A BIG Question!
There's a sign behind the counter in the restaurant that reads: Tipping is Un-American. Save your change.
Can anybody tell me what the heck this means? I thought it extremely interesting.
I thought it was interesting too, although Gabrielle refers to it when she gives Alan some money, knowing that he hasn't paid her, and calls it his change - probably for the benefit of anyone listening. He plays along, telling her to keep the change, but she insists he keeps the money - referring to the sign by telling him that tipping is un-American. A possible reason could be that the sign was a reference to the era's depression - knowing that money was tight for people and so seeing the sign didn't make them feel awkward about not giving a tip. Just a thought!
shareI can't get that line out of my head still.
I've been thinking about it and maybe what it is is that old American pride thing so prevelant in that era. Perhaps Americans, true Americans take pride in what they do - without the allure of a tip.
Anything less would be un-American.
Boy, those were the days!
I'm thinking it's a Depression-era thing, with two purposes:
-So that people who can afford a meal but not a tip will come out and eat.
-So that people who can't afford a tip won't feel ashamed and not enjoy themselves.
I, too, was fixated on this sign. What a symbol of a different time in America. If I had a customer service-related business today, I'd put that sign up. It says to me, "In America (at least), service is your right as my customer, not an opportunity to squeeze more of your hard earned money."
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