Thoughts on the custom of tipping

Opinion

We should abolish the practice of tipping. Tipping shouldn't exist as it places an unfair burden on customers to determine the value of services received. The situation has been influenced by past decisions that have set this precedent as a standard. Instead of relying on employers for responsibility, we shift it onto consumers/customers.

Background

Tipping originated in the Middle Ages alongside Europe's caste system. Later on, some affluent Americans began practicing tipping while traveling through Europe. After the American Civil War, many former slaves sought employment in the service industry.

A fun, "not.so.fun." fact:

Not every slave knew that the Thirteenth Amendment was enacted primarily due to slave owners intentionally obscuring such information as much as possible.

Re: Background

Typically, employers maintained meager wages for former slaves. Tipping became a token of appreciation after wages.

US Persistent Cultural Systematic Norms

We're making incremental progress, but ultimately not going beyond the federal minimum wage. Not truly ensuring workers have dignity and fair compensation. A Maximum Tip Credit is a cash wage lower than the prevailing minimum wage in that state calculated per hour. This cannot exceed a certain amount by definition, and is capped at a maximum per state. On top of this, there's also a Minimum Cash Wage, which means an employee will make X amount indiscriminately per hour. So the employee has two sources of income that follow the Federal Minimum Wage for their state. The Maximum Tip Credit and the Minimum Cash Wage. Since one is guaranteed as a base and the other is capped at a max, it's based on demand. Combined, they makeup the minimum wage and extra. So we use a system dependent on capping the Maximum Tip Wage, and we also have a Minimum Cash Wage that allows for a lenient method of tips based on the gratuity of the customer. In this case, the demand. Which does help smaller and independent restaurants with flexible staffing and razor thin profit margins. The entire model of tips is trying to have its cake and eat it too.

The Precedent

The more responsibility is placed on the public rather than being shouldered by the employer, the greater delay in the idealogy shifting allowing this model to persist. Change will undoubtedly continue over time regardless of these obstacles. I think the reason for such slow progress is that customers are bearing the brunt of the "why" from the justification at the expense of the customers instead of the employer as an establishment.

The Good Samaritan

The concept of the Good Samaritan is deeply rooted in American culture. Depending on the density of people, time of day, and time, my collapse in a crowded sidewalk street would likely go unnoticed if there isn't an established culture of volunteering, charitable giving, and community support. To a large extent, I personally attribute this to individual traits within each person.

Herd Immunity

Any mission is more effective when a significant portion of the population is encouraged to practice it. Like walking under an umbrella-carrying crowd and staying dry 'cause even though they indirectly helped you not get soaked, you also just so happened to be in their vicinity. And because of this behavior, I believe it's challenging to make "good samaritan" actions enforceable. However, increasing incentives for being a good samaritan can encourage more people to help others. But you can't force those who refuse to assist.

Breaking Bad Tips

The concept of a good samaritan – random individuals coming together – is an underlying silent cultural scapegoat to justify tips in the service industry. Being a good samaritan isn't necessarily tied to tipping either, as evident by those (albeit few) who choose not to take their business to restaurants that practice tipping culture. People should probably vote with their wallets. There were some folks who migrated to or visited the US. Held an anti-tipping ideology. Took that sentiment back to their country and passed down legislation. Forming labor movements in their respective countries.