Here’s a tip: Let’s just do away with it

GOOD read on tipping [“Study Shows Blacks Tip Less -- but They May Have Good Reason,” Travel Insider, March 26]. I’ve seen the material before and you treated it well. The missing element was what the issue of “tipping” is and why we are angst-driven over it.

It is an acronym for “to insure promptness.” It was a practice done in advance of service to expedite the process. This has spiraled down to all of us. When did the public become responsible for dropping additional funds at the end of a transaction?

Many countries find tipping a strange custom, not practiced in their society. We should head in that direction ourselves. It does not ensure promptness, and it is expected no matter the quality of the food or the service delivered.

STEVEN M. DURHAM

Altadena

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WHAT was the point of the tipping article? It seems to increase black-white tensions and is just mean-spirited.

I have several white friends who are low tippers, and they are not poor. Tipping is a suggestion, not a rule, and more and more upscale restaurants are adding an automatic gratuity.

SUSAN SPLAWSKI

Chatsworth

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I am amazed that the Los Angeles Times would find it necessary to write on such subject matter that has little or no significance in the state of our global reality.

I am quite disappointed that an associate professor at a university that I heretofore held in high esteem would spend valuable time and money on this subject.

Both the study and the article reek of racism, no matter how you try to qualify it.

I do, however, thank you for pointing out the severe economic disparity that still exists in this country.

DEBORAH CHARLES

Los Angeles