I think what bothers me the most is the idea that only one section of society's preferences count. Like, you can force someone to modify their appearance if they want a job in order to make a certain clientele "comfortable", but it's only ever that one segment of the population who are considered, and they are always kow-towed to no matter how it affects anyone else. Why can't I expect the same treatment - I want to go into stores and see clerks that look like *me*, goddammit, so I think you should all force your employees to get tattooed and dress like goths! Not to mention the fact that this "comfort" thing is just ridiculous (you are pathetic if unusual hair color makes you feel threatened), and the assumption that it should dictate another's life is extremely self-centered.
That all being said, I too recognize the Way Things Are. In my case, that has meant that, while I *do* choose to get tattoos and piercings, because they are very important to me, I also realize that this limits my employment possibilities. It's a matter of priorities, like everything, and in this case my priority is the deep significance they have to my spiritual path. While I think it's wrong that it might cause me problems (see above), I do accept the reality of it, and have come to terms with that. Doesn't mean I won't fight in some cases, but it just means that I hold no illusions about what might happen the next time I'm looking for work. Sad, too, because I kick ass at what I do, and a company would be extremely foolish not to hire me simply because of some ink and metal.
I think what bothers me the most is the idea that only one section of society's preferences count. Like, you can force someone to modify their appearance if they want a job in order to make a certain clientele "comfortable", but it's only ever that one segment of the population who are considered, and they are always kow-towed to no matter how it affects anyone else.
I couldn't agree any more. Unfortunately, it tends to be the most easily offended (read: "loudest") part of the population that dictates what "offensive" means. These people should have their barbed sticks up their asses forcibly removed IMNSHO. I must admit, these are all reasons why I absolutely love Eugene. Whilst I'm surprised this happened in PDX, I'd be flabbergasted if this happened in EUG ;-)
That all being said, I too recognize the Way Things Are. In my case, that has meant that, while I *do* choose to get tattoos and piercings, because they are very important to me, I also realize that this limits my employment possibilities. It's a matter of priorities, like everything, and in this case my priority is the deep significance they have to my spiritual path. While I think it's wrong that it might cause me problems (see above), I do accept the reality of it, and have come to terms with that. Doesn't mean I won't fight in some cases, but it just means that I hold no illusions about what might happen the next time I'm looking for work. Sad, too, because I kick ass at what I do, and a company would be extremely foolish not to hire me simply because of some ink and metal.
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I couldn't agree any more. Unfortunately, it tends to be the most easily offended (read: "loudest") part of the population that dictates what "offensive" means. These people should have their barbed sticks up their asses forcibly removed IMNSHO. I must admit, these are all reasons why I absolutely love Eugene. Whilst I'm surprised this happened in PDX, I'd be flabbergasted if this happened in EUG ;-)
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