14 DAY TRIAL // Speaking at today's conference of the British Sociological Association, Dr. Andrew R. Timming at the University of St. Andrews argued that, more often than not, tattooed people are discriminated against by employers.
The researcher explained that, after having a chat with 15 different managers, he reached the (absolutely mind-blowing, I might ironically add) conclusion that most employers view tattoos negatively.
“Most respondents agreed that visible tattoos are a stigma,” Dr. Timming told the people present at the conference.
Interestingly enough, the 15 managers interviewed by this researcher all argued that their main concern was what potential customers might think of an employee sporting several tattoos.
“Respondents expressed concern that visibly tattooed workers may be perceived by customers to be 'abhorrent', 'repugnant', 'unsavoury' and 'untidy'.”
“It was surmised that customers might project a negative service experience based on stereotypes that tattooed people are thugs and druggies,” Dr. Timming explained, as cited by EurekAlert.
The expert has also said that people who sport tattoos that aren't visible needn't worry all that much about losing a job opportunity.
Those who have flowers or butterflies inked into their skin should not be concerned either.
By the looks of it, it's guns, skulls and the like that really freak people out. Especially older individuals.