Why do people think that tattoo's and piercings are unprofessional?

Answer 1

b/c it came to be that only unprofessional people get them.

which is probably b/c professional people have other ways of proving themselves cool

Answer 2

Wow there's a lot of biased ignorance in some of these answers. There's also some good points.

Conforming to a company standard is usually necessary in order to "make it" in the "real world" due to most people still clinging to the stereotypes and untruths that have manifested since tattoos beginnings in the mainstream world. I have several tattoos than I can easily cover or uncover depending on what I'm wearing and whether or not I'm at work or at home.

Tattoos were originally brought to the mainstream by sailors who visited polynesian and other islands, countries etc and deemed inappropriate by their superiors because it was not the "norm" and it was done by peoples they considered below them or primitive. Later it was adopted by convicts as codes to who they were and what they were imprisioned for as well as and by others for numerous other reasons. It has become a well known form of non-conformance to society's "normal standards". It's a form of self expression. Today it has evolved into a well practiced art form and someday, hopefully, will be more widely accepted.

Answer 3

I'm seeing a lot of ignorant comments in this thread. Just because someone gets a tattoo doesn't mean they're a dumb young person who didn't put any thought into it. Not all people decide to get tattoos spur-of-the-moment after a night of hard drinking and partying.

A lot of people get small tattoos that are in discreet places that are often covered by clothing: e.g. ankle, lower back, chest, etc. I don't see what's wrong with that. I want to get a small one like that when I get older, too.

It would be discriminatory to deny you a job if you had a small little tattoo like that, but I can understand an employee who wouldn't want to hire you if you had giant tattoos all up and down your arms, neck, face, etc.

Answer 4

Because they ARE. I don't give a rats-a** how much you think your friends think you are cool, a tattoo is just silly. I am amazed at the kids today that will not give a second thought about having a huge flaming skull inked onto their neck and get pi$$ed because 'old' people don't give them any respect. Some day you will be dumfounded when you didn't get that dream job you wanted all because of a stupid tattoo, i.e; counselman, social worker, Naval officer, secret service, CIA, daycare, school teacher,etc, etc.

Answer 5

tattoos were at one time only gotten by bikers and prison inmates. Nowadays though even professionals are getting them, just not in as obvious place as the rest of us. As far as piercings I see nothing wrong with pierced ears, I don't think it is professional or unprofessional.

Answer 6

Because if you don't care what image you project to others, whether the image is the "real you" or not, then the people who decide whether to hire you or not probably won't like the attitude you project either. By refusing to conform to an office or business professional environment you show that you are uncooperative and inflexible - things that don't go over well in a professional workplace.

Answer 7

Depends who you're working for. I work in a store that encourages piercings which is good. Also, I work in a hardware store part time, and they don't mind piercings as long as they're tasteful. ie- Just a stud inthe nose, not a ring...

And I got my tattoos in places that are easily covered up for more professional places.

Answer 8

Because they put a lot of money, time and interest in their business. They have to represent all kinds of clients. Everybody is ok with seeing people who have a "clean" appearance, "normal" make up, subdued jewelry, and generally look like they came out of a Good Housekeeping magazine. My cousin has piercings, tatoos, artsy hairstyles, and red contacts. I love him more than anything. He scares my one year old daughter.

Answer 9

I don't know. I feel that way to piercings. But tattoos are a work of beauty on your skin^^

Answer 10

When you enter a profession, you are no longer an individual, you represent that company and profession. Profession is generally associated with commerce and commerce is to money. Would you trust a pierced guy with tatoos all over his body with your money? That is why professionals need to acquire a neutral, conventional look that everyone can accept and trust. Its easier to obtain business that way.