Alice Vol. 7 No. 5

Mark Pigilia, a recent audit associate hired
for a firm in Dallas, Texas, said he has yet
to encounter any tattoos while in his new
position but would feel comfortable if he had
any himself.
It seems the traditional branches of the
professional world have improved from
staunch button-up culture, however, it’s not
on par with their creative or international
industry peers. Einhart said while older
generations brand tattoos as something
individuals are “stuck” with, younger
generations embrace the significance and
honor of having something permanently on
their bodies.
There are many reasons someone might
get a tattoo. People worldwide and through
different cultures are getting tattoos in
remembrance of passing family members.
Māori, the indigenous Polynesian people of
mainland New Zealand, receive Tā moko, the
use of tattoos as a signifier of personal growth
to adulthood. Female survivors of breast
cancer have taken to getting beautiful tattoos
on their breasts to cover mastectomy scars,
highlighting the sheer power of women.
“Almost every fashion trend, slang, music
starts in some small community, and you
may not know what that community is,” said
Einhart. “You may not understand everyone
else’s cultural aesthetics, but that does not
mean they are wrong.”
With time, American society has grown to
be slightly more accepting of less mainstream
culture, gaining a greater understanding
of the people that inspires its culture. This
growth created space for professional
settings to take account of their diverse
group of employees and create conversation
to establish an environment as diverse and
inclusive as the people it includes. Buttonup
culture is disappearing from professional
environments, and businesses are creating
rules to meet the needs of their employees.
[53]