Tattoos and piercings have become more common over the years. Observable problems have emerged in the workplace. Some people argue that tattoos and piercings in the workplace are inappropriate, unprofessional and even distracting. This essay will argue that tattoos and piercings have no effect on an employee's work and therefore should not be prohibited. Chicago psychologist Daniela Schreier says body art has evolved from stigma to fashion statement, and that younger addicts see tattoos and piercings as modes of self-expression rather than rebellion. “Modern body art came out of prisons and the gang world,” says Schreier, who teaches at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and specializes in workplace issues. "Most business leaders didn't grow up seeing body art that didn't have a negative connotation. But young people want to express their individuality, and this is how they choose to do it." Despite the growing number of employees with artful body art, many companies have no specific policies addressing the issue and many simply leave it to the discretion of supervisors and employees. One exception is global accounting firm KPMG. The company has clear guidelines about what is appropriate and advises employees with piercings other than those in the ears to "leave the metal at home," according to an article in its college recruiting magazine (Chernov). If the company you work for tries to tell you that you can't wear piercings or reveal your tattoos at work, they're not doing anything illegal. Don't look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art. The law covers discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion... middle of paper... rules that may establish that visible tattoos must be covered or that piercings must be removed. Works Cited Chernov , Gio. "Southeastern Louisiana University Discovery Service." BODY OF WORK. Np, nd Web. April 12, 2014.Malongowski, Kate. "tattoos and piercings in the workplace". More and more employers are accepting tattoos and piercings in the workplace. D EBSCO Industries, Inc., nd Web. April 12, 2014.Fiona, Nera. “Permanent marker tattoos still carry a stigma in the workplace.” Discovery Service for Southeastern Louisiana University. EBSCO Industries, Inc., and Web. April 12 2014.