As a millennial, the sort-of-real, sort-of-a-joke generational war with boomers is getting a little old to me. Maybe it’s time to pass the torch to gen Z?
I don’t think that was the intention of TikTok user @KateBrande when she uploaded a brief video from her serving job comparing the state of tables left by Z kids and a group of boomers, but it kind of exploded and sparked off a hell of a conversation.
@katebrande“They get paid to do that” VS “we know restaurant life is hard, here, let us help you out”♬ original sound – katebrande
The caption reads:
“‘They get paid to do that’ VS ‘we know restaurant life is hard, here, let us help you out.'”
It’s an interesting point on the shifting views on service industry work. My parents raised me to be polite, but I don’t remember ever being told to stack plates or help out at a restaurant table. That practice started with peer groups of mine.
Maybe the next generation takes this as even more of a given?
The comments section had plenty of detractors.
Cultural norms shift, of course.
Despite the video going viral, Kate doesn’t seem to be that worked up about it.
If you’ve been there, you know what it’s like.
Most comments were pretty supportive.
Twist ending!
Taking a second while you’re talking to your friends or waiting for the check to just tidy the table up a bit really requires very little effort, and could make a server’s day. I’m definitely in favor.
But what do you think?
Sound off in the comments.