Mark Cropp was arrested and spent two years in prison after he brandished a knife while trying to sell fake marijuana to a tourist in New Zealand. While in prison, Cropp had the phrase “DEVEST8” tattooed on his face. When asked why he had such an extreme body modification, Cropp told the New Zealand Herald he did it to prevent other inmates from “picking on him.”
Now the 19-year-old father and ex-convict is struggling to find work.
He sent the following message expressing his complaint an interest to Auckland Jobs on Facebook,
Hey im keen as to work but have one thing that is stoping me and thats my tattoo on my face i dont have a cv as of yet but have worked at nz brick distrabuters b4 also a scrap metal yard im 19 years of age and have my lerners license. Keen as on job or work place that will take me on.
In an interview with the Herald Cropp said,
One employment place said to me: ‘I wouldn’t employ you with that on you face, I wouldn’t even take a second look at you’.
I’ve had other people that just shrugged and laughed at me.
I was over people judging for my facial tattoo… that’s why I made the decision to put that photo on Facebook, to turn around and say ‘I am just a normal human being, you do not have to judge me because of the way I look’.
Before we begin to address the tattoo, we’d like to encourage Cropp to write complete and grammatically correct sentences when looking for employment. A resume and a CV aren’t bad ideas either. As for the tattoo, maybe he should consider growing a full beard?
What do you think he should do?
Like and share this story if you’re not surprised his employers are hesitant to hire him on looks alone. Please leave a comment on Facebook and let us know what you thought about Cropp’s problem.