Job Discussion Forums

[MrWright]

Hello All. I was wondering what everyone thinks will be the ramifications socially and professionally of my tattoos. I have 2/3 sleeves on both arms. It is good quality, colorful stuff, and is mostly covered by short sleeve shirts. But they go about 2 1/2 inches below my elbows. It seems this will be a problem in Asia, from some of the replies I have been getting. I don't want to live my entire life in long sleeve shirts. Although I don't mind doing so in the classroom. My appearance, apart from that, is very clean-cut and proper. I am a certified teacher in Arizona, and it hasn't been a problem here. What are everyone's thoughts about this? I would appreciate any input. Thank you.

[SeHablaIngles]

Hi MrWright,

I can only speak for Chile but visible tatooes would not go down too well here. While the schools may be open minded they fear that their students may not.

Here image is everything. Facial piercings are also a no-no.

The solution for you is simple, long sleeved shirts.

Hope that helps.
El Profe

[naturegirl321]

I have one that can't be hidden when I wear sandles. Simply don't flaunt it and you'll be fine.

[Justin Trullinger]

I've worked with a number of teachers with tatoos.

My suggestion would simply be not to mention them in a job interview. (And wear long sleeves.) Since you don't mind wearing long sleeves in the classroom, I'd do that at first. No sensible employer will care about you having the tatoos; they just may worry that by showing them you'll give the wrong impression to students. I would just keep them under wraps in the beginning.

Once you get established, and have a decent rep, if you wish to, go short sleeved a bit and see if anybody says anything.

Best,
Justin

PS- a close friend and colleague of mine here, who is Ecuadorian, has both his arms completely covered in tatoos of the very heavy metal variety. Seems out of character to some, as he's got an MA from a very high end UK university and is a bit...posh seeming. But 20 years ago he was in the army. I've just spoken to him about this- he said no one in our workplace has ever mentioned it as a negative. But he reminded me that he wore suits his first 3 months here, which I had forgotten. Guess he was covering the tats.

PPS- Facial piercings seem not to be a big deal here- at least in the nose. Can't think why, as Andean Ecuadorians are very conservative about some things.

[MrWright]

Sweet. I want to make a distiction between the professional and social spheres. Even here is the U.S. I cover them while in the classrom, at least most of the time. I am concerned with what the public reaction would be while out and about in the world. I would prefer not to have to deal with general hostility because I have violated some cultural taboo and looked upon as some foreign delinquint. I really don't look like that and am not seen as such here. But sounds good, except for Chile, apparently. Or was that post also regarding the classrrom only, or everywhere? I think that in just about every school in every country it is a safe bet that showing them off is a bad, or at least questionable, idea. Anybody know about Brazil in this regard. I would think it would be even less of an issue there, but cant say from experience.

[SeHablaIngles]

Yes. I was only talking about the classroom.

El Profe

[MrWright]

Thanks. That's good to hear. Sorry I misunderstood.

[Justin Trullinger]

Sounds good. I'd cover the tats at work, but out socially, no worries at all.


Best,

Justin

[Prof.Gringo]