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Are you tired of being asked to tip everywhere you go? Do you feel guilty when you decline to leave a gratuity on the tablet screen? Do you wonder why businesses don’t just pay their workers more instead of relying on your generosity?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. Many Americans are feeling frustrated and confused by the changing norms and expectations of tipping culture. In a recent article by Vox, Emily Stewart explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and the perspectives of consumers, workers, and businesses.
Stewart argues that tipping has become a proxy for the economic anxieties and inequalities that plague our society. She points out that tipping requests have increased in frequency and amount, especially during and after the pandemic, when many service workers and small businesses struggled to survive. She also notes that technology has played a role in making tipping more visible and awkward, as point-of-sale tablets prompt customers to tip in situations where they may not have before.
Stewart acknowledges that tipping can be both a financial and emotional burden for consumers, who may feel pressured to tip more than they can afford or want to. She also recognizes that tipping can be a lifeline for workers, who often depend on tips to supplement their low wages and make ends meet. She suggests that businesses should pay their workers more but admits that this would likely result in higher prices for consumers.
Stewart concludes that tipping is a complex and controversial issue that has no easy solutions. She reminds us that tipping is mostly optional, and that we have choices in how we respond to tipping requests. She also urges us to be mindful of the bigger picture and the systemic factors that shape tipping culture.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic, you can read the full article here. You can also sign up for Stewart’s newsletter, The Big Squeeze, where she examines the ways, ordinary people are being squeezed under capitalism.