An Eastern transplant finds the storied tolerance of Portland not all it's cracked up to be.

"Throughout the eastern coast of the U.S. it is storied that Oregon, and more specifically Portland, is a place that thinks "outside the box" with a forward mentality; a place where the "weird" and "different" are accepted. Having moved here two months ago from New York in hopes of finding work I would have to say I've witnessed just as much prejudice here as anywhere else I have travelled.

I have multiple facial piercings as well as tattoos and on more than one occasion I have gone for an interview only to be informed that I would not be given employment if I chose to keep wearing my piercings. All arguments aside, I am forced to ask "why?" One position was working on a specialty farm and another was for dishwashing, neither of which would be affected in any way, shape or form by my appearance. At least back in New York, if they don't want to hire you, they simply wait until the interview is over and never call you again, allowing you to assume that someone more qualified was given the position.

In 2006, I attempted to enlist in the armed forces and was told, "We have an image to uphold around the world, and you don't fit that image." Taking that in stride, I went back to school instead and earned two degrees by 2012. Now I sit, two years later, struggling to even get accepted as a dishwasher (a job I held in New York for five years while in school) simply because I look different.

I moved here because I was lead to believe that the people of Portland, the people of Oregon, were not stuck in the 1800s and would not judge me a piece of human debris to be cast aside simply because I look different. Whatever my reasons for my appearance, they are my own and in no way have an impact on my skills or abilities.

With bills piling up and savings running low, I am now forced to consider moving to Florida to take a job working in a scrap metal yard ... a position I was only offered because it involves a good friend. I would very much like to stay in Oregon, but the lack of respect being shown a fellow human belies what I have been told about this place and its people."

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index....ml#incart_river

Now I ask you, why wouldn't anyone hire this guy?

Zitat

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With bills piling up and savings running low, I am now forced to consider moving to Florida to take a job working in a scrap metal yard ...

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I'd be damn careful working that job with all that metal in your skin....

I needed this laugh. Thanks!