I post this here because I am appalled after seeing a lot of people on a travel forum talk about how you don't actually need to tip in the United States. They all got super angry that I did not agree.

As a server I make $2.15 an hour. Tips are what we are paid. If you can't "afford to tip" then you can't afford to eat or drink out. Go to a gas station and buy a damn six pack.

Some of these people have said, "You're ignorant and demanding. What if I'm down to my last 20 dollars?!"

AGAIN, go to a fucking store and buy your own fucking food/drinks. Furthermore, maybe you shouldn't be traveling if you have adopted the mentality of screwing over people in other countries just so you can satiate your wanderlust with no money!

Look, I didn't create this antiquated system of the company paying their employees next to nothing and forcing the customers to foot that bill. However, this is the system within which we live.

Please, do the opposite of what so many countries condemn us for apparently doing and educate yourself on our dining practices.

Edit: http://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/wagestips