In a troubling incident from North Carolina, a waitress named Emily received a Bible verse instead of a tip from a customer. Regardless of one’s religious views, this behavior is unacceptable. Servers depend on tips to make ends meet, and it’s disheartening to see them treated with such disrespect. Even if the service isn’t perfect, tipping is essential; after all, many waitstaff earn very low wages. In North Carolina, the average income for a waitress hovers around $17,000, which is alarmingly close to the 2014 poverty line of $12,000 as reported by the Institute for Research on Poverty. This highlights the importance of tipping.
The Incident
The situation escalated when Emily, who works at a cafe in Charlotte, discovered that one of her customers left a note citing Leviticus 20:13, which condemns same-sex relationships. The customer also added “praying for you” alongside the verse, leaving Emily feeling targeted for her sexual orientation. It’s concerning how the customer assumed Emily’s sexual preference without her ever disclosing it.
Interestingly, the customer’s dining companion did leave a tip, which makes this incident even more perplexing. Emily described the customers as cold and unresponsive, further highlighting their lack of consideration. After sharing her experience on social media, Emily expressed her disbelief that someone would discriminate against her in such a blatant manner.
Context of Discrimination
This incident comes on the heels of North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2, which has faced widespread backlash and led to boycotts by artists and organizations, including Ringo Starr and Bruce Springsteen. The law mandates restroom use based on birth certificate gender, stirring a significant amount of controversy and hate within the state.
Fostering Understanding and Kindness
It’s crucial to recognize that we’ve all shared spaces with individuals from the LGBTQ+ community without even realizing it. Whether it’s in a restroom or a restaurant, everyone deserves respect and fair treatment. Instead of propagating fear and discrimination, let’s foster understanding and kindness.
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Conclusion
In summary, replacing a tip with a hateful Bible verse is not just an act of discrimination, but also an unacceptable way to treat someone who works hard for their livelihood. It’s essential to remember the importance of kindness and support for those in the service industry.