Stephen Lamphear Tattoos

The Attention Step

Stephen Lamphear, an award winning tattoo artist, went to court in order to fight for his and other people’s right to have visible tattoos while working. Lamphear stood in front of the court and stated, “Tattooing is an artform and the acts of creating and wearing tattoo art are forms of expression protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution” (Root). State Superior Court Judge Barbara J. Rouse understood his side. She declared, “The act of tattooing is inseparable from the display of the tattoo itself and is an expression protected by the First Amendment” (Root). Multiple court cases have been brought up by some of the most respectable professions: police officers, doctors, nurses, businessmen and women,

There are many highly qualified potential employees, but the tattoos are what are holding them back. If we drop the negative attitude towards tattoos then we will be able to have the most qualified and proficient employees. Not only will more qualified people be able to get the jobs, but it could possibly lead us all to see some of the more positive sides of tattoos in the workplace. It was noticed that teens from age fourteen to eighteen (mostly high school aged students) felt more comfortable talking to an adult who had a tattoo, especially in the school environment and professional environment. The students asked about their attitudes towards tattoos stated that it gives them something to discuss and helps them relate to the adults (Weingarten). Not only would allowing all tattoos in the workplace be beneficial to the employees with ink, but all of them. Many people believe that a ‘tattoos welcome’ workplace feels like a more accepting place (Weingarten). So not only does overlooking tattoos benefit the employee, but also the employer and the rest of the

People need to pick up the pen and paper and write a letter about how they believe that tattoos are protected in our rights as an American. Write essays on how people who have gotten tattoos are facing discrimination in the workplace and how it is unfair. Go to www.senate.gov in order to find the address of your state’s congressman or congresswoman. Explain to them that you know that not everybody is comfortable with tattoos. We understand that people don’t appreciate tattoos, but we need to realize that they will not be going away any time soon. Try to come up with a compromise. Explain that we can come to an agreement such as allowing visible tattoos as long as they are appropriate. Other than that you can bring these things up in your own personal court case. If you feel as though you want to go this far, contact your lawyer immediately. Show the judges, everyday people, and more how your are willing to fight in order to end the discrimination against tattooed people. Explain to the people that tattoos are not a negative image to put on your body, but a positive