I sympathize with the barista here, but mindset that customers need to cover 10 to 20% of his income is symptom of decades of brainwashing of employees and customers alike. In this case NPR is part of this brainwashing. I will not tip someone for doing their job. I will only tip when I feel it is needed based on the service provided.
nobody said workers are causing the problem. it’s like you don’t even read what people say you just argue. And for the record I don’t disagree with what you’re saying. cool write-up though