Body Modification in the Workplace
Brian Falther
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: Opinion
We -the populous of Generation Y - are now entering the workplace to contribute our diverse and new age ideas to the community. We have to wonder if, however, it really is our diversity the corporate employer truly desires. This brings us to a "fork-in-the-road" situation. We must decide: should we appease the executives in command of the economy today? Or should we be the driving force behind society to accept the ideal of individuality, and convince the rest to look beyond the mere appearance of employees?
Piercings and tattoos are the most common and most noticeable form of body art. The common preconceptions currently associated with these have historically been negative in a corporate environment. "Why should I be concerned?" you might ask. Those of you that have tattoos and piercings must realize that there is a certain stigma in the workplace today. Those of you without; understand this: your work environment will have individuals with some form of body modification - it's not to make you feel uncomfortable and is nothing more than a physical representation of one's inner self. As the new generation entering the workforce, I believe we can open our minds and allow people to be themselves; without sacrifice of their occupational duties and responsibilities.
Mike Haar, Junior I, is an avid enthusiast of body modification and has several visible ear piercings, the largest being about the diameter of a pen. He recalls having a "few bad first impressions" when entering the workplace and it "shouldn't be a 'first-impression-killer'".
He was even commented on his piercings by the chief executive of his company, "I was introduced to our CEO who pointed out my earrings… it was actually pretty cool because it ultimately led to an increased interest in me BECAUSE I stood out from the crowd. I'm sure I changed his previous views and have shown that I can be myself and carry out my job in a professional manner."
Jeff Arnold, Junior 2, has a different perspective on the subject, "I feel it's O.K. at a lower level in the company, however once it reaches the executive level, it takes away from the professional appearance. You need a professional appearance when you are higher in a company in order to successfully carry out the job in a professional manner." This too, can be an important notion as to what the job entails. It depends upon the company. Obviously the CEO of GM will differ in job description in comparison to that of the CEO West Coast Choppers.
As students of Kettering University, we all know how the corporate world impacts our everyday lives. We attend a school in which we have had more experience in the corporate environment than anyone of our age. In the next few years to come, the fate of these companies will rest on our shoulders. I urge you to think about this topic when the corporate "reigns" are handed over. Think not of the previous times in our history where body modification was used for intimidation, not harmless expression. Let our generation be the ones who choose the most talented individual for the job; piercings, tattoos, or otherwise. As Arnold stated, "I do believe [companies] miss out on talent, but it's a risk the person takes by having that appearance and it's a risk the company is taking by having the strict standards of their dress code."
Piercings and tattoos are the most common and most noticeable form of body art. The common preconceptions currently associated with these have historically been negative in a corporate environment. "Why should I be concerned?" you might ask. Those of you that have tattoos and piercings must realize that there is a certain stigma in the workplace today. Those of you without; understand this: your work environment will have individuals with some form of body modification - it's not to make you feel uncomfortable and is nothing more than a physical representation of one's inner self. As the new generation entering the workforce, I believe we can open our minds and allow people to be themselves; without sacrifice of their occupational duties and responsibilities.
Mike Haar, Junior I, is an avid enthusiast of body modification and has several visible ear piercings, the largest being about the diameter of a pen. He recalls having a "few bad first impressions" when entering the workplace and it "shouldn't be a 'first-impression-killer'".
He was even commented on his piercings by the chief executive of his company, "I was introduced to our CEO who pointed out my earrings… it was actually pretty cool because it ultimately led to an increased interest in me BECAUSE I stood out from the crowd. I'm sure I changed his previous views and have shown that I can be myself and carry out my job in a professional manner."
Jeff Arnold, Junior 2, has a different perspective on the subject, "I feel it's O.K. at a lower level in the company, however once it reaches the executive level, it takes away from the professional appearance. You need a professional appearance when you are higher in a company in order to successfully carry out the job in a professional manner." This too, can be an important notion as to what the job entails. It depends upon the company. Obviously the CEO of GM will differ in job description in comparison to that of the CEO West Coast Choppers.
As students of Kettering University, we all know how the corporate world impacts our everyday lives. We attend a school in which we have had more experience in the corporate environment than anyone of our age. In the next few years to come, the fate of these companies will rest on our shoulders. I urge you to think about this topic when the corporate "reigns" are handed over. Think not of the previous times in our history where body modification was used for intimidation, not harmless expression. Let our generation be the ones who choose the most talented individual for the job; piercings, tattoos, or otherwise. As Arnold stated, "I do believe [companies] miss out on talent, but it's a risk the person takes by having that appearance and it's a risk the company is taking by having the strict standards of their dress code."
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