I am very passionate about tattoos. I want so many, but they just so happen to cost a lot of money (that I don’t have.) My short and sweet opinion regarding employment and tattoos is as follows:
My personal experience with tattoos has been great as far as no complications, great healing processes and an overall happiness with the artists and end results. Most people love my tattoos, but there are those who don’t.
A family is supposed to support you no matter what, right? Well, get a tattoo and you’ve sinned, in their eyes.
“Oh, Morgan, you’ll never get a job as a dancer.”
“Stop ruining your beautiful skin.”
“How are you going to cover that up on stage?”
“You’re going to get a disease.”
The list goes on and on. It’s just becoming really old to hear these things again and again. I’ve gotten to the point where I just kind of nod and say “okay.”
I’m here to say this: a tattoo is my choice to put art on my body, and it does NOT define how well I will perform a job and/or task. A little ink won’t prevent me from wiggling my body in those weird shapes I like to do in dance class. A little ink won’t prevent me from writing a novel. A little ink is just that: ink!
Now, I do understand that there is concern about how employers will perceive me. I would HOPE that we have progressed enough in this society to where tattoos would not be considered as a deal breaker regarding a job. Am I right, or am I right? Although, face tattoos, in my opinion, could be a little extreme…
Unfortunately, the stigma around tattoos and careers is just going to be hard to change. At the moment it seems that too many people are stuck in their ways. Too many out there still see those with ink as unprofessional, and sometimes their opinions are much worse than that. Some may agree with my opinion, some may not. That's okay! My goal is to give those against ink in the workplace a little food for thought.
Is there a way to make people see that ink does not define your ability?
No, probably not.
Am I going to keep fighting for the issue?
Absolutely.
