Tattoos are much more common than they were 10 years ago, although I believe tattoos should be more normalized in every workplace. Many young adults desire tattoos to express themselves but worry what careers are still available with having several tattoos. Having that security that tattoos won’t be an issue as an employee is ideal. According to History of Tattoos, “36% of Americans between the ages 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo,’ which shows how young people are getting more tattoos compared to 10 years ago. Another study from History of Tattoos, supports this, stating, “In 2012, 21% of Americans had one or more tattoos. That is around 45 million people in the US alone.” This evidence shows how tattoos are more popular with young adults searching for a job as they make their way into adulthood.
About 10 years ago, there was a much bigger stigma around tattoos in the workplace. It was uncommon to see someone with tattoos working a higher end job, such as a doctor or scientist. In recent years, it has become more common to see a variety of employees with different tattoos. Although tattoos have become more common, there is still a stigma about tattoos in higher paying workplaces. I believe that tattoos should be accepted or normalized in any workplace. I understand the restriction on some tattoos, like hate speech or complete blackout face tattoos. When given advice about job interviews, I have heard on multiple occasions that all tattoos should be covered to appear professional and I believe there shouldn’t be stigma around that. Anyone should be able to express themselves through tattoos, no matter what career they choose.
Many older generations have this belief that tattoos are trashy and shouldn’t be displayed in any workplace. Opposing arguments often state that tattoos aren’t professional, especially face tattoos. According to Metro UK, “Speaking about the best-dressed stars at the awards ceremony on The Wendy Williams Show, she complimented the gown – before admitting she was ‘judging’ the rose tattoos and branding them ‘filthy. Like Scarlett, I too have experienced unwarranted comments about my body art that began soon after I got my first tattoo, of a daisy on my wrist in 2016,” explains how young adults often receive comments about their tattoos in the media, and in real life. I disagree with the statement that tattoos aren’t professional, because I believe tattoos shouldn’t determine their career choice, and tattoos are an amazing outlet for many young adults to express themselves.
