#8 - Summary of Research

When I started this blog, I knew some of what was to be expected with my topic. People will point, stare, laugh, judge, and stereotype - but it is important to be ahead of them. For those who are discriminated because of an "offbeat" hairstyle, noticeable tattoo, or crazy piercings that are everywhere but your ears, they are not in the wrong. It is time that society moves past the stigma that tattoos are for criminals and piercings are for punks; if the thoughts and ideas of others are stuck in the past, progress in any way, shape or form cannot be made! Progress includes but is not limited to being humane. Treating others who appear to look different in a negative way does not say something about them, it says something about YOU. All in all, it is important that the prejudice, derogatory and primitive thoughts of the past be left there; what others choose to do to express themselves is their business, not yours. Stop discrimination today.

#7 Tattoo Discrimination Documentary Video

In this student-made video, various students are interviewed about their opinions on different forms of body art, particularly tattoos, and the discrimination against them in the workplace. On the other side of the spectrum, however, the narrator discusses the positive aspects of being tattooed - it just might make you famous. At the end of the day, people will do as they please, that goes for both the discriminators and the discriminated.

#6 Discriminate At Your Own Risk

In an article by Joseph Farah in 2006, he acknowledges the fact that employers "with appearance codes face lawsuits from 'body modification' activists." 

Of course, 2006 was eight years ago -- when body modification was most likely just becoming a "craze" among teens; a craze popular enough to send employers running for the hills when faced with applicants who were not afraid to ask questions when told to remove any piercings or visible tattoos. I assume this is truly when people's minds began to change, and rules began being challenged, and David Barron said “employers are getting involved in expensive legal battles as they attempt to adapt to the ever-changing workforce,” but is the fact that the workforce is changing really that scary of an idea? 

Farah also writes that laws prohibiting discrimination based on appearance and behavior of this sort already have been passed in several cities in California, and restrictions against tattoos and piercings are breaking down all over the country as the trend becomes a craze among young people. 

Another highlight from the article is how baffled the public is by tattoo tolerance books hitting the shelves soon after anti-homophobia books are published - tolerance is tolerance. Farah writes "There are even children’s books like “Mommy Has a Tattoo” and the “Tattoo Coloring Book.” The topic of tattoos and body piercing is one of the hottest for campus speakers. Major corporations are working the 'hip' new trend into their TV commercials and ad campaigns. And as tattoos and piercings become more common, some zealots are moving to extremes once unthinkable.

Just as 'Heather Has Two Mommies' is now required reading for kindergartners in some school districts, how long will it be before the tolerance police mandate Phil Padwe’s new books. He’s the author and illustrator of the two new children’s books on tattoos.

In 'Mommy Has a Tattoo,' a little boy, James, is afraid of a heavily tattooed neighbor – until he realizes his mother has one, too.

'I wanted to keep it simple,' says Padwe, who is not even sure how many tattoos he has but figures it’s somewhere between 25 and 30. 'I didn’t want to get into really heavy questions or pass judgments. It’s about teaching tattoo tolerance.'"

He also discusses the dangers of body modification like tattoos and piercings, especially when done yourself. What is really important, and the argument all anti-modification "folk" are trying to make is this - know the risks. Know that unfortunately, it may hinder your chances of finding employment and that until more people change their minds, it will stay that way. Know that there are health risks to it, too; possible infections could find their way into your body and put you in serious danger. 

But also know that your appearance does not change who you are.