Jessica+P’s+2015+OpEd+Article



In a country where we are taught that what matters is on the inside, not the outside, we do quite a lot of discriminating. The first thing that might jump into your head is the topic of race but that is not where I'm pointing my finger. Although, this certain topic or issue might not start a civil war, it is greatly as important. Similar to the issue of race, as it has to do with our skin and appearance. We, as America, as a nation, have pledged that all would have equal rights and opportunities, but then why do we judge and shun our brothers and sisters who have chosen to place art upon their body/skin. Yes, I am talking about tattoos. It appears to be a common idea or belief that when one has tattoos, they are automatically uneducated, violent, rude, unprofessional, etc. Remember when you were told or you told your kids that what matters is on the Inside, don't judge a book by it's cover? So then why are jobs looking down at those with designs embedded into their skin. Why are adults hesitating to let their kids around those who have chosen to express their likes in this way or even sometimes disown their even own child if they choose to display a piece of art on their body. We are not supposed to judge one by their skin, or at least that's what people envision when speaking of the Glorious "AMERICA", the land of the free and equal. So why. Why have we accepted the colored into society or jobs, yet not those who have chosen to make their skin colored. they're all still Americans, it's all still just colored skin. Maybe a skilled doctor is born, someone meant to be president, someone who will improve space travel, but suddenly their chances of becoming something great or perusing their dreams is lowered. Does that not sound unfair. We are pledging to treat all equally, we are hypocrites, discriminating our own. Besides, in most jobs like in an office, being a doctor, a fireman, all or most skin is required to be cover by suit or coats. The tattoos would not be visible, so why take away that chance that America had promised. We are all humans. Is that not what the civil war was all about? We fought for this change. We are all still humans.