The Work Place!
or Taboo?
Like I mentioned, a big chunk of Americans these days do have at least one tattoo. I work with several co-workers
that have tattoos and now that our policy has changed, they can show them off to their customers. Since the recent
changes of wardrobe at The Cheesecake Factory, I have witnessed more and more co-workers of mine getting tattoos
on their forearms. We are allowed to have tattoos exposed on our forearms as long as they are not offensive or express
discrimination.
One of my co-workers, Mike McDonald, has decided to thrive on this new policy we have. Since the new tattoo
policy at work has changed, Mike has gotten five tattoos on his forearms! Mike is a very talented artist and has designed
all of his tattoos himself. Even though Mike’s charm has allowed him to make fairly amazing tips, I do believe his tattoos
have allowed him to express himself in a different way to his guests (thus, allowing his tip percentage to increase).
I also think that when it comes to tattoos on women, it is more a taboo. From my own experience, I have noticed
more females pulling the trigger on getting tattoos than their male friends. One of them being my roommate and
co-worker, Sarah Pekas. She has had all of her tattoos since before our policy changed at work but has always had to
cover them up.
She has the most amazing tattoos I have ever seen, and it definitely makes me rethink about getting a tattoo.
Because she has designed her tattoos, it has allowed her to have conversation starters at
her tables. It allows her to express herself without coming off unprofessional.
Throughout this experience of working at The Cheesecake Factory and talking to my
fellow co-workers, I have learned that people are becoming more and more accepting. This
warms my heart and I hope we are creating a new path for fellow generations to come.
Yes, there is a fine line of what is professional and what is not, but expressing yourself
in terms of art should not be one that people judge. There is so much hate in this world already
that it is nice to see humanity coming together, even if it’s in tattoos.
ART!
Sarah Pekas
Pg 69