Chris Evans

ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014


Deviant Norms to Success
Its 2014 and our recent generation of people has become quite different
compared to all other past generations. The new, unique fashion trends and styles that
have been introduced, as well as body art, are what distinguishes us from other
generations. Societal norms for men and women have been the same for many
decades now. Most employers prefer it to remain thus, but over the years, much
change has occurred. In businesses and workforce, body art and certain hairstyles are
considered unprofessional or unsuitable by employers. Also, our past generations
associate these characteristics as stereotypes to criminal acts and as insolence.
However, even though men and women deviate from societal norms, this should not
prevent the chance of receiving a position of employment or being professionally
successful in life.
Over time, from a historical stand point, there has been a number influences that
have forced our society to remain traditional with societal norms. In the past few
decades or so there have been all sorts of change in the United States. Weve had new
presidents such as Bush and Obama, new laws involving our technology advances, and
a well expanded population that has been growing every day. As of now, the United
States population has reached over 317 million (Schlesinger 1). From generation to
generation new technology advances and lifestyle adaptions have benefited our
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

population. For example, every few months a new smartphone is released and we have
became adapted to using cameras for personal security. The United States population
is divided into generations of the decade individuals were born in. Past generations
such as the Baby Boomers, who were born between the years 1943 and 1960 make
up 46 percent of the current workforce and population. According to Future Work
Institute for Human Resources Management, this generation survives from working hard
and remaining focused on personal goals and achievement (1). The next generation
that came along was Generation X. Individuals that fall into this generation were
between the years 1961 and 1981. This generation represents almost a third of the
working population and will take over after the baby boomers retire. Sukiennik claimed
that they bring a breadth of experience with a strong independent spirit; they are
unimpressed with authority and titles and might come across as cynical (6). The motto
for generation X is Work to live. The next generation that follows is generation Y. I
myself fall into the midst of generation Y often called the tech generation or the
millennials (Sukiennik 7). This is one of the most recent generations with people born
between the years from 1982 and 2000. Also, this generation is commonly known for
communication and staying connected globally through internet and other next gen
concepts. Our generation is slowly making a significant impact on society through how
we live our lives. However, we are clearly different growing up in this day and age
because of the internet, but our nation has societal norms that dont agree with past
traditional norms.
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

Societal norms, What are they? A norm is a group-held belief about how
members should behave, but these beliefs in society are societal norms. They are the
traditional ways we as a nation should present ourselves in different types of
environments. Employers are traditional when it comes to these concepts because
from their stand point in society, it was where it began and they believe others should
have to follow the same regulations. The traditional way of becoming employed is
following a dress code, keeping an enthusiastic attitude on the job, and staying sanitary.
dress code usually requires men and women to dress in company clothing or just to
wear a button up shirts, fleeces, slacks and dress shoes. The attitude of an individual
plays a big role as well because the majority of jobs require face to face contact with
people and employers press this on all employees. Lastly, the sanitation of an
individual is quite important as well because the contamination issue is still a problem
today. Everyone must be clean and meet hygiene standards on the job. Employers
traditionally prefer the individual to not have any tattoos or piercings on the body. Other
employers require workers to keep clean haircut, and a clean shave on the job. Over
the years, there has been an increase of tattoos and piercings on the bodies of many
people. These are affecting many to receive a position of employment. This isnt just
one age group; unfortunately, its all ages (Bible 109). Today in society, no part of the
body is off limits when it comes to body art. Theres a saying that too much of
something is not good, and thats exactly what has been happening.
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

Most people want to make money; especially our nations adolescence and
young to middle-aged adults. I refer to this particular group of people because they are
the ones establishing careers and will make the next impact on our nation. In the
workforce and in businesses, employers look for experienced, legitimate workers that fit
their company or corporations needs. Another requirement is that tattoos arent
allowed to be visible while present on the job, which is reasonable. Today, it is very
common to see individuals to see our generation with tattoos and piercings. The rule of
not having them visible has been strictly enforced by common day employers.
However, it is morally wrong for an employer to refuse to hire someone because of their
appearance. According to the article, Unemployed? 5 reasons companies wont hire
you, companies find hiring difficult so they simply use proxies to help them (1).
The most common proxy is the degree such as the high school diploma and
college graduate degrees. These are really nothing more than proxies for
knowledge, perseverance, and enough social skills to not get kicked out.
Employers assume that someones school was capable of telling if they were
qualified for a degree, so they trust the school's evaluation. It's really hard
nowadays to tell how someone will perform on the job. Hiring managers look and
see that another company values an individuals work enough to continue to
employ them. If someone doesnt have a job, it's like not having a degree (1). A
proxy is the power of a person authorized to act as the deputy or substitute for
another (1).
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

Lucas picks out a reasonable point why someone may not get hired through lack
of education. Knowledge is power and to gain that knowledge a person needs to be
educated because employers look for education as priority when looking to hire
someone. Fortunately, there are possibilities to still receive a job even with body art.
Employers now allow employees to cover them with either a long sleeve or pants. So it
is most certain that a person with body art can receive a job as long as they can cover
their body art securely while working. I believe society is slowly adapting to viewing the
commonly seen body art on so many individuals.
I interviewed someone who plays a role in hiring new employees to get their
insight on what they look for in employees. I had a personal interview with Carol
Wubbena, a faculty member that works in the library at Kishwaukee College. Wubbena
explained to me that her generation was the grunge era and societal norms arent as
important. Also she stated that, she doesnt mind what a person looks like as long as
they are clean and obtain the skills for the job then they qualify. Her only worry was
that it does depend on the job someone is seeking. Individuals deviant to norms
shouldnt jeopardize their chances of employment if they are clean and obtain the skills
for the job.
Hairstyles are also a personal aspect of appearance that will present a message
about an individual. In our present generation, there are many different hairstyles for
men to wear. However, when it comes to employment, there are rules and regulations.
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

Employers most commonly require males to keep their hair and facial hair short and
clean. For women it is simply a ponytail or bun to keep hair out of the persons face.
From the article, From Hair to Eternity, York states that hair is still used to make a
statement (51). This statement from York is quite accurate and truthful. In other words,
how a person wears their hair presents an image of how they may want themselves
viewed by others. This also proves that there are stereotypes about certain hairstyles.
For example, if a man chooses to wear a short buzz cut, it can mean that he is a clean,
respectful person. If a man just keeps his head bald, he probably is viewed as an
independent, mature fatherly figure. Spiked hair, afros, Mo-hawks, dreads, and
cornrows are hairstyles that may represent youth, immaturity, and even a nonchalant
attitude. Facial hair is twice as important because its hair on the face. Some beards
and side burns are usually viewed as unprofessional unless that person works in an
environment where it is appropriate. If a male has long hair some employers wont
allow it because it may be too much of a distraction for their business or corporation.
For women, most hairstyles are accepted, but long hair is required to be clean and tied
back in businesses such as the food industry. All businesses want to be professional
because if it is not then it may affect business. Ive seen this happen personally with
one of my businesses back in high school. In high school, I ran a business of selling a
variety of candies that people liked. I made an excellent amount of money and I didnt
work alone. Although selling candy in public school was not allowed I proceeded to do
it anyway. After a few months, it became difficult to do because security began to catch
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

on and it became difficult to be discreet about it. I used this story because businesses
go through the same process with laws that require a process. Another issue involving
is unprotected long hair because it can be a potential health hazard or violation in most
jobs. In the food industry, employers require a hair net to prevent hairs from falling onto
products. This information from York, the author of From Hair to Eternity, provided a
chance of viewing the whole point at a different angle with how people and stereotype
others on their appearance. However, if someone wanted to be viewed by others as a
professional in the workforce, that individual should not wear such styles like an afro,
beards or thick sideburns. The main point of this article is that we the people present
ourselves with the features on our body. Also, how we present ourselves matters in
professional environments because employers want their business picture perfect.
Having hairstyles that are deviant to societal norms may get someone employed, but it
may be difficult.
I explained how it is still possible to get a job while deviant to societal norms, but
now I will go into depth of why it may not be the best decision. Many can easily get
around following our societys norms but in some cases it may lead to failure. America
is known as the land of the free but with this being said stereotypes follow. In sociology,
a stereotype is defined as a simplified and standardized conception or image invested
with special meaning and held in common by members of a group. Previously, I
discussed what generation makes up most of population as a whole. The generation I
am referring to is the Baby Boomers. Today, the baby boomers make up about 45%
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014

of the United States population and three-fourths of Americas wealth (Immersion active
1). This means the majority of our nation is of older age and they live all across the
country. During their time, society was highly different compared to what it is now. So
if our generation of deviant teens and middle-aged adults with tattoos, piercings, and
exotic hair in businesses and in the workforce then this will affect them greatly. For
example, a man with tattoos on his face would scare someone greatly. Our gray
population is drawn to buying items which makes them our primary consumers, also net
contributors and those deviant norms have the ability to affect this combination. This is
why our businesses want to remain as professional as possible pressing for the proper
attire. Lower paying jobs come with exceptions that can be dealt with. Also, we all
need to take appreciation into our elder population because they are financially
important to our economy.
Its 2014 and our present generation of people have become quite different
compared to all other past generations and will remain different. There are many more
generations that will come along and make their own impact on society. Even though
our recent generation is bound to deviate from societal norms, this does not stop us
from obtaining skills and becoming successful in life. The popularity body art and
extrinsic hairstyles will continue to grow in our society. Everyone has a choice of how
they want to present themselves. How will you present yourself?
Chris Evans
ENG 104
Ms. Fry
May 6, 2014


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