The Itching Palm: A Study of the Habit of Tipping in America

** "The Itching Palm: A Study of the Habit of Tipping in America" by William R. Scott is an early 1900s exploration of American tipping culture, questioning its impact on society. The book critically analyzes tipping as both an economic and moral dilemma that exposes underlying issues of class and equality. Scott uses the term "Flunkyism" to describe how the reliance on tips creates a subservient attitude driven by financial need, which goes against American values. The book makes the case that the widespread dependence on tips degrades personal dignity and self-respect, particularly for those relying on gratuities to survive, and suggests that the ethical issues surrounding tipping deserve serious attention. **