Tattoos are a form of expression. They are a form of art, like a painting, only the canvas is someone's skin. Piercings are a different form of expression. They can be almost anywhere on the body and they can look just as beautiful as tattoos. Both of these should be considered art and be just as respected as a painting on a wall. They should be. Yet they are not. Instead, they are considered as a sign of rebellion and poor choices. People are denied employment because they have a small piece of jewelry in their nose or a small tattoo on their arm. No matter how qualified a person is there are always those who consider tattoos and piercings to be a sign of a delinquency. Parents are harshly judged when they walk into a parent-teacher conference for their child because it is inconceivable that someone with tattoos could care for their child's education and well-being.
I have a high school diploma. I am on my way to getting a college degree so that I can work with children and give them the tools to create a beautiful future for themselves. I am an educated individual who is able to make conscious and well-informed decisions about my life. I have been a trusted nanny for many families. I have three tattoos and I have my nose pierced and a frontal helix on my ear. Does that change any of the other things that I have accomplished? I have done or am doing all of those things with piercings and tattoos on my body. They do not make me any less qualified or incapable. They tell little stories about me and what is important to me. If anything, they show how dedicated I am. Tattoos aren't something that can be erased very easily and I have gone through the process three times.
Although it is not as common for jobs to be denied anymore because of tattoos, there is still a prejudice that occurs when someone sees them. An immediate and unfair judgment. As someone with tattoos and piercings, I find this offensive and hurtful. I am at least just as capable as someone without either of these on their body. We always talk about how we as a society need to be more accepting of everyone and not cast judgment. So why do we not practice what we preach? Tattoos and piercings are so common in this day and age and they are not going away anytime soon. I am not saying that you need to get one in order to be right, but at least, respect those who do have them and love them.
