<Institution>
OUTLINE
Introduction
Attention Getter - Origin of the word “Tattoo”
Background Information – Purposes of tattoos
Thesis
Body Paragraph I – Tattoos shows equality
Racial discrimination
Gender discrimination
Perceiving tattoos in the workplace as inappropriate is another form of discrimination
Body Paragraph II – Tattoos build trust in the workplace
Body Paragraph II – Tattoos in the workplace means that employee performance is being measured, not appearance
Conclusion
Summary of points about tattoos
Restatement of thesis: Tattoos are appropriate in the workplace
“Tatua.” This is a tahitian that means “to mark,” the term where the word tattoo originated. As early as 4000 b.c., using tattoo has been popular to decorate skin for beautification and for religious purposes (“Tattoo,” 2002). For many centuries, people from different genders, beliefs, and culture have been sporting tattoos for different reasons. However, whether these markings are appropriate in the workplace continues to be a debated topic. Although there are many people who believe that having a tattoo looks unprofessional in the workplace, I believe that it is appropriate and should be allowed because doing so shows equality, improves employee-employers’ trust, and it shows that the company measures the value that employees provide not by their appearance but by their performance and skills.
First of all, allowing employees to have tattoos shows equality. Other issues involving discrimination have received great attention in the past until today. For instance, “the law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment” (“Race/Color,” n.d.). This law was created to protect people of certain race or color. Likewise, discrimination based on gender identity is also forbidden. If tattoos will not be allowed in the workplace for any reason, it will be another form of discrimination that our society despises. For example, if a person has a tattoo that is related to his/her religion or belief, not allowing tattoos in general will give the impression that one’s belief is being discriminated. Therefore, tattoos in the workplace will show and promote a sense of equality.
Second, tattoos in the workplace improve the trust between the employers and the employees. According to Dr. Mantell (2009), psychologist, people with tattoos “have a strong sense of identity they have no intention of hiding.” Now, if tattoos will be deemed as inappropriate, employees may have a feeling that their identity is not being accepted. One of the key ingredients of trust is acceptance. There are also times when a tattoo is used as a “badge of honor” (Mantell, 2009). Not accepting or acknowledging this honor creates a barrier between employees and employers, and this hinders the development of trust.
Lastly, tattoos in the workplace allow the employees to know that they are being measured by their performance and not by their appearance. Some people, no matter how neat and professional they look, still carry poor work ethics and perform below their potential. Clearly, performance is not based on outside appearance. This does not mean that sporting a professional look is not important. It only means that having tattoos must not be deemed as unprofessional and inappropriate as long as the markings are not offensive to others or does not contradict to what the company stands for.
Overall, tattoos in the workplace must not be seen as inappropriate. It must be allowed as long as it will not go against the company’s brand and core values. Not accepting tattoos in the workplace is a form of discrimination. In addition, it can hinder the formation of trust between employees and employers, and it may give the wrong impression that each individual is being evaluated based on appearance. Therefore, tattoos in the workplace are appropriate and instead of bringing harm, acceptance of it may even benefit businesses.
References
Mantell, M. (2009). The psychology of tattoos. San Diego Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/August-2009/The-Psychology-of-Tattoos/
Race/Color Discrimination (n.d.). U.S. equal employment opportunity commission. Retrieved from http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/race_color.cfm
Tattoo (2002) How Products Are Made. Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2897100095.html
