Tattoos and Piercings in School

Sam-

I feel like Mark Johnson's situation is being taken to an extreme. I agree with you when you say "...Mark Johnson should have the right to wear his tattoos freely. They are not gang or drug related. They are not a bad influence on those around him. They appear to carry with them values of family and commitment." It seems that tattoos and piercings carry a bad image to individuals; individuals who have no affiliation with gangs or drugs. It's a bad stereotype, and hopefully it can be diminished. Thanks for the post!

Nyakuiy

Sam,

I agree that this case is kind of extreme. There is no reason why Johnson should have to cover up his tattoos, they really are not a negative influence. The same thing is present at Judge, how you are supposed to have piercings or tattoos showing. Numerous girls choose to get their nose pierced, but for some strange reason Judge feels that those should not be allowed. Earlier in the year, we weren't even supposed to have multiple ear piercings, which is just stupid (I really don't think they care about this though). I feel like tattoos and piercings are an expression of self and should be included in a freedom of speech. Especially with everyone having to look so similar at Judge, they shouldn't be so strict on the various accessories students chose to wear.

Nice post,

Alyssa

Mr. Watson,

I thought this was an interesting post, it seems like not many people often think about the principle behind why some businesses and organizations make their employees cover up tattoos, piercings, etc. 

I think you make a good point when you stated, "In a country where we have so many rights and privileges as citizens, why does a school have the right to make its employees cover up non-threatening tattoos and piercings?" Generally speaking, I am all on the side of free expression and appearance; however, I need to respectfully disagree with part of your argument for one reason. Yes, it seems there is no reason for that teacher to cover up his "non-threatening tattoos," however, the problem is that not all people may realize that a skull on the mans arm is a reference to his son. Tattoos can come off with different meaning to different people. And out in the rest of the world, that teacher is the only one who is responsible for the message his tattoo is sending; at school it is different though. As an employee of Ogden High School, he not only represents himself, but also the entire faculty and school itself. This is why I don't blame the school for taking the action it did.

There are many instances when this happens. In the NBA, many players are made to cover up explicit tattoos on their arms during basketball games using sleeves or pads, etc.  The reason for this is that they represent not only themselves, but the entire NBA, and so as long as the NBA is the one writing their paycheck, the players have to comply with its rules--just like the situation at Ogden high. Personally, I wouldn't necessarily agree with it in all cases, but I do see the logic in it and understand the motivation for making such restrictions.

Basil

Sam,

This article you incorporated into your post was great evidence for the point you brought up. I agree with you in saying that people should have their own freedom of appearance, but sometimes in a workplace I feel that this right should be put on hold. Professionals need to look like professionals, not like they are trying to show who they really are. If students and teachers were allowed to express their will for their own appearance, more and more people would push the envelope and bring up new controversies. I feel like people should be allowed earrings, but nose piercings and tattoos can be questionable in a workplace.

Thanks for your post; it really got be thinking.

I think that  mark johnsons situation should have not been settled the way it was i dont thin tattoos or piercings should be covered up at t place the work place.  All people should have the right to express them selves freely and how they mark there body or what they have on there body should not matter or phase the way they are treated any were. i think people shouldent be juged by the way  

this is wrong.. They shouldn't make a big deal out of something that shoul'dnt be argued about. Tattoos and piercings aren't a threat to anybody. Everyone should have the right to have their own appearance.  That's their way to express themselves and most tattoos have a meaning of commitment or something special. This rule to cover up makes no sense and shouldn't be made.

Dear samwatson :

I am intrigued by your post "Tattoos and Piercings in School," because I couldn't believe it when I read that the Ogden City School District made its dress code to ban visible tattoos and facial piercings during work hours.

One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: "Johnson, who has taught English at Ogden High for 15 years, initially declined to hide his tattoos. But after his principal discussed the steps of appeal -- a process that could end in termination -- Johnson began covering up." I think this is shocking because a man, who has been teaching at the same school for 15 years, is all of a sudden being forced to cover up something that is a part of him or he could get fired. That doesn't seem right at all.

Another sentence that I liked was: "In a country where we have so many rights and privileges as citizens, why does a school have the right to make its employees cover up non-threatening tattoos and piercings?" This stood out for me because in today’s society where piercing and tattoos are very popular, it’s weird to hear that employees are not allowed to show theirs during school. How could it harm others?
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because you presented real news that you felt was unfair in society. I agree with you 100%.