My experience with microaggression has been plenty. A memorial one is one that I witnessed. I don't know how many of you have been a server in a fast food restaurant. I was at this particular establishment and a group of black customers were walking up to the entrance of the door. I overheard one of the white servers say "here comes a groups of blacks, and you know that they do not tip well or at all." I was curious to see what the outcome will be after the party had consumed their meal, and if the party left a tip. Well, the server was correct because the tip was very small for the time and service that she had provided. I felt bad because what the server said came true.
In my younger days, I took a job in Atlanta, GA. My co-workers played a joke on me when we went to a restaurant for lunch for my first pay check, and they all left the table to excuse themselves for the restroom, but they had left the restaurant and left me with the bill. I paid the bill, but then the server came running after me about the tip. I was never taught the amount of tip that you was supposed to leave. All I had ever seen was my parents or relatives would leave one or two dollars.
This was my first time experience with tipping, so I asked her how much. She told me about the 15% gratuity to the total bill. So I gave her the money for the tip, and I have been leaving the 15% gratuity, and if the service is outstanding a 20% gratuity every since. The stereotype is that most black people do not tip well or at all. I still see it today where blacks tip or not, but I have seen other races leave little or no tips for their servers as well, and then others leave the gratuity and a little more. When I am with my date, family members, or co-workers at a restaurant, I make sure the tip is at least 15% of the total bill.
Hi Larry, awesome story of Microaggressions. Although the person was right the predujice was still made that "blacks" dont tip. My follow up questions would be how did the server treat the group seeing that they already prejudged them? As an African-American I can honestly say I tip according to my service and how I am treated. As a past hospitality worker I know the struggle of standing on your feet for hours to serve people who at times are plain out rude or just dont tip. Although the saying is put in place that the customer is always right there is a fine line to how much you can put up with which goes for both parties. Customers are mistreated or ignored due to their skin tone or ethnicity and hospitality workers are seen as maids. The misconception of tips boils down to treatment, would you pay extra for a service if you were dissatisfied?
ReplyDeleteNo, I would not pay extra for dissatisfied service.
DeleteHi Larry!
ReplyDeleteDid you work at the restaurant that his occurred at? My question is did you speak to your co-workers about what they assumed about their tip? I worked in the food service industry for years, and some people tip well and others do not. To me, it had nothing to due with race, but how they were taught by their parents. Much like the second part of your story, some people had not been taught.
Thanks for sharing!
Katie
No, I was just a customer. I can not say all servers, but some that I have spoken to about tipping don't expect much from some customers.
ReplyDelete