through tattooing and piercings they're now suffering. Their opportunities are hindered, whether it was religion-related, a crazy dare on holiday or the love of the idea, the sight of a tattoo piercing it is often discriminated against unbeknownst to them, unbeknownst to the discriminator in some cases. Is it right? No of course not. Can something be done? Possibly. Will something be done? Honestly, I don't know.

History

Tattoo - Noun

"Derived from the words 'ta' which is Polynesian, the act of "striking something," 'Tahitian' or 'tats' which means "to mark something."

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http://nextluxury.com/mens-style-and-fashion/top-50-best-tattoo-ideas-for-men/ - alright now the cheap plugs done, back to business.

Many argue that tattooing has existed since 12,000 years BC. The oldest discovery of a tattooed human being's skin is that of Otzi the Iceman, which dates back to roughly 3370 and 3100 BC. Unfortunately, and fortunately, in the same breath, the records of tattooing is relative, varied, colourful and diverse as the people who carry them. Originally the first tattoo's are likely to of been accidents, an innocent bystander with an gash happened to rub it with with a dirty hand which was covered in soot or ash and there you go, once it'd healed they would've realised that their skin healed over the ash and that mark has become permanent. When we think tattooing in Europe and where it began, the best places to look is with Ancient Greek and Roman historians. This is the best concrete evidence you'll find, everything prior to this was all wildly debatable sources waiting to be interpreted. Tattooing could've been prominent in France in 1867 with the numerous findings of black and red pigments with sharpened flint instruments which were discovered in the 'Grotte des Fees' in Chatelperron.

England, on the other hand, exhibited Polynesians at fairs, lecture halls and in museums, showing that comparison and height of European civilisation in comparison to its primitive natives. Captain Cook, infamously returned from his voyage to Polynesia and tattooing became a tradition in British Navy. Around the middle of the 18th century most, if not all ports had at least one professional tattoo artist. It became a way of life, even for royalty when Prince of Wales, whom later became King Edward VII received his first tattoo (a Jerusalem cross) on his arm, almost cementing it in British culture, but some may debate it was around and thriving long before that in England.

However, not all forms of tattooing are ink and colours. Countries such as Africa have developed another technique, whether its the love of innovation or a new findings of pain, their scarifications (which in truth isn't really tattooing, but I'll let it slide as its related) are made by lifting the skin and making a cut with a knife, or/and a shape object, rubbed with special sands or ashes, it raises the skin (yeah, painful right) infant not so much. Once the skin is raised it can be felt like braille lettering not taking long to heal and are known as local traditions, depending on the part of Africa.

Modern Day

Tattoos in modern day society have evolved from their predecessors, they've transcended the ideals of religion, faith or job occupation, now being an expression of art, emotion, pure love or unadulterated hatred. Tattoos over the years have become so easily accessible, I mean let's think about it, a lot of people tend to get their tattoos in their teens which they later regret by 25. Indeed, there is a comedic side to this, it's not all roses, this culture, tattooing, has evolved into something rather dangerous becoming a catalyst of amazing artwork but even more amazing heartbreak.

When we think of discrimination in the workplace, what comes to mind? I'm sure something along the lines of not being able to obtain a promotion due to one's gender, race, sexual orientation etc... Right? Well, you're wrong. Most if not all of these are all regulated by a companies constitution, its rules and rights an employee is able to use in the court of law if feeling unjust. However, discrimination against someone who may have an 'Elephant' tattoo on their neck (I know, bare with me) or even a piercing a little too big is in fact very common. I'd go as far as believing its surprising when it doesn't happen. In 2017 there is no rules, laws or regulations which stop a workplace from declining your application, even if you have the qualifications and key qualities or refusing a promotion potentially into the public sector. Companies are given free will to decide whom they prioritise.

Now, is this right? Well yes...

I know, I know more paradox's but listen...or read on in this case. When we think of jobs such as a News Reporter or maybe a cashier, people whom have to interact with the public and wider communities, tattoos, unfortunately, may not give off a particular impression the company was looking for. They make these decision based solely on what they feel is best for their company.

Examples

In July, Jo Perkins, a consultant in Milton Keynes had her contract abruptly terminated because of a roughly 4cm tattoo of a butterfly contested with the 'no-visible-inking' police of the firm simply because she failed to cover it up.

It gets worse.

A 39-year-old-mother-of-three from Yorkshire with the mantra "Everything happens for a reasons" lightly tattooed on her forearm was dismissed as a waitress in 2013 following complaints from customers! `Now that's what you call number '2B Fine Dining,' apologies I couldn't resist and a very inappropriate time to make jokes, tough crowd...

A year prior, a Next employee complained he had been forced to resign due to his employers disliked his 80 tattoos, when I think about it 80 tattoos is quite a lot, but it's not the point.

The point is in all of the cases above, employers insisted they ere acting within their 'legal rights'

But what legal rights you ask?

Employer's Rights

The big bosses in suits have a right to establish a dress code for his/hers organisation. If one has piercings they can request that you remove this, related jewellery and other things not to their conduct. Disregard this request and you can expect your P45 and a first class ticket straight out that door immediately. Obviously, you cannot remove your tattoo but they do have the right to request you to cover the tattoo whilst working, once again if you chose to ignore their request, please see original response 2 lines above.

However not all is doom and gloom, I present - Discrimination Suits

As if it was ripped off of a Netflix originals series. Yes, you can, in fact, sue for discrimination if a company fired, don't make me believe you're completely hopeless. This would have to be following a failed or multiple failed attempts at a promotion or if a job process was going smoothly up until you mentioned yes I have a little bit of pen on my neck which will never be washed off. Likely, you will lose this case. What doesn't help is most if not all attorneys realise this, so it'll be a ball ache to find someone willing to even consider never mind take your case. But it gets worse, the gods are on your side and amateur and beginning attorney "Mr A. Nonsense" takes your case, if you lose, you could end up paying for the company's expense of litigation. So essentially, you'll be broke, jobless and if you play your cards right you may just be homeless too!

Positive Stories

It can be rather disheartening, almost off-putting to for some to get tattoos, But don't let societies lack vision and backwardness take your beautiful artwork away from you.

The Metropolitan Police bans tattoos on the face and hands but allows tattoos just below the collar line and full sleeves. Their attempt at trying to move away from these traditionalists ideals which are outdated but keeping their bare, core foundations.

Mcdonalds, showing their courage and love of diversity changing their policy to reflect its staff and customers. "Visible tattoos whether they are Henna-type ones or the real deal, are allowed if they are unobtrusive and inoffensive.” Beautiful if you ask me.

According to Stapaw, 40% of adults have tattoos and over 60% have piercings. Whilst 96% believing it has nothing to do with those negative rebellious connotations. This denotes that these traditionalists aren't doing a good job on this ever-evolving voyage of life. I feel these ideals are dying, soon to be finished.

To get a local angle on this perspective, I put together with a group a television documentary which explored the misrepresentation and discrimination in the workplace, great watch but space for improvement.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM0C1h_MkFlKZFC_wGmp86Q

The objective/mission statement was to essentially explore the discrimination of tattoos in society. The article's purpose was to further look up at this idea and share some light. Where the documentary succeeded it also left out important factors, the legalities and some finer details It showed us the best and worst in society. What we can conclude from this? There is a serious problem in society, its became natural for discrimination to take place, even though we've worked so hard as a society to stop these acts of oppression. To move forward we must look to better one another, not discriminating due to tattoos or piercings and making anyone with them feel apart of society as they rightfully should.

Doing this will surely lead to a better world where these traditionalists ideas are past, history almost, whilst we as a generation move on to take people for their merit, rather than variables which don't actually equate to anything. Who knows, all we can do is pray and see.

Peace & Love