Someone please remind me what year we're in, because it feels like 1950. When I got my first tattoo at the age of 17, I never imagined that 8 years later, in the year 2012, I would be refused RETAIL jobs for having visible ink.
This beautiful democratic country we live in where anybody can get married, gay or otherwise, where we are so multicultural - welcoming every race, religion, and creed with open arms, and where fashion and aesthetics are so highly unique that our forefathers must be rolling over in their graves, why am I being cast out for some artwork on my skin? I'm not some neo-Nazi skin head or sporting anything indecent or illegal... none of my ink is offensive, it's new skool styling is rather cutesy actually, so what's the problem?
Steadfast Brand has started a campaign for tattoo acceptance in the workplace. Their shirts displaying the phrase "Tattooed and Employed" are creating an awareness that I don't think we've had before. I only hope that it gets us somewhere, and that someday I can wear the shirt proudly. Right now it's not looking so good... guess I'm going to be a stay at home mum a little longer.
Did you know the USA is trying to ban visible tattoos in the military? These men and women are laying their lives on the line every day for their country and you're offended by some pigmented skin celebrating the life of a fallen comrade or the birth of their child? Its disgusting.
I always assumed once I got my knuckle tattoos and my neck piece that my job options would narrow down a little, but never did I imagine I would be turned away from a minimum wage retail job that every Tom, Dick, and Harry gets hired for. Something has to be done. We need to change the collective mindset that everyone with tattoos is a biker, or a drug addict, or a criminal. In 2006 it was estimated that 1 in 4 Americans are tattooed (I couldn't find a Canadian statistic)... that means your mom is probably hiding something from you, or maybe your 16 year old nephew. Either way, that 25% of people (36% ages 18-29) needs to come forward and bring this country's views and opinions up to speed with our modern culture. I can't do it alone, and neither can Steadfast, we need your help. Join the cause at Steadfast's Facebook page Tattoo Acceptance in the Workplace. Until next time remember, tattoos can be classy too.
Labels: Steadfast Brand Clothing, tattoos, tattoos in the workplace, US military, visible tattoos
