As tattoos become more involved and evident in American culture, it affects how people receive what is professional and what is personal expression . Through this growing trend of tattoos in our culture, the question of what is socially acceptable begins to beg for an answer. If all forms of expression are fine as a whole, does this make all tattoos ok and presentable in all situations? With the professional image emphasized in the American industry, there is cause for concern about where to draw the line when it comes to the acceptability of tattoos in the workplace. Between America's interpretation of "professional" appearance, current tattoo policies in the workforce and possible First Amendment violations, a biblical view, and health code violations, tattoos are the cause of much discussion. For those who want a tattoo or those who want to start a respectable and well-associated business, it is important to understand that tattoos are a permanent mark on the body and, if not hidden, can cause consequences greater than you imagine. They are a permanent part of the bodies that mark and, in turn, of the bodies that mark America. It's not that tattoos are a terrible form of self-expression, but the fact that there's a time and place to make a statement, and the work field isn't one of them. The art of tattooing began as a tradition in the cultures of the ancient East approximately 6000 BC. From this point tattoos made their way to Eastern civilization and then to American civilization in 2000 BC (Sanders 9). The first entry of tattoos as part of American culture began with the military, when veterans would return home and mark their bodies as a tribute to their time at war and...... middle of paper..... .se of the Patron Tattoo." Journal of Retailing & Consumer Services 20.4 (2013): 389-99. EBSCOhost. Web. October 21, 2013. Sneden, Priscilla. "Corps Realigns Tattoo Policy." Marines 39.1 (2010): 32-35 . MasterFILE Premier Web. November 20, 2013Vanston, Deborah and James Scott. “Health Risks, Medical Complications, and Negative Social Implications Associated with Adolescent Tattooing and Body Piercing.” Studies in Vulnerable Children and Youth 3.3 (2008): 221- 33. Vanston, Deborah, and James Scott. “Health Risks, Medical Complications, and Negative Social Implications Associated with Adolescent Tattooing and Body Piercing.” Studies in Vulnerable Children and Youth 3.3 (2008): 221-33 the Bible About getting tattoos?" FAQs about the Bible. United Church of God, 2013. Web. November 18 2013. 2013.