I know OP has mentioned USA. But I’ll chip in. Because like a lot of questionable things this culture is exported everywhere. I am from India and fortunately ti

I know OP has mentioned USA. But I’ll chip in. Because like a lot of questionable things this culture is exported everywhere. I am from India and fortunately tipping culture is not prevalent yet, but unfortunately it’s picking up. Tipping is dehumanising for both the server and the served. It often is downright humiliating to the served as well. Even the simple question that pops up in mind — am I giving high enough, is it too high, will I be looked down upon if it ended up being less. Do servers greatly prefer who tip more or “look like” will tip more anyway — yes, they do! I don’t want to be part of this game. Fix the price - let me be done with it. In India, restaurants have something called “service charge” (not service tax) and if it’s there I don’t tip - it’s an official thing. I just don’t. I usually don’t tip anyway. And I understand beyond reasonable doubt it has nothing to do with income disparity. That’s a truth and it’s everywhere - from hospital, grocery store, etc to kid’s school etc that you and the server both might approach. I don’t want to make this habit of “wondering” about tip every time. In fact at the end of the meal it was becoming a not so good experience. My worst experience around tipping was in Paris. I had politely asked “Can I have a shake?” and the young lady on the counter said in a terse loud tone “please!” and baffled I said “excuse me?” and then she pretty much shouted “please!!!” and for some reason my brain worked and I realised it was for demand of a “please” being added in my request. I was really embarrassed and I apologised and asked again with a “please”. She then moved and brought the glass and put in on table with audible force (few people turned towards the counter) while sternly looking at me, with bill. I paid the exact amount. Then she said in semi raised voice “tip?”. I again politely said "no tip" and left. The tip has become a misplaced entitlement. (I asked around. I was told that it was shitty of her to demand a please especially in that manner. My hostel manager said that a Parisian would have had given her “piece of mind”). So I am not even talking about minimum wage and better labour practises (that’s actually pretty shit in India by the way). In fact it should be kept as far away from tipping as much possible! Tipping should have nothing to do with labour practices and minimum wage. Nothing!! One of my favourite places here is a cafe that mentions “We do not accept tips!” and guess what that’s the only place where I have not seen entirely or many new staff if I don’t visit for 2 or a even full 1 month.