So the Church of Body Modification has yet another member claiming that their facial piercing is protected by divine right and thus they should not be affected by dress code policies that ban piercings. Sara Yule got a job at a Catholic hospital and decided to her lip pierced. When told she would have to wear a retainer, she insisted that her religion did not permit the wearing of such retainers, and on religious grounds demanded that she be allowed to keep the ring.
SARA YULE (Photo: John D’Annibale / Times Union)
Sara says that she is “looking to make history” (religions always like ambitious and idealistic young heroines). The CoBM — big surprise here — hasn’t bothered replying to email on the subject so far. What I’d love to see is an explanation from anyone on how body modification in this context (a lip ring) is an overtly religious act, versus, say, simply an act of free expression (and the underlying spiritual freedom that all acts of free expression contain). As one of it’s founding members, I strongly feel that the actions CoBM members are not, by and large, “religious” in nature.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I agree with Sara that taking control of your body is an essential part of becoming an individual, and I think it’s terrible that there is a system in place that works to stop people from being individuals. However, part of being an individual is also accepting that sometimes doing the right thing isn’t easy, and that the more free you want to be, the more you have to rely on yourself, rather than expecting others to help you.
I think firing someone over body modification is bullshit. Worse than that though, I think that the fact that “freedom of expression” is not a fundamental and protected right in the United States (it is a right in many other nations), is also bullshit. Sadly though, you can’t use a bullshit religion to fight bullshit laws.
Comments
70 responses to “The latest CoBM news”
You are right, freedom of expression isn’t protected here.
You are right, freedom of expression isn’t protected here.
[i]Sadly though, you can’t use a bullshit religion to fight bullshit laws.[/i]
Oh god that’s the masterstroke right there. Not to mention the whole reason that CoBM didn’t and won’t work in this incarnation. It’s NOT a religion. It’s a lobbying group.
[i]Sadly though, you can’t use a bullshit religion to fight bullshit laws.[/i]
Oh god that’s the masterstroke right there. Not to mention the whole reason that CoBM didn’t and won’t work in this incarnation. It’s NOT a religion. It’s a lobbying group.
It’s odd that she says she had facial piercings years ago and no one cared, but once she got rehired (without piercings) then had them re-done is when she was asked to leave.
Then again, I see nothing wrong with being offered to wear a retainer, (it’s still pierced, and you still have jewelry in it n’est pas?) so I think the employer was at least willing to compromising.
But the best line in the article is that she’s “looking to make history”
It’s odd that she says she had facial piercings years ago and no one cared, but once she got rehired (without piercings) then had them re-done is when she was asked to leave.
Then again, I see nothing wrong with being offered to wear a retainer, (it’s still pierced, and you still have jewelry in it n’est pas?) so I think the employer was at least willing to compromising.
But the best line in the article is that she’s “looking to make history”
using religion to hide behind sucks.
taking personal responsibility doesn’t. she doesn’t appear to be.
using religion to hide behind sucks.
taking personal responsibility doesn’t. she doesn’t appear to be.
Why would a person so deeply commited to their “religion” go to work at a catholic hospital anyway? Seems about like a vegan working at a butcher shop.
Why would a person so deeply commited to their “religion” go to work at a catholic hospital anyway? Seems about like a vegan working at a butcher shop.
The U.S. does provide freedom of expression it’s just limited,like all things…Is it right? I guess for most people it is because they see it as ‘as long as it’s protecting the people i love then yes it is right.’The problem with most Americans is that some of us expect things to just be how we think they should be,but the problems that arise lay in the fact that everyone-no matter how alike- have different beliefs on what is right and wrong;and no matter how large the consensus among us,there is always going to be someone left out…the trick is to never be ignored to the point where people start believing you aren’t important and viable.
anyway,while i think that the girl is right in that it’s her body,her beauty,and her spirituality;it’s not her money,her business image,and clientele that’s on the line.some businesses have a certain image that they like to maintain,and a certain demographic they cater to so they want employees that can fit in with that demographic…yeah,i would’ve probably quit:/
The U.S. does provide freedom of expression it’s just limited,like all things…Is it right? I guess for most people it is because they see it as ‘as long as it’s protecting the people i love then yes it is right.’The problem with most Americans is that some of us expect things to just be how we think they should be,but the problems that arise lay in the fact that everyone-no matter how alike- have different beliefs on what is right and wrong;and no matter how large the consensus among us,there is always going to be someone left out…the trick is to never be ignored to the point where people start believing you aren’t important and viable.
anyway,while i think that the girl is right in that it’s her body,her beauty,and her spirituality;it’s not her money,her business image,and clientele that’s on the line.some businesses have a certain image that they like to maintain,and a certain demographic they cater to so they want employees that can fit in with that demographic…yeah,i would’ve probably quit:/
This reminds me of boys at school who refused to take off their baseball caps on religious grounds as they had “converted to Islam”.
This reminds me of boys at school who refused to take off their baseball caps on religious grounds as they had “converted to Islam”.
Sade – The US does NOT provide “freedom of expression” as a right explicitly. Thus there is a massive debate inside the US in terms of what is “free speech” (whereas the debate in other countries as to what is “free expression” is easier, because you don’t have to debate the borders of the medium).
Sade – The US does NOT provide “freedom of expression” as a right explicitly. Thus there is a massive debate inside the US in terms of what is “free speech” (whereas the debate in other countries as to what is “free expression” is easier, because you don’t have to debate the borders of the medium).
“But her situation isn’t so simple. Yule’s religion has no formal deity or buildings of worship.” (From the Times article)
Does that really matter? A religion does not about a building or a deity to mean something to people. Personally I think look to spirituality over religion but it does not stop me from believing that a religion is in a person not in a church.
Freedom of expression is seen in the actions of Sara and Her employer. She wanted to have her facial piercing and they wanted to fire her. Both parties expressed their beliefs. I can walk up to a vendor and tell them to â[email protected]#$ off!â? , I will get fired. I would have made the choice to use my freedom of expression to tell the vendor off. I would get fired if my boss thought my choice was not beneficial to the company. You can modify your body in any way you want as long as you are ready for the implications. Tattoo a swastika to your forehead, pierce your nose, tattoo your knuckles, get a PA, cut off a toe, do what you want. People will react to them however they choice to and you have to be ready for the reactions. Some are positive some are negative. The good and the bad, people in the public eye are scrutinized for the appearance and can be judged because of this. This is not right or just but life is not fair. People used to be openly judged by the color of their skin.
“But her situation isn’t so simple. Yule’s religion has no formal deity or buildings of worship.” (From the Times article)
Does that really matter? A religion does not about a building or a deity to mean something to people. Personally I think look to spirituality over religion but it does not stop me from believing that a religion is in a person not in a church.
Freedom of expression is seen in the actions of Sara and Her employer. She wanted to have her facial piercing and they wanted to fire her. Both parties expressed their beliefs. I can walk up to a vendor and tell them to â[email protected]#$ off!â? , I will get fired. I would have made the choice to use my freedom of expression to tell the vendor off. I would get fired if my boss thought my choice was not beneficial to the company. You can modify your body in any way you want as long as you are ready for the implications. Tattoo a swastika to your forehead, pierce your nose, tattoo your knuckles, get a PA, cut off a toe, do what you want. People will react to them however they choice to and you have to be ready for the reactions. Some are positive some are negative. The good and the bad, people in the public eye are scrutinized for the appearance and can be judged because of this. This is not right or just but life is not fair. People used to be openly judged by the color of their skin.
Is it just me or are her pupils dilated to the point of creepiness in that pic? *mesmerized*
Is it just me or are her pupils dilated to the point of creepiness in that pic? *mesmerized*
I think the reason they were upset after she was rehired she was working in a different area than when she first worked there. I also agree there is nothing wrong with a retainer to be all honest. But then of course I am use to skirting the rules because both my sons have their ears pierced and one has a mohawk and we found ways to work with the rules and let my boys keep what they love.
They tried to work with her and that is big if one actually thinks about it. So many places wont do even that much.
I think the reason they were upset after she was rehired she was working in a different area than when she first worked there. I also agree there is nothing wrong with a retainer to be all honest. But then of course I am use to skirting the rules because both my sons have their ears pierced and one has a mohawk and we found ways to work with the rules and let my boys keep what they love.
They tried to work with her and that is big if one actually thinks about it. So many places wont do even that much.
ugh i was so excited when i heard about the existence of a cobm…its too bad that the reality isnt half as wonderful as the idea.
ugh i was so excited when i heard about the existence of a cobm…its too bad that the reality isnt half as wonderful as the idea.
Yeah, that’s not going to go too far. Just because something is spiritual (and how exactly do you define that when I sure as hell don’t get tattoos for any spiritual reason) doesn’t make it a religion.
Yeah, that’s not going to go too far. Just because something is spiritual (and how exactly do you define that when I sure as hell don’t get tattoos for any spiritual reason) doesn’t make it a religion.
Does the hospital expect us to believe that this will affect their business? I’d be very surprised to learn about someone walking into the emergency room in need of medical care- with a gaping wound or some other trauma- seeing the girl at the desk with the lip piercing, and thinking, “Huh! That’s really offensive! I’m not giving this company my business! In fact, forget this- I’m leaving this instant!” Even if people feel that the piercing isn’t appropriate in such a setting (an arguable opinion) I sincerely doubt it will play a role in any decision about whether or not to use the services of the ER. I don’t think it’s a religious argument, but I am glad that she’s trying to hold her ground.
Does the hospital expect us to believe that this will affect their business? I’d be very surprised to learn about someone walking into the emergency room in need of medical care- with a gaping wound or some other trauma- seeing the girl at the desk with the lip piercing, and thinking, “Huh! That’s really offensive! I’m not giving this company my business! In fact, forget this- I’m leaving this instant!” Even if people feel that the piercing isn’t appropriate in such a setting (an arguable opinion) I sincerely doubt it will play a role in any decision about whether or not to use the services of the ER. I don’t think it’s a religious argument, but I am glad that she’s trying to hold her ground.
As a nursing student I’m banned by every single authority (hospital, health board, teachers, school) from wearing my facial piercings in a hospital setting. This applied even when I was simply observing, not even touching anything. The reason there is safety, as much as it is sanitation. I sure as hell don’t want my ear ripped open or lip grabbed by a patient. ERs are hectic places where ring-type piercings are not a very clever idea. It is kind that the hospital offered her the use of a retainer, which is obviously safer.
As a nursing student I’m banned by every single authority (hospital, health board, teachers, school) from wearing my facial piercings in a hospital setting. This applied even when I was simply observing, not even touching anything. The reason there is safety, as much as it is sanitation. I sure as hell don’t want my ear ripped open or lip grabbed by a patient. ERs are hectic places where ring-type piercings are not a very clever idea. It is kind that the hospital offered her the use of a retainer, which is obviously safer.
“She was given three options: Take it out, replace it with something transparent or look for another job in the company, Seton Health, according to her account of the 7:30 a.m. conference with hospital officials, 30 minutes before her overnight shift ended.
All three were unacceptable, she said.”
Considering they didn’t even ask her to leave the company, I think she’s rather an ass.
“She was given three options: Take it out, replace it with something transparent or look for another job in the company, Seton Health, according to her account of the 7:30 a.m. conference with hospital officials, 30 minutes before her overnight shift ended.
All three were unacceptable, she said.”
Considering they didn’t even ask her to leave the company, I think she’s rather an ass.
There are serious safety issues to piercings and other jewelry in in certain jobs. My dad is an auto mechanic and in his garage you can’t wear any jewelry at all, not even wedding rings are allowed because of the safety issues. I work in a pottery studio and I can’t wear any dangling jewelry or any that can slip off such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc. because I could get hurt if a necklace got caught in on of the machines that mix clay and I could ruin the machinery if a ring or bracelet fell in. I think being fired for body modification which has no effect on job performance is ridiculous and wrong, however workplaces have to protect the safety of their workers and customers even if the worker in question doesn’t want to be protected. I think requiring retainers which a thrashing patient couldn’t rip out easily would be completely reasonable in the situation.
There are serious safety issues to piercings and other jewelry in in certain jobs. My dad is an auto mechanic and in his garage you can’t wear any jewelry at all, not even wedding rings are allowed because of the safety issues. I work in a pottery studio and I can’t wear any dangling jewelry or any that can slip off such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc. because I could get hurt if a necklace got caught in on of the machines that mix clay and I could ruin the machinery if a ring or bracelet fell in. I think being fired for body modification which has no effect on job performance is ridiculous and wrong, however workplaces have to protect the safety of their workers and customers even if the worker in question doesn’t want to be protected. I think requiring retainers which a thrashing patient couldn’t rip out easily would be completely reasonable in the situation.
If the article gives an accurate picture, she went looking for this fight.
If the article gives an accurate picture, she went looking for this fight.
It’s ridiculous that she wouldn’t wear the retainer.
They gave her the option (which many companies wouldn’t).
It was really rather nice of them.
Where is her problem in wearing a retainer?
If my work told me to wear a retainer I wouldn’t hesitate.
The hospital obviously want to project a certain image. Obviously, they think that a pierced lip in a Catholic hospital is inappropriate. (Not that I necessarily agree).
She needs to take ownership of her actions and accept consequences.
It’s ridiculous that she wouldn’t wear the retainer.
They gave her the option (which many companies wouldn’t).
It was really rather nice of them.
Where is her problem in wearing a retainer?
If my work told me to wear a retainer I wouldn’t hesitate.
The hospital obviously want to project a certain image. Obviously, they think that a pierced lip in a Catholic hospital is inappropriate. (Not that I necessarily agree).
She needs to take ownership of her actions and accept consequences.
The super dilated pupils really make her look like a whacky cult member. At least it goes with her bullshit religion.
The super dilated pupils really make her look like a whacky cult member. At least it goes with her bullshit religion.
She chose a job. The job has a dress code. She failed to meet it. She was given a good compromise. She didn’t take it.
If she thinks a lip ring is worth more than her job, all the power to her, but many may say otherwise.
She chose a job. The job has a dress code. She failed to meet it. She was given a good compromise. She didn’t take it.
If she thinks a lip ring is worth more than her job, all the power to her, but many may say otherwise.
She was given every opportunity to work around that piercing policy in that job position; they didn’t even want to fire her, they wanted to move her around the company so that it would work for both parties. But no, she had to be an attention whore and make us all look stupid by association. Fuck her. She just made it a little harder for me to get a gainful job in this area.
(And yeah, big surprise that she’s from Waterford. GE Silicones is based there, must be the water.)
She was given every opportunity to work around that piercing policy in that job position; they didn’t even want to fire her, they wanted to move her around the company so that it would work for both parties. But no, she had to be an attention whore and make us all look stupid by association. Fuck her. She just made it a little harder for me to get a gainful job in this area.
(And yeah, big surprise that she’s from Waterford. GE Silicones is based there, must be the water.)
Yes! Someone else noticed the pupils! I swear she’s really a droid. RUN! THE COBM’S ANDROID MINIONS ARE COMING FOR YOUR SOULS! 🙂
Honestly… I don’t see what her issue is, if they don’t even mind her wearing a retainer. Ye gods.
Yes! Someone else noticed the pupils! I swear she’s really a droid. RUN! THE COBM’S ANDROID MINIONS ARE COMING FOR YOUR SOULS! 🙂
Honestly… I don’t see what her issue is, if they don’t even mind her wearing a retainer. Ye gods.
CoBM may never cease to irritate the piss out of me.
CoBM may never cease to irritate the piss out of me.
This makes me curious. If I have a significant facial scar from a car accident, can a place of employment tell me to remove it or refuse to hire me because of it? What is I have facial scarring that is self inflicted? What about facial tattooing, since that presents no hazard to yourself or patients (once it’s healed)?
I personally think that business have no right to restrict your appearance beyond a dress code, which means clothing, and possibly whether you take a regular shower or not. If I can do the work required, then my piercings/tattoos or lack thereof are irrelevant. (If it’s okay to say you can’t have tattoos/piercings, what’s to stop a business from saying that you can’t smoke, eat red meat, drink, drive a sports car, sky dive, etc.? These issues all run into and blend with each other; there is no single, clear defining point that makes these issues significantly different.) Here’s a thought; some people are offended by gays, women on positions of authority, non-white people, or various religions. Shall we say that it’s okay to refuse employment to these groups, or move them to a less visible position, because our clientele doesn’t like it?
Just thinkin’.
This makes me curious. If I have a significant facial scar from a car accident, can a place of employment tell me to remove it or refuse to hire me because of it? What is I have facial scarring that is self inflicted? What about facial tattooing, since that presents no hazard to yourself or patients (once it’s healed)?
I personally think that business have no right to restrict your appearance beyond a dress code, which means clothing, and possibly whether you take a regular shower or not. If I can do the work required, then my piercings/tattoos or lack thereof are irrelevant. (If it’s okay to say you can’t have tattoos/piercings, what’s to stop a business from saying that you can’t smoke, eat red meat, drink, drive a sports car, sky dive, etc.? These issues all run into and blend with each other; there is no single, clear defining point that makes these issues significantly different.) Here’s a thought; some people are offended by gays, women on positions of authority, non-white people, or various religions. Shall we say that it’s okay to refuse employment to these groups, or move them to a less visible position, because our clientele doesn’t like it?
Just thinkin’.