S.A.T.P.D. (Society against tattoo and piercing discrimination)

I went to work today and I was really excited to be going pre-tests on some patients. I am a college student with a perfect 4.0 GPA who, (unlike most students my age who get summer jobs working at fast food restaurants and clothing stores) got a job at an eye doctor doing pre-examinations on patients eyes. I am hardworking and I try the best at everything I do. I am in college to become a medical writer. However, I have a nose ring in my left nostril because I like the way it looks on me and it goes along with my personality. I am bold, audacious, kind, friendly, and I am really into hardcore music.

Some people take my nose ring as an invitation to treat me rudely and doubt my ability as an employee. There are many times when a patient is joyous and friendly to me whenever I go to get them from the waiting room, but when I sit them down at the examination table, they see my nose ring and they immediately put on an attitude. They roll their eyes, they call out my piercing, and they begin outwardly arguing against my ability and my intelligence. Apparently to them, I do not take things seriously and life is all one giant party.

I would like to point out that had this been the case, my employer (a well respected doctor in my city) would never have hired me. My college grades will prove to you my intelligence and my determination. I enjoy volunteering and spending time with older people because I love their maturity. I am also a published writer and am currently collaborating with my university to publish more of my writing.

I am very ashamed with society and upset that people would question my character, mind, and determination all because I have one small hoop in my nose. The same goes with any piercing, or any tattoo. Why can’t people accept that some people like to paint their ideas/thoughts on their body or wear something that expresses what kind of a person they are?

Nowhere does it say that a tattoo or a piercing = lower intelligence, foolishness, or disappointment.

I am against tattoo and piercing discrimination.