Tipping Culture
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Tipping Culture is Out of Control – Where Do We Draw the Line?
Tipping was once a simple and fair practice—a way to reward good service at sit-down restaurants and bars. But today, tipping has infiltrated everything. Fast food kiosks, self-checkout machines, and even carnival games now prompt customers for gratuity. It’s left many people wondering: Is tipping still about rewarding service, or have we all been roped into a nationwide scam?
In our latest video, Gary, Father James, and I navigate the absurd world of modern tipping culture. We encounter tipping requests at a fast food joint, a grocery store, a state fair, and even church, each time get more frustrated with the lack of clear tipping rules.
How Did We Get Here?
The rise of digital payments has made tipping more common—and more expected. Businesses use touchscreen prompts with default tip amounts as high as 30%, relying on social pressure to make customers feel guilty for not tipping. This practice, sometimes called “guilt-tipping,” puts consumers in an awkward position, making them feel like cheapskates if they decline.
Are We Just Subsidizing Poverty Wages?
One of the biggest problems with modern tipping culture is that it shifts the cost of doing business onto the consumer. Instead of raising wages, many companies rely on tips to cover their employees’ paychecks. It’s no longer just waitstaff who rely on tips—fast food workers, retail clerks, and even gig workers like Uber drivers are expected to hustle for extra cash from customers rather than receive a fair wage from their employers.
