India, Feb. 1 -- You've just had an excellent meal at a restaurant. The service was impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive. As you reach for your wallet to leave a tip, have you ever paused to wonder-why do we tip? Is it truly an expression of gratitude, or has it become a cultural habit that hides deeper inequalities?

Tipping, a practice that has been a part of our daily lives for generations, isn't as innocent as it seems. Beneath its surface lies a troubling legacy of power dynamics, inequality and dehumanization that continues to shape how we view service work today. While it may feel like a kind gesture, tipping often creates an uncomfortable imbalance between the giver and the receiver. Perhaps it is time for us to rethink th...