Fact:  The American custom of tipping was imported from western Europe, where providing a tip to workers in private homes was a common practice.  University of Massachusetts-Amherst professor Gerald Friedman says tipping was not “particularly racial,” but rather “more a matter of customers showing off their wealth.” Friedman points to southern states that passed laws early in the 20th century which made it illegal to receive tips as further disputing the notion of any link between tipping and slavery. Tipped employees have rejected ROC’s claim as offensive and untrue.