Tipping the Scales: How Gratuity Became the New Wage for the Oldest Exploitation

In the United States, tipping is often seen as a gesture of appreciation for good service, but its roots reveal a much darker history. Emerging from post-Civil War America, tipping was used as a tool to reinforce racial and economic hierarchies, particularly in the South where newly freed Black workers were relegated to low-wage service positions. Customers, rather than employers, were made responsible for compensating these workers, perpetuating a system of exploitation that has persisted into modern times. This article explores the uncomfortable truth behind tipping’s history and argues for a rethinking of how we reward service, advocating for fair wages as a fundamental right rather than an optional extra.