Tipping has long been a staple of service culture in the United States and parts of Europe. Originally intended as a way to reward exceptional service, tipping has evolved into a divisive practice. What was once a gesture of gratitude now feels like an expectation, sparking debates over its fairness and purpose. Has tipping lost its meaning, and is it time to reconsider its role in today’s society?

The Origins of Tipping

Tipping began in the 19th century as a way to thank workers for outstanding service. Imported from European customs, it allowed customers to reward service workers who went above and beyond. This mutual exchange benefited both parties—customers felt they were recognizing excellence, while workers appreciated the opportunity to earn additional income.

However, the practice has shifted significantly over time. Today, tipping is often seen as an obligatory expense rather than a voluntary reward. Many industries have come to rely on tips to offset low wages, placing the financial burden on customers instead of employers. This shift has raised questions about whether tipping remains a fair and effective practice in modern times.

Dustin Anderson’s Take on Tipping

Recently, Dustin Anderson, a vocal opponent of modern tipping culture, went viral for his blunt critique of the practice. He argued that tipping should be reserved for “exceptional service,” which he believes is increasingly rare.

“When was the last time you got exceptional service, anywhere?” Anderson asked his followers. He highlighted how tipping has transformed into an expectation, regardless of the quality of service. “They bring you the bill and just expect you to add 20 or 25 percent,” he said, pointing out how disconnected this expectation is from the original intent of tipping.

Anderson’s comments resonated with many frustrated customers. “Tipping is OUT OF CONTROL,” one commenter wrote. Another questioned, “Why are we tipping for coffee or takeout? It’s absurd.” These sentiments reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the pressures of tipping and its increasingly broad application.

Defending Tipping: The Workers’ Perspective

While Anderson’s criticism struck a chord with many, others—especially those who have worked in the service industry—defended the practice. For workers, tips are more than a gesture of gratitude; they are often essential to making ends meet.

“As a former server, we had to PAY to serve people who didn’t tip,” one commenter explained, referring to the common practice of servers sharing a percentage of their sales with the restaurant. Others pointed out the demanding nature of service jobs, both physically and emotionally, arguing that tipping compensates for the hard work required.

“Try being a waiter and see if you still feel the same,” one person challenged. Many defenders of tipping argue that the real issue lies with employers who use tips to supplement low wages rather than paying fair salaries. This reliance shifts the responsibility for workers’ pay onto customers, creating a flawed and imbalanced system.

Why Tipping Culture Feels Excessive

Modern tipping culture has strayed far from its original purpose. Customers are now often asked to tip multiple times during a single transaction. Whether at coffee shops, fast-food counters, or even self-checkout kiosks, tipping prompts have become almost unavoidable.

Delivery services have added another layer of complexity. Stories about delivery drivers canceling orders or mishandling food due to low or missing tips have become alarmingly common. These incidents highlight the growing tension between customer expectations and worker reliance on gratuities.

One viral video even featured a woman explaining why she didn’t tip her home-based hairdresser. “She doesn’t commute, and she doesn’t have overhead costs. How many people are making $40 an hour?” she asked. While some viewers supported her reasoning, others argued that tipping remains a necessary part of service-based professions.

The Troubling History of Tipping

The roots of tipping in the United States reveal a darker history. After the abolition of slavery, tipping became widespread as a way for employers to avoid paying newly freed Black workers fair wages. By relying on tips, businesses justified offering little to no base pay. This system disproportionately affected women of color, embedding systemic inequality into the foundation of tipping culture.

Although the racial dynamics of tipping have shifted over time, the core issue remains: employees in tipped industries often earn less than minimum wage, relying on inconsistent tips to survive. Critics argue that this system unfairly burdens customers, forcing them to subsidize wages that should be the responsibility of employers.

Comparing Tipping Practices

Interestingly, while tipping originated in Europe, it is far less common there today. In many European countries, service charges are included in the bill, and workers receive fair wages from their employers. This system ensures employees are compensated without relying on customer generosity.

In contrast, tipping in the U.S. has become a standard expectation, even in situations where service quality doesn’t warrant it. This discrepancy raises questions about why the U.S. continues to uphold a practice that other regions have successfully phased out.

The Case for Change

Tipping culture is at a turning point. Many agree that it has spiraled out of control, but there’s little consensus on how to address it. Some advocate for eliminating tipping altogether, urging employers to pay fair wages and include service charges in menu prices. Others call for a balanced approach, reserving tipping for exceptional service rather than treating it as a default obligation.

The debate goes beyond money—it’s about fairness and accountability. Customers shouldn’t feel pressured to tip out of obligation, and workers shouldn’t have to rely on unpredictable gratuities to earn a living. Reforming the system requires rethinking the relationship between wages, pricing, and customer expectations.

Conclusion

Tipping, once a gesture of gratitude, has become a source of frustration for customers and workers alike. Critics like Dustin Anderson have reignited conversations about the flaws in modern tipping culture, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

At its core, tipping should reward exceptional service—not subsidize low wages. By addressing fundamental issues like fair pay and clear pricing, we can create a system that benefits everyone involved. Until then, the tipping debate will continue to spark controversy, challenging us to rethink what fairness and appreciation truly mean.