He's also incredibly talented and intelligent. We've had to go through all types of "stereotyping" over the years (including with my Dad...LOL!).
He was turned down for several jobs because of his hair; but he also had a sales career that was successful despite a few initial concerns by his customers. Some of the old guys ribbed him about it occasionally...but they became his best customers.
We now have our own business; and if someone doesn't use our services due to his "looks" (and trust me...he looks SMOKIN' in a suit)...they are not the type of people that we want to deal with anyway. I want to deal with customers who want the "best" service...and we provide it. If they cannot get past the looks to see it; it's their loss.
In any event, the really funny part is that the prigs will eventually have no choice but to deal with these "kids" as the tattooed masses will start their own businesses and hire whoever they want.
Perfect example, garandgal! I was feeling pretty lonely on this thread. LOL I remember years ago when my father thought that a young man I was dating must be a "hoodlum" because his hair fell past his ears. That young man turned out to be very successful "in spite of his hair". Some folks are just stuck with mud on the brain when it comes to opening their mind to the possibility that the person in front of them may be a blessing from the Lord, in spite of what they may think about his/her appearance.
I hear that. My fiancee is in the process of growing out his hair. It was half-way down his back before he had to cut it for his job last summer. He currently has 4 tats, and 7 piercings. When he wears the clear plastic barbells in his tongue (that accouns for 2 of the piercings) you wouldn't even notice them. When he wears a clear plastic earring in his ear, it's not noticable. His 4 tats are only visible if he's wearing shorts and a wife-beater, which is never.
Aside from his hair, I bet any one posting on this board would have no problem hiring him, and would be shocked to find out he has tats.