Tattoos and the guise of professionalism: Pacer Times responds

Tattoos have been the subject of scrutiny from older generations to younger ones alike. The guise of professionalism is often challenged by individuals with tattoos and those with an affinity for ink argue that tattoos are becoming more accepted by the American culture and workforce. Pacer Times staff share their experiences with tattoos personally and with others.

Brianna Richbourg, Music major

I got my first tattoo in 2019 when I was a freshman in college. I had begged my parents for years in high school to let me get one but thankfully they made me wait until I was mature enough to know exactly what I wanted and who would be the correct artist for me.

Since then, I have gotten an entire sleeve on my leg and a couple pieces along my arms. I am so proud of my tattoos and how I can show my story through the art on my body. However, not everyone sees my tattoos that way. 

I started my tattoo journey on my leg because I knew people/employers might view them differently. I would have never known how different people would look at me when they could see my tattoos. Usually, I wear long pants or jeans. It’s only in the summertime when you can catch me in shorts or a bathing suit that shows more skin. Other than my tattoos, I don't have any other body modifications, so people usually assume that I don’t have anything on me. 

When I do wear those shorts, bathing suits, or even show pictures of my tattoos, it’s like I have shape-shifted into this completely different person in their eyes.

The worst part about having tattoos is when people believe I am less of a person because of them. How are you going to get a job like that? Why do you have that stuff tattooed on you? You know you can never take those off, right? 

My tattoos are symbols of things I like, who I am, and in simple terms: for me. My tattoos on my body aren’t for anyone else and don’t represent my work ethic, charisma, or ability to do or accomplish anything. If anything, if I am able to sit for hours at a time with a needle carving art into my arm, doesn't that show I am relentless? Brave? Determined? The further we go, people are more accepting of tattoos. Living in the south, the times always seem to be slower than we would hope.

Paige Hicks, Communications major

When I was eighteen, I got a tattoo of a butterfly on my wrist with my sister. When I worked in food service, I never had to worry about my tattoo because it seemed like everyone had one. The only time I've been forced to wear bandages around my wrist to cover my tattoo was when I worked for the Augusta National Women's Amateur Golf Competition last year. I was nervous about my tattoo going to work at Aiken Standard, but no one seemed to care. I did research after having gotten my tattoo if having one was a problem many people have experienced as journalists or editors, and as someone who doesn't wish to be on television at any point in my career, the answer is no. Companies enforcing a tattooless workspace are outdated.

Erica Bennett, Music major/Business minor

Since I was younger, I have been told that tattoos and piercings take away from an individual's professional appearance and I can’t tell you how many times I have heard, “If you’re going to get a tattoo, make sure it can easily be hidden, that way you can still easily get a job.” The same ideology was attached to piercings as well.  

For the last 7 years, I have acquired a total of nine (ten if you count the industrial bar as two) piercings and one tattoo. My piercings are all in my ears, and my tattoo takes up the majority of my left inner forearm. 

As a long time performer, business woman and representative, I try my best to stay as professional as possible. For me, that means my hair is down and covering my piercings and long sleeves to cover my tattoo. I love my modifications, but they aren’t for other people, they are for me.  

When I decide to wear my hair up and short sleeves, I get very shocking reactions. The thing I hear the most is, “Oh my gosh! I never would have guessed that you’re like that!”

Personally, I don’t think that my tattoo or piercings take away from my work ethic, determination, professionalism, or ability to do my jobs. I also believe that people shouldn’t be judged based on how they look.  

Noelle Kriegel, English major

Tattoos were never a taboo subject in my household. My mom has been working on a sleeve for years and has her back, shoulders and arms intricately designed to showcase treasured animals, art and quotes. My dad, while not nearly as inked as my mom, openly discussed ideas for what to put on his body. Both of my parents went through medical school and entered the field with tattoos and maintained their positions.

So, tattoos have always been an option, or at least up for discussion. Even with exposure to tattoos and body modifications, I am still cautioned by older adults (including my parents, funnily enough) about the amount of tattoos I have and what is appropriate to put on my body. I've never understood the discourse negatively surrounding tattoos, because why should my artistic and aesthetic preferences impact another person?

Professionally, I haven't had to deal with backlash for my tattoos other than a chuckle or questioning look at the Hello Kitty I have resting in the crook of my elbow or the shoddy lettering of the word "dead" on the side of my right knee but I've heard enough.

I maintain my stance from even before I started getting tattoos: any workplace that has a negative image of me, my work ethic or morality due to my tattoos will not be a place I am willingly and happily employed at.

Again, I'm lucky that I work in a field where tattoos are acceptable and that I am comfortable enough in my skin to defend my art. Why wouldn't I want to be adorned in things I love or have memories associated with?