I like a lot of what you said here.

I live in Canada, and we have the same kind of insanity; I really believe that it is an abusive employment practice. I always tip at restaurants, because I know that the people helping me are only being paid minimum wage, and have likely been harassed all day. My mom actually worked as a waitress for several years; in Canada, one can forget how nasty people can be, unless one works in the service industry, in which one's patrons assume an entitlement to flawless service.

Serving in a restaurant is also a pretty tough job, so it really is unfair of employers to pay as little as they can, expecting that their employees will get by on minimum wage and the goodness and generosity of their kind patrons. I only know of two countries where one might escape this tyranny, however; they are New Zealand, and Yemen. That just goes to show that the only way to escape tipping is in the afterlife.

Women have it especially bad, so be nice; in general, women face more verbal abuse and are held to more exacting standards as servers. In addition, they are given fewer tips, on average, than men in the same profession, at the same establishments.

So, I agree with much of what you have said about tipping, though it is nice to provide a tangible kindness to people, when you can. If I were you, though, I would not come to Canada. More and more employers are adopting the minimum wage plus tips payment plan.

The hairdresser I go to asks for tips, apparently for not making me look like a stray dog, any more than usual, that is.

The last time I took a cab, I found the same thing. The taxi driver was Polish, and he told me all about the new standard practices in the industry. Drivers are now paid less, and are asked to make up for the difference in tips. They are also required to wear suits. He said my last name correctly, though, and I will always pay good money for that.

"Your city's taxi industry: bringing you tomorrow's abusive labour practices, today"