Teenagers are always finding new ways to express themselves and today exotic hair coloring, tattoos, and body modifications, such as ear gauging, are among the most popular methods. While some school districts have policies in place that prohibit crazy hair colors and visible tattoos, at Alliance High School there are no such rules in the handbook, however, students should still be cautious, especially with permeate choices such as tattoos and ear gauging, because of the affects they could have on their career choices later in life.
Many companies have rules governing how their employees must appear and represent the company to customers. “Teens must have a consideration of how having exotic colored hair and tattoos will someday affect them in a work area. Many employers have a problem with tattoos,” said Principal Mr. Richard Zarkowski. He went on to say he has, “…read articles and read stories where people were rejected because they had visible tattoos.” Many employers have an image they want their organization or business to promote to the public and someone with exotic hair, body modifications, or tattoos might not have the right image employers would like. Zarkowski reminded students they must, “…look at the big picture and see how it might affect them getting a good job or having a good income.”
Exotic hair, tattoos and piercings can look appropriate and tasteful or they can be very distracting, especially when are distasteful or sloppy; they can create a lifelong regret.
In a retail business, where the employees are interacting with the customers, it is important to hire employees who present themselves in the image of the business they are working for and appear approachable when they are working. Even in cases where extreme designs for hair and extreme body piercings and tattoo art are acceptable in the workplace the amount and degree of modification acceptable is always the discretion of the employer.
Pasha Gonzalez, owner of Posh Consignment Shoppe said, ”I would not be interested in hiring someone who projected an extreme image of body art and an unapproachable personality as well. I would be happy to accept some amounts of tasteful body art as long as the employee retained a high standard of work ethic and customer service skills. The bottom line for any employer is that a great worker is a valuable thing and typically an extra piercing or non-offensive tattoo will not inhibit them from gaining and retaining employment.”
As far as appearance at school goes, Vice Prinicpal Mrs. Mikey Carlson said,
“I think exotic hair color adds life to the school setting. I am not for it or against it; it is just a good, fun thing to do. I think everyone has his or her own personal opinions about tattoos, but everyone should be careful where he or she puts those tattoos. There are many ways people choose to express themselves and tattoos and hair color are just two of the most common ways.”
Common or not, expulsions and suspensions for unacceptable appearance do happen in some school districts. According to CNN.COM , a middle school student from Missouri was suspended for dyeing her hair pink. In an interview she admitted to dyeing her hair pink to honor her late father, who died of cancer, but she also stated that she was motivated to be different. However, at AHS, senior Ashlee Wright, who sports a different hair color almost every week says, “People love my hair. The staff at Alliance Animal Clinic fondly call me “Pink.” It is always an attention getter. The only “discrimination” I’ve ever had was when a little kid said she liked my hair and wanted to know where I got the color and the mother looked at me as if to say, “Don’t you dare.”” Also, Wright added, “Some ranchers at work think it’s a little crazy, but they all say it fondly; no one is ever outright rude.” As for her tattoos Wright says, “My tattoos are a part of me. They just kind of warn people of my outgoing personality. My coworkers accept and even admire them. Since I got my tattoos and dyed my hair I actually believe more people talk to me, because the tattoos and hair color give us something to talk about. If anything, coloring my hair and getting my tattoos, has improved my social life.”
Each individual has his or her own personal opinions about exotic hair color and tattoos. Principal Zarkowski said, “I don’t have a problem with anybody having exotic hair or tattoos. If someone wants to express himself by having colored hair or tattoos, it is his prerogative; it is all up to the individual and what he wants to do with himself.”
