Tattoos Popular, But Employers Not ‘Tat-Friendly’

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By Martina M. Treviño

NTNewsNet.com

Tattoos have seen an increase in popularity and acceptance in the past decade, but employers still want them hidden - no matter how creative they are.

Thirty-six percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 are tattooed, according to a 2006 survey by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. During a recent look at the magazine rack at the Barnes and Noble Booksellers Prestonwood Center in Addison, TX, there were more than a dozen tattoo publications. Also, television shows such as LA Ink and Miami Ink have made body art part of pop culture today.

The reasons for getting a tattoo are diverse; they include artistic or spiritual expression, a tribute or memorial for a loved one or celebrity or simply to make fashion statement.

However, the increase in the number of people with tattoos has not changed the fact that many employers still have dress codes that prohibit visible tattoos. Most white- collar employers require that tattoos be hidden.

This policy is also implemented by may service industry employers. Arizona-based Discount Tire requires that employees, including tire technicians, cover their tattoos while on the clock.

Many restaurants also have a ‘no visible’ tattoo policy. Bianca Vaca, who works at Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen in Addison, has had to  have affected her in the accompanying video clip.  Lauren Rebosio has had to alter her future career plans because of the placement of her tattoo.