First off Cheryl I just wanted to say thank you for commenting on my blogs. I just loved what you said. Secondly I too worked in the automotive industry 10 years ago and NAFTA sent our work over to Mexico so I went back to school. I am now that HR Manager but I got into this profession bacause of assholes like him. I too had to work for idiots so I was bound and determined to be better than them and force these guys into another profession. He has just forgotten the 'human' part of human resources. Besides, real professionals call it human relations anyway! Way to go girl! I would have done the same thing!

Thank you Mike for your comments! I think it's fantastic that you decided to go back to school, and even more heartening that you are an HR manager! Thank heavens there's at least one REAL human being in that line of work- and I'd be willing to bet there's alot of happier employees as a result! By the way, there wouldn't happen to be any openings where you work, would there..?

Good for you Cheryl. I am proud of you for being among the few and proud to stand up for what you believe in. Too many times we lose a part of ourselves as individuals trying to keep up a facade for the 'socially acceptable' world around us. Obviously I can relate to your plight. I too have faced similar issues in the workforce and socially. Keep being true to yourself. Thank you also for your recent blog post and for your support.

Sincerely,

T J Woodbury

Thanks for the encouragement and support, TJ! While it's very irritating and discouraging to experience this type of response, I would have been the bigger fool for complying to his ridiculous 'standards'. My tattoos and piercings are just as much a part of me as my brown eyes and brunette hair.Maybe Popeye said it best, "I am what I am"! Thanks again, TJ-keep the faith, bro!

Cheryl, congrats for standing up to him. I woulda loved to have seen his expression when you got through with him!

I am as proud of my ink and steel as just about anything. However, I do know that the culture we live in tends to view body art in a negative light. I work in the ultra-conservative finance industry where I hold a higher-level management position. You can understand that I am not at liberty to show my art at work. I understand and respect that. But, I also look upon myself as one who must set the bar higher so that not only management, but also our customer and employee base will see that "respectable, hard-working" folks have tatts and piercings (please understand that I'm am not dis-ing anyone here; only that society wrongly stereotypes those of us with ink and steel as "trashy."). I feel that if more of us were able to be the example, then and only then will we begin to change society's views.

Remember back in the 80's when pirates, punk rockers and gay guys were the only men to wear earrings? Now you don't think twice about a man with an earring. I look forward to the day when society will feel the same about tatts and piercings. And, I think to some extent, we are a lot closer to that day than a lot of people may think!

Congrats again, and thanks for standing up for us all!

Thank you, Ninjaman! I really appreciate the support and understanding from all of you here at the Tribe- you guys are the absolute gold standard for friends!
You make a really good point here, Ninja, and I totally understand that in your field of work covering your tatts and piercings is required. I agree whole-heartedly that we are the example, and represent a wonderful, multi-faceted culture made up of individuals across the entire social spectrum.
I really wouldn't have pegged red if that HR manager hadn't been so condescending and abrasive. Referring to my ink and steel as "vulgar" and "unacceptable" sent this guy rocketing straight to the top spot on my list. Unfortunately it's minds like these that even the most shining example of respectability will fail epicly.
In life's journey, this guy was just a pothole. I won't let it spoil the trip!

Cheryl, that last line is worth more than gold! I'm gonna remember that!

Even if that is the company policy, he was a complete ass to speak to you that way. Good reply... rather then be hurt (which is what he attempted to do to you) you walked out of there with your head held high and your dignity intact! Awesome! When I got my first tat many years ago the HR manager asked me did I ever think about what if I got arrested? For the life of me I couldn't really understand what she meant by that but I simply replied "well no, that's not on my to do list"

Just stummbled across your Blog, I cant belive there are still people like this!
Great that you stood up to this person, if this happened in Australia it would be called discrimination and we have laws which protect people from this crap. Hope yopu are able to find a job very soon, good luck. Mike from Aust