Sign Over the Bar
"Tipping is unAmerican. Keep your change."
My how times have changed.
I know, I've never heard of tipping being unAmerican. I wonder how many people refused tipping back then, especially since the country was still recovering from the Great Depression in 1936 and people needed every cent they could get their hands on.
Indeed - the depression changed everything.
As an aside, I take no issue with tipping wait staff; they make practically nothing to begin with. But the tipping culture has gone nutso.
Yeah, I wonder how much the tipping mindset has changed over the past several decades or the past century.
Coincidentally after I posted here last night, I was watching The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939) on TCM starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. I don't know how much of the story about this real life couple is true. Times were tough for them around the year 1911 and when they were offered a tip (from some big shot) for a performance they gave, Vernon refused it, but Irene said they'll take it because they needed every cent they could get - or something to that effect. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031983/
I'll look for that; I recorded it but haven't watched it yet.
My mother doesn't drive any more so she gets a lot of deliveries to her home. She placed a grocery order on-line and took a taxi to pick it up because I was unavailable. She went to get the kid five bucks for loading her stuff and he wouldn't take it. She was absolutely shocked. And delighted.
I'll have to keep that in mind about ordering online and taking a taxi to pick up purchases. Due to minor health issues I may not be able to drive much in the future (I don't mind not driving). Last I checked the grocery stores around where I live have a no tipping policy. I wonder why.
I think it might be a regional thing. I'm from NJ; they don't even bag your groceries and they'd take a tip in a heartbeat. I live in NC now and it's just a different perspective.
Here's hoping your health issues don't get in the way of a full and happy life.
Thank you, I really appreciate that. I wish you and yours a full and happy life, as well . I wanted to get back on here sooner, but the winter weather knocked out our cable and internet.
FYI, I watched "The Story of Vernon & Irene Castle" yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it and, of course, noticed the 'no tipping' discussion.
Glad you're back on line!!
My mother (almost 88) will tip, but she still thinks it's 1936! As far she's concerned, 75 cents should be par for the course and $1 for exceptional service. I
May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?
Last I checked the grocery stores around where I live have a no tipping policy. I wonder why.
Most grocery store workers (aside from 'Mom and Pop' type stores) are union members (even the baggers are often 'provisional' members), who make a decent wage - the 'no tipping' policy is often written into their contract, as part of their wage scale.
...at least that's what I was told by a grocery store worker I once knew.
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"Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." share
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As an aside, I take no issue with tipping wait staff; they make practically nothing to begin with
The difference being that when this movie takes place, waitstaffs were typically paid a living wage - hence the sign that prompted this thread's genesis...
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"Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." share
Maybe Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs watched this movie during his formative years and that's how he developed his theory on tipping.
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