People with tattoos, piercings and other body modifications face injustice and discrimination very often! 😒💯 This is, regretfully, universally true which leads us to believe that people DON’T like those who are different!😏🤌 Today’s hero sent a powerful message after being rejected for a job because of having tattoos and it instantly went viral!😮💥 See the article for more! 👇
Facing rejection is never easy, especially when it leaves you questioning what went wrong. For 23-year-old Ash Putnam, a recent job application experience at TJ Maxx led her to take her frustrations to social media, sparking widespread debate.
Ash, who sports extensive tattoos and facial piercings, shared her disappointment on TikTok after being denied the job. Her video quickly gained traction, amassing over seven million views and thousands of comments. While Ash expressed confusion about why she wasn’t selected for an entry-level position, commenters overwhelmingly speculated that her appearance might have been a factor.
Feeling unsatisfied with the rejection, Ash decided to return to the store to seek answers directly.
@ashxobrien I want to know who is also having a hard time finding a job right now! #jobs #jobmarket ♬ original sound – Ash🖤
“I went in and asked, ‘What was the reason I didn’t get hired?’ They told me it was because other candidates had more experience,” she explained in her video. “I asked if it was about my tattoos because I know some places don’t like them. They said it wasn’t, but I don’t really believe that.”
She expressed frustration, saying, “Tattoos don’t determine someone’s work ethic. Some of the smartest, most capable people I know have tattoos and piercings. It shouldn’t disqualify anyone from doing a good job.”
While Ash works as an Uber Eats driver, she remains convinced that her body art played a role in the decision. TikTok commenters largely agreed, with many pointing to her visible tattoos as the likely reason for her rejection.
View this post on Instagram
One user, claiming to be a hiring manager, commented, “I’ve worked in HR, and a store like TJ Maxx won’t want someone with tattoos like yours representing their brand.” Another added, “It’s not about having tattoos – it’s about where you have them and how they come across to customers.”
Ash, however, defended her tattoos, acknowledging that some people find them “demonic or scary,” based on comments she’s received online. “People on TikTok have been cruel, saying I belong in a circus or Halloween store. But tattoos are a form of self-expression, not a measure of professionalism or competence,” she said.
Ash believes it’s time for companies to update their perceptions. “We’re in 2024. Tattoos, piercings, and colorful hair don’t define how capable or professional someone is. They show creativity and individuality. Employers need to stop letting outdated biases influence hiring decisions.”
What’s your take? Should tattoos and piercings impact job opportunities, or is it time to move past these stereotypes? Share your thoughts!
