Tipping

What is the deal with tipping? I guess I just don't understand it. (Just after writing this, I'm thinking that if I raise my voice a half octave, I have a Jerry Seinfeld bit.)

Anyway, seems like tipping is a monetary form of "Thank you. Here's some money." It seems a little demeaning, actually. If I hold the door for someone, I wouldn't expect money from them. A simple "thanks" would be more than enough. I don't even need that. If someone is being a good host or hostess at a restaurant, I just figure they're working to get a good tip. I know that's cynical, but that's how I feel. (At least I think that is how I feel, because I've never been absolutely sure what the word cynical means.)

What has started me thinking about this topic is a couple days ago we ordered a pizza. The guy comes to the door and I give him $20. He says, "You want the change back? I hope not." I swear that is what he said. That is just blatant. It is like one step up from sitting in front of Wal-Mart with a cardboard sign, begging for money. Let me guess, you also want God to bless me and you're a veteran.

OK, let's pause. Why do these guys on street corners always have signs that are made of cardboard with ragged edges. We get it - it shows your poverty. But why do these guys always have dogs with them and a lot of times you see them talking on a cell phone. If I was to give them something I think maybe a small white board and dry erase marker. It would set them apart as being a go-getter.

Back to tipping. I don't remember who, but some restaurant chain said they weren't accepting tips anymore. Hear, Hear. (Or perhaps Here, here. Why did people say that anyway?)

Who doesn't get tipped? Firemen, policemen, nuns - a lot of people that are probably more deserving than people that bring me my food.

The big argument for it I guess their employer doesn't pay them enough. So pay them more. It's not my job to augment their salary because you don't pay a living wage. And why should the person bringing the food get the tip? Other people working there - the cooks, janitors, dishwashers, etc seem to be working as hard or harder. They don't get any tips.

I know I'm sounding kind of negative. But, I'm fine with them getting more money. Just raise the price of my meals and pay them a better salary. Then we can all stop tipping.