Why is tipping culture so common in America?

We have probably seen Europeans talking about this issue frequently in a social media video. This situation, which seems very strange to European countries, is actually It’s the bread and butter of Americans. Well this habit; Is it designed to make employers pay their employees less? Or is this culture a sign of generosity?

In this topic we are discussing today, we will see more clearly how capitalism has hit America. The saying “squeezing out the juice from the stone” is valid for this situation in America. All sorts Employers who are cunning, On top of that, he almost forces his employees to extort tips from customers.

First, it is useful to look at how this culture started: The American government has been supporting the employer in this regard from the very beginning.

American congress in 1960, within the scope of workers receiving tips It gives the employer the authority to pay below the minimum wage. Many employers who see this as an opportunity, tip box He placed the so-called box in his shops and allowed the workers to collect tips. So, at the end of the day, as a worker, you can make a profit or a loss.

But of course, this was not the case before; even tipping before the 20th century It was considered rude in America. However, on the contrary, at that time in European countries The custom of tipping was frequently used, just like in today’s America. So, what changed after these dates and things turned around?

Americans who visited Europe before the 20th century frequently enjoyed the tipping culture. they were complaining, But this is exactly the case in accommodation businesses. “American “Plan”from “European Plan”It changed with the transition to . To briefly explain the plans; America Plan, hotel accommodation with food and drinks included in the price whereas the European Plan was the exact opposite.

But in those times American hospitality industry Let us remind you that it is not very big. Employers; If customers tip finds it insulting, They thought it was as if they were paying bribes to give them more food.

However, when this sector started to grow in America, the burden on the workers began to increase and the wages they received began to become insufficient. In short, in America middle class appeared.

By the mid-1920s, tipping had become the norm in America.

However, this time, European countries switched to the opposite model, that is, from the tip model They were moving away. Instead, they included tip fees in meal prices, thus paying employees a net minimum wage. This situation, which has become a part of their culture day by day in America, is no longer in the 1960s. it had become legal already.

Today, if you go to America, most waiters or workers He expects a tip from you you can see clearly. A certain part of this situation -especially tourists- Naturally, he is very upset because he argues that it is not their fault that the employer pays low wages.

Today, Americans are feeling the pressure of not tipping anymore. How?

For example, you went to a grocery store, you can find it in many supermarket chains today. with smart safe You passed your own products and wanted to pay. automatically during payment “tip screen” appears before you.

Sometimes with emotional exploitation, sometimes with As if you had to give The screen that appears in front of you with large options is a controversial issue that Americans have been talking about lately.

Even though people are uncomfortable with this situation, they continue to tip due to social pressure. In fact, this situation has progressed to such absurd levels that you may even have to tip when you buy a loaf of bread from the oven. At least 20% in the food industryin bars minimum $1 per drink You are asked to leave.

Let’s hear this from an American, because he argues the exact opposite:

Stating that people have been arguing about tipping lately, the woman is actually trying to explain exactly this: Although people Even though they say they don’t have to In fact, they have to give because they receive service. There is a difference between paying for what you eat and paying for the service. You pay for what you eat and tip for the service.

In fact, this issue is quite controversial because the person who has to pay here is not exactly the customer, employer. However, as we mentioned before America’s capitalist order Unfortunately, it pushes everyone to be like this. At the end of the day, it is still unclear how ethical this issue is.

So what do you think about this issue? Do you think the employees are right or the customers? Choose your side, write in the comments!

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