Tattoos are unprofessional.

Have you ever seen a doctor or a lawyer with a tattoo? I haven’t. Have you ever seen a doctor or a lawyer when they’re not being a doctor or a lawyer? When they’re being normal human beings and living their lives. When they aren’t under the stress of their jobs and they’re just spending a Sunday evening in their backyard with friends and family. When they’re wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts instead of a suit or a white jacket. Have you ever seen a normal human being, who has an important occupation, with a tattoo? I have.

Tattoos are frowned upon in many occupations, especially the medical field. Having one could potentially keep you from getting hired. Many contracts have to be signed prior to the first day of work, saying that any tattoos will be completely hidden at the office. Failure to do so could lead to serious consequences. The reasoning behind this is simply that “tattoos are unprofessional” according to society.

Why is that? What makes the ink on your skin unprofessional? In my understanding, being unprofessional means being lazy, incompetent, and dishonest. It means refusing to finish the work you are expected to complete. It means making excuse after excuse. It means making stupid mistakes because you don’t put in the effort and time it takes do to things the right way. Being unprofessional means that you are unsuccessful because of the lack of motivation and respect that you have.

What I don’t understand is why having a symbol of something that means enough to you to put on your body for the rest of your life, makes you unprofessional. How something like that can reflect on your work ethic and abilities. If anything, I think tattoos could have the opposite effect. For example, tattoos are a sign of commitment. Tattoos aren’t necessarily something that you can take back. Getting one requires weighing out the possibilities that could follow. Being willing to have something permanently on your body can say a lot more than the grade you got in Intro to Art. Just like marriage, it’s a serious commitment. And commitment doesn’t fall in the same category as unprofessional.

Most people want tattoos for a reason and not out of whim. Every tattoo tells a story. Some reveal a person’s lifestyle and mindset at the time. Others are quotes and sayings that hit somewhere deep in the person’s heart. Some represent loved ones, both deceased and alive. Tattoos can symbolize strength, hope, love, and all things good. They can bring back feelings that warm the heart. They can be humbling. They can be inspiring.

So why should something that has so many good aspects have to be hidden? I may never find my answer. I understand this. But tattoos represent a huge part of a person’s life. They’re a way of separating one from the rest of society and making them feel unique and important. Tattoos are way of expressing oneself. Who's right is it to take that away?