86'd: Tipping in America with Bartender Jesse Torres

Cocktails & Capitalism

Have you ever wondered why we tip in the US? It seems like such an American thing to do and if you’ve ever traveled abroad, you almost immediately notice that most other countries don’t participate in this system. But why is that and where did it come from?

In this episode we explore tipping in America with our resident anti-capitalist bartender and long time service industry worker, Jesse Torres. He takes us on an in-depth look at the history of tipping, explaining how this system of payment is rooted in classism and racism that exploits and alienates workers—especially and disproportionally women, queer folks, and people of color.

Are there alternatives to tipping and how can service industry workers move to a better system? Join the discussion as we work towards reimagining service industry wages and business models and look at current examples of change already happening across the country.

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This show is sponsored by Beautiful Trouble — an international network of organizers, artists, and trainers working to equip grassroots movements with the tools to become more creative, effective, and irresistible.