Originally Posted by
walkingingotham
I thought independent thinking, challenging authorities, freedom of speech etc., is also American custom? If you live a privileged life and would like to do something to make you feel even better, by all means tip extra, but please don't expect/require others who may not be as privileged or have different opinions to do the same as you do. Travel more, go to east Asia, Europe and see how a tipping-free system could work much better that people are less self-entitled and take pride in doing their job well. Although even in the US tipping is supposed to be gratuity rather than bribery, I, like the majority, choose to follow the social norm to avoid being called jerk by some people. But I welcome those who dare voice their opinions and fight for a better system.
Oh come on. This is a travel forum, I've been all over Europe and Asia. I adhere to their customs when I am there.
You're speaking about putting the cart before the horse or protesting to the wrong person. Like I said, I would love to get rid of tipping and see servers paid a good wage, but they aren't yet in the U.S.. Protesting to the person at the bottom, the one with the least amount of power, is going to accomplish nothing. Better system... sure, let's do it. But stiffing a server is not going to make that happen.