Eye(brow) opener

[kerrilee]

So since we last spoke, I went and did a little thing.

My sister got pierced over the weekend. Her, a nose ring. Me, a horizontal eyebrow piercing. It's beautiful and I love it! It was both a spontaneous decision and one I'd been contemplating for some time. So to actually do it was such a thrill!

I knew, however, that this is against code at work. I did it anyway. Partially because I think the code is dumb and not uniformly applied. And partially because a part of me thought maybe I would be in a position to change perceptions. I've been here almost 20 years. I've proven myself. Maybe I will be a force for change?

I made it through 2 days of open rebellion before I was asked to "cover it up." I expected that. What I didn't expect was how hearing that made me feel. Sure, I can go down the hill and buy a bandaid and cover my piercing. But why? Why is it policy in the first place? You know why and I know why. Piercings have a stigma attached to them. I am "weird" (insert whatever adjective you want) or something you can't understand. You are uncomfortable. So you want me to cover it up. And that made me think about all the people who can't or won't cover up what makes other people uncomfortable. Or negatively impacts people's perceptions of them. And I got angry. I'm still angry. And now I have a meeting with my big boss because I asked what would happen if I didn't cover it up. I'm probably not falling on my sword for a piercing, but I want to know the consequences.

Part of me thinks I should probably just put a bandaid over the thing and chill the fuck out. But then: ANGRY STRAIGHT WHITE GIRL RAGE!! This is what I have that I can stand on. So we will see.

I would so love for your comments. And to either be talked off the ledge or be shored up for battle!

Comments

[birdsofshore]

Ah, what a shame. I love that you did this spontaneous thing, and I bet it felt fun and a little rebellious. What a shame to have that feeling squashed and to feel like your self-expression is being stifled.

I think it's fine to ask questions. Why is this part of the code? Have they reviewed this decision lately? Piercings are a lot more mainstream than they were 10 years ago - is it time for a rethink?

But ultimately I wouldn't risk your job over this, unless you were feeling discontented there in other ways and have been looking for something to push you to make a change....?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_melodic_/]

I love your piercing!! (saw it on instagram) and it makes me super sad that your work is being so strict about covering it up.

I agree with Birds--it's great to ask questions and challenge the authority to find out exactly why they have this rule but it's also not worth your job/livelihood. I do think it's great you are challenging them, though and hope that you are able to find some kind of answer that will satisfy you. Good luck!!

[capitu]

Aww, such a same you're going through this. :( I love piercings, I think they are fun and sexy.

I'm with Birds, basically though. Asking about it, if there's a decision that can be revised, the reasons for it in the first place, etc.

[oceaxe.livejournal.com]

PM me privately! Depending on what state you live in, you might have more rights in this situation than you know.

[maccadole.livejournal.com]

Good questions, and I like your attitude. All in all, I agree with what others have already said. Seek answers in the way that you can but maybe take a breather and think about it before risking your job? If you think it might come to that, depending on how far you push. Fighting for a cause is good, just decide beforehand how far you're willing to take it. Then go kick some ass. :D

[enchanted-jae.livejournal.com]

From the standpoint of your business, I'll ask: do you deal face-to-face with the public? If so, what is your core demographic? If it's older, conservative, religious people, then that may be why the rule is there.

If you don't deal with the public face to face, then I don't understand why your work place would care how you look, as long as you're clean and neat.

Where I work, tats and piercings are common, as is colored hair. *shrugs*