Tipping culture has become somewhat of a controversy. It has a long history in the US and some parts of Europe. While it was once a simple concept, someone does a service and goes above and beyond, and they get a little extra compensation for their time. However, it has a seemingly dark history and has gotten so out of control that some people are fighting back.

Although tipping is a great way to show someone like your hairdresser, waiter, or gardener that they’ve done a great job, it has become somewhat convoluted. Late last year, Dustin Anderson told his followers he was done tipping.

Photo Credit: therealdutinanderson | TikTok

Done with Tipping Culture

He notes tipping was once for “exceptional service”, then poses a question. “When was the last time you got exceptional service, anywhere?” He explains that he doesn’t want people to go hungry, so he’s happy to pay enough for his meal, ensuring that employees can have livable wages.

However, “exceptional” service isn’t the norm anymore and he doesn’t want to continue to cover the cost so employees can have livable wages. “It’s just expected.” He shared. “They bring you the bill at the end of the meal and they’re like, ‘Here just fill this out’. Like 20 percent, 25 percent.”

“And it’s like, no, you did your job. They made food, you carried it to my table. You got me a Diet Coke, thank you, that was your job. You don’t get 25 per cent because you did your job.” He concluded.

Offering Sentiments of Agreement

Like many things, people are divided regarding tipping culture. However, most were in agreement with Dustin, “Yeeees!!! Tipping is OUT OF CONTROL,” Commented one user. “Especially when ordering take out! I don’t get it.. I’m not tipping for walking in and picking up my food.” Added another.

“Tipping when you get a coffeeeeeeee…. Like I already paid $6 for this coffeeeeee!” Exclaimed a third.

“I agree. The whole tipping thing has caused entitlement from what it was originally created for.” Added another.

“COMPANIES need to start paying employees fairly. Til then, I feel bad *not* tipping,” shared a final person.

Taking an Alternative Stance

Meanwhile, others took a different stance. “Tell your server at the restaurant you’re not tipping when you get to the table and see what happens.” Commented another person sarcastically. While someone else presented another great question. “Why also it is based on bill total? If I order the $50 lobster or the $20 chicken, they do the same work, but we’re expected to tip twice as much.” They wrote.

In contrast, some people were on the side of tipping culture, standing up for servers, having wither been one, or at least sympathizing with their situation. “Make working in the service industry a requirement for everyone!!!!” Declared one person.

Meanwhile, another shared, “As a former server, we had to PAY to serve people who didn’t tip. We paid a percentage of all sales back to the restaurant.” A third commented, “I don’t think anyone should comment on tipping a server unless they’ve worked in the service industry,” explained a third.

“Try being a waiter and let’s see if you change your mind, waiters do a lot more than most people think they do.” Another exclaimed in protest of Dustin’s decision to cancel tipping culture.

Tipping Culture is Out of Hand

Dustin isn’t the first to point out or speak up about tipping culture. There have been stories of food delivery drivers cancelling orders last minute or destroying the order because no tip was left. Some people have noted that tipping culture has gotten so out of hand that they’ve been asked to tip multiple times throughout the same transaction.

Others have even opted out of leaving tip for their hairdresser. “She didn’t have to commute, she’s not paying any overhead because she works from home,” Explained a woman whose video garnered more than 5 million views. “I think that’s a really good price. How many people are making $40 an hour?”

Brief Summary of a Dark History

Although leaving a generous tip to someone who’s gone above and beyond in their service is a lovely way to show appreciation, there’s a darker history to tipping that may impact how others view it.

However, the issue shouldn’t be between the server and the customer. Instead, people might be better off finding some middle ground between no tip and an outrageously priced tip. Either way, tipping culture started when the idea of a “tip” was brought over from Europe, according to an article from CBS.

Moreover, at the time, tipping culture was actually considered “Un-American.” However, the concept became popular back when restaurant owners were granted the right to hire, then not adequately pay people of color—namely black women.

Interestingly, despite it coming from overseas, there aren’t man places where tipping is common in Europe. Generally, because a tip, or at least generous wages, are already included in the price of the bill. This ensures the customer faces no hidden fees, business owners make a livable profit, and employees make a livable wage. Essentially, everyone wins. Dustin isn’t alone in feeling like tipping culture is out of hand, but who knows what, if any, changes will be made.