Fact:  The American custom of tipping was imported from western Europe, where providing a tip to workers in private homes was a common practice.  University of Massachusetts-Amherst professor Gerald Friedman says tipping was not “particularly racial,” but rather “more a matter of customers showing off their wealth.” Friedman points to southern states that passed laws early in the 20th century which made it illegal to receive tips…

Fact:  The American custom of tipping was imported from western Europe, where providing a tip to workers in private homes was a common practice.  University of Massachusetts-Amherst professor Gerald Friedman says tipping was not “particularly racial,” but rather “more a matter of customers showing off their wealth.” Friedman points to southern states that passed laws early in the 20th century which made it illegal to receive tips…