Tatoos/Funky Hair/Piercings + Interview = job/no job?

According to an LA Times story almost fifty percent of Americans between the ages of 21 and 32 have “at least” one tattoo. So, what is worse/better? I’m nearing the 32-year edge of the age spectrum and I have more than one tattoo. The article discusses how tattoos are not fully accepted as mainstream on the job market and depending on your desired career you should be cautious about those tats, piercings, and even hairstyles.

I have been growing out my hair in anticipation of trying to land a job in the public school system. V mentioned, without my prompt, that she thought it was a good idea. Typically, I will grow my hair out every few years until I can’t stand it any more and cut it very short. My friends, who have known me for a long time, know that I don’t do this because I fear that others will pass judgment. But, this time I decided to grow it out for just that reason. With uber short hair I look like a dyke. Period. I know that my short hair, coupled with my self-confidence, sends signals to even the most aloof person that I am a lesbian.

My friend Kat Woman expresses her dislike over my shoulder length hair every time she sees me. We had brunch a few weeks ago at Twin Sisters and she asked me point blank if I was growing it out because I was on the job market. Kat Woman has two half-sleeves and short, spiked, and dyed hair. We met at The Light a few years ago and she was attracted to me, in part, because she loved my short hair. She asked me why I would want to work for anyone who would pass judgment on me because they suspected that I might be a lesbian? I explained to her that I understand and acknowledge that certain professions value certain traits over others and that it is human nature to pass judgment on people. This doesn’t mean that I approve of this behavior, but my desire to teach shouldn’t be overshadowed by the possibility that someone in human resources thinks that I am a lesbian.

My tattoos aren’t an issue in job interviews or while I am teaching (though I’m sure my students have seen them when I am reaching to pull down the projection screen). We all have to do and say things that aren’t 100% truthful in job interviews. I doubt that I will be wearing my suit suit very often once I am in the classroom. And, the job market isn’t fair to begin with. For example, in my city there are about twenty school districts. During this time of year, each districts moves around their teachers, giving preference to them first. Then, traditional route teachers are screened. After that, people like myself, who worked in the “real world,” traveled, went to grad school, etc. are considered. Plus, it helps to know people. My friends have been plugging my name in some of the school districts. It happens. That is the way of the beast.

I understand Kat Woman’s argument, but my whole purpose in landing a job in the public school system is to teach understanding, tolerance, and hopefully acceptance of different ideas, people, places, etc.