Tattoos and body piercings have become increasingly popular over the years, and as these styles grow in popularity, so does the controversy over them.

What is considered professional dress?  Should tattoos and piercings be visible at the workplace?  Is this simply freedom of expression?  These debates, among others, are becoming all too frequent.

Personally, I think tattoos are cool, especially when they have meaning behind them. Each person has the right to put what he or she wants on his or her body, because it is a free country.

But people need to understand that the general public may not accept this style in the workforce.

The United States army created a national law to prohibit large clusters of tattoos on the men and women serving in the military. Just last year, approximately 100 men and women in El Paso, Texas were rejected from the military because they had body art; this was because of a new policy that came about on March 31, 2014.  Military men are prohibited to have any body art on the face, neck, fingers, wrist, or head. Having large clusters of tattoos is also not allowed. At the most they may only have four tattoos that are either below the elbow or knee. Another rule is that they are not allowed to have gauges.

Some may think that this policy is unfair, but I think these actions were carried out well. Tattoos are not always viewed as beautiful pieces of art; they can be offensive and controversial. I agree that good work ethics are more important than appearance; however, when working in an environment where professionalism is required, people should be respectful.