Discrimination of Personal Appearance: What Goes Unrealized in the Work Place

Everyday, people are being denied jobs, the very opportunity to make a living for themselves or provide for their families. The reason? Biased opinions made from someone’s personal appearance. In this country we have so many rights and freedoms that we are content. We do not notice many abstract things that go on around us. People are blatantly disrespected because they are over weight or because of what they look like.

People who have tattoos or piercings are often victimized as well. They are perceived as unclean or intimidating, unprofessional, and unable to perform or even act accordingly. It is my unfortunate experience to see so many people with potential, degraded to minimal positions because someone assumed that by their appearance they are imbeciles or incapable of succeeding in the work force.

These people are often over looked in the employment process. Passed along for the next guy. I have seen people with more credibility by their experience or education denied the job because of their appearance. Granted, in almost all these cases the person was not told that they did not get the job because of what they looked like, but by the employers’ own actions did the intention become known.

First impressions or undeniably vital in achieving careers. However, if someone walks into a job interview, clad in formal wear, composed wonderfully, polite and serious about getting the job, should the fact that they have a tattoo on their chest, or that they are overweight, or they are otherwise different affect the decision of the employer to or to not hire them? If the person is willing to work, and work hard, and have the experience or education, should they not have just as good a chance to get the job as the next guy that walks through the door?

I find it appalling that people really do feel that people with the above stated differences are considered dirty, unhygienic, unprofessional, and/or are perceived as incompetent of proper workmanship. In some cases appearance is a choice, but in others it is something that can not be changed. So then, why are people penalized for it?

Growing up, I heard that difference is and should be celebrated. However, as i grew into the adult world, I began to see, quite confused I assure you, that the opposite is true. It seems that the more you can conform, the more you will succeed. The more “normal” you look and act the more respect you will achieve for yourself. In my youth I thought difference was a wonderful thing, and now I see it as more a curse.

Yes, businesses have a right to choose an image for themselves. But that image should be based on over all professionalism. This concept would not victimize people based on their appearance or because they are different. But, in fact, the concept bases itself on the ability to perform and conduct themselves with professionalism, regardless of what they look like. To come to work and work hard and to contribute to the growth of the company. If more companies could exercises this, then the working community would be a better and fairer place to pursue careers.

If this problem outrages you, there are things you can do. There are petitions in place all over the country created by people who are trying to bring about more unbiased decisions in the employment process. You can also do searches on your local governments’ websites for other options available to you. Please do not go unheard. Someday, it may be you denied the job for unprofessional reasons. Changes can be made one step at a time for a better future.

(I am not going to say that every work place acts in this manner. Some companies are very tolerable and fair, and they should be commended! I am also not going to say that it is impossible to get a job because you have a tattoo or are overweight or are otherwise in some way different. I hope no one has to experience this unprofessional and unnecessary lack of fairness.)