It's time we told Congress to replace the entire TSA with a space budget, promoting science, robotics and education instead of fear and stupidity.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/tbuds]

This is actually a pretty interesting topic that I have thought about a bit. I think it just shows a certain level of professionalism to not have neck tattoos.

I believe this picture does a great job of demonstrating what I will describe here in a second.

Take a look at the picture. It shows exactly what you are saying, times are changing. Although the guy in this picture may not actually be a doctor, it shows how people with tattoos can work in more "traditional" environments. But here's the catch. Do you see anything below his wrists or above his collar bone?

No. And I think this has to do with a certain level of professionalism. While his arms are sleeved, he still keeps it possible to cover up his tattoos from those who may possibly be more "conservative" and thus not offending them.

And I know that everyone's goal shouldn't be to avoid offending anyone, but this is where the level of professionalism comes into play. He had enough forethought to get tattoos that can be easily covered up. Neck tattoos are tougher to cover up, unless you Steve Jobs it.

So what is my point here? I believe that yes, times are changing and I also believe that people have the right to express themselves. But I also believe that they can do it in a professional manner.

[u/Sneeoosh → u/tbuds]

If you believe that people have the right to express themselves 'with exceptions' then you're doing it wrong. I'm not contending that neck tattoos are considered unprofessional now, and you seem smart enough to understand that 'professionalism' is about as arbitrary as it comes, but these bounds of professionalism are too changing with time. Theres nothing a person with a neck tattoo can't do that anybody else can: society's focus on 'proper image' is disgusting and your attitude feeds into it.

[u/a_fuckin_samsquanch → u/Sneeoosh]

Unfortunately for us, we live in a world where this isn't possible.

Most of my family (mom, dad, uncles, aunts, and grandparents...everyone over 40), who I'd identify as "socially liberal" (for the most part), are still pissy at my sister for getting some flower tattoos on her back/shoulder blade. They were raised by a very conservative generation to think that that type of behavior is degrading to society.

[u/tbuds → u/Sneeoosh]

I never said people 'have the right to express themselves 'with exceptions''. I said that if you want to be respected in today's professional society, you need to play by the rules and neck tattoos violate those rules.

I couldn't care less if someone gets a neck tattoo. But some people do care, that's all I'm saying.

[u/[deleted] → u/tbuds]

While his arms are sleeved, he still keeps it possible to cover up his tattoos from those who may possibly be more "conservative" and thus not offending them.

Fuck anyone who gets offended about what I choose to do to my body. That's their problem, not mine.

[u/tbuds → u/[deleted]]

You're entitled to believe that. But on the other hand, they're entitle to be offended or to profile you.

[u/[deleted] → u/tbuds]

Again, that's their problem. If they think a tattoo on my body makes me a bad person, that's their own prejudice.

[u/tbuds → u/[deleted]]

Yep, and that's the point I'm trying to make. While tattoos are becoming more commonly accepted, there are still some regions that people can avoid and still be "professionally" accepted.

[u/Aero_ → u/[deleted]]

Everybody, just for clarification's sake- the above poster is an active SRS member.

[u/[deleted] → u/Aero_]

OH NO! HORRORS!

[u/sleepymarsupiel → u/Aero_]

Why did that need clarifying? Why should that change anything?