Tattoos and discrimination.

[angelfromdown-under]

So a couple of the nightclubs near me have decided to adopt a no visible tattoo rule recently...in such a way that if you have a visible tat they will refuse you entry no matter how sober you are.

They claim that it is stopping problems arising inside and cutting the number of bikie related incident.

They way i see it they equate anyone that has a tattoo as automatically affiliated with bikies, is always angry and apparently just in looking for a fight and therefore refuse them entry.

This is blatant discrimination at it's finest.

Owners claim it is their right to enforce a dress-code...yes it is, however, we can change the way we dress...we can't change the way we look.
If they were refusing entry based on Gender, colour or sexual orientation there would be a huge backlash and lawsuits and all sorts.

So why is it considered "ok" to discriminate against people with visible tattoos? Are they less of people because they chose to express their individuality with ink in the form of tattoos... Some are to highlight a special moment in their lives such as a new born or death of a loved one... others are spiritual and express their heritage and yet they are refused to be allowed to enjoy themselves because of this.

Opinions?  

[Racheal Shanks]

Don't you just love people who stereotype. I have a tattoo, but I have it on my shoulder so it can't be seen at work. On nights out and days off, however, I show it off with unashamed pleasure. If clubs did that in my area, the uproar would be instantaneous. I'm even getting another tattoo, when I have the money, to commemorate moving in with my man.  

[skittlemaster42]

As far as I know, according to law you can kick anyone out (or not permit them entrance) for any reason you see fit, so long as it is private property. Of course, discrimination against race is generally frowned upon and bad things follow, but they are perfectly within their rights to limit entrance to whoever they want.

My old workplace used to kick people out because they smelled bad...  

[RabidKitten]

Ah ha angel I was going to start a thread discussing whether people felt it was appropriate for employers to employ people based on visible tattos but this holds to the same principle so I'll ixnay that one.

I do not agree with that establishment's ruling at all. I can get behind the fact that a club (or any other business really) should have the ability to refuse entry or remove patrons at their discretion but that should be done on a case by case basis.  

[systematic_individual]

I doubt that a lawsuit would make a difference. Race, gender, and sexuality are not personal choice, getting a tattoo is.
Being a moderately tattooed individual I would love to be able to go place without people staring, touching, or speaking down to me. However, I knew these were possibilities when I got my tattoos. It would be great if discrimination did not happen but, it does. That is why any respectable tattoo artist will question or refuse to do a tattoo in a visible area if that person isn't already heavily tattooed. It baffles me that 18 year olds are getting their knuckles and faces tattooed.

I guess the lesson is if you don't want to be discriminated against don't make choices that go against societies norms.  

[Metamorfosis Mental]

in my country there still people who discriminate.
So, don't come to visit Mexico. Mexico sucks in all the ways. Spend your vacations in other countries.  

[Kitalpha Hart]

stereotypes...my summer job has a rule that tattoos have to either be covered or in good taste, but it's a family park, which might make all the difference...
but stereotypes are stupid.  

[Spicy Camel]

I have a little brother who wants to be a brain surgeon and he thought about getting tattoos and piercings to express individuality, but decided against it because it would look unprofessional in the work place. I have no tattoos or piercings whatsoever so, personally, I find people who have them to be intimidating at first glance. I'm sure that not all people who have tattoos behave poorly and are actually swell people if you get to know them.