There are a few payment apps that allow users to spilt the bill among friends evenly. But is it really even if there is a white male who can afford to splurge on the steak at the dinner table sitting next to another friend, a black woman who makes less money?
We totally understand that, depending on what kind of job they have, certain friends make more than others. But we also know that women generally earn less than men. And the gender gap only widens when race and ethnicity come into play. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic and Latina woman were paid only 54 percent, and African-American women were paid 64 percent of what white men were in paid in 2013.
However, women can make sure they're getting their money's worth when it comes to eating good because there is an app that will solve these unfair check debates once and for all.
A payment app called EquiTable splits bills "fairly" by using data from Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine just how much each person should contribute based on their gender and race.
"EquiTable helps you avoid the entrenched discrimination that exists in our society," the app's website reads. "It doesn't split the bill equally — it splits it equitably. You pay what you should to balance out the wage gap."
EquiTable allows users to create a profile, which includes their gender, race and a photo. The user would then tap on "spilt bill," and they will then be able to enter in the total amount for the bill and check which of their friends they will be divvying up the check with.
The app then calculates what each friend owes. If one of the friends at the table isn't satisfied with how much they have to pay, they can use the "protest" option and enter their claim to as why they are less privileged.
The idea for EquiTable came from comedian and talk-show host Luna Malbroux. She hilariously explains the app, which was the Grand Prize winner at the 2016 Comedy Hack Day in San Francisco, in the video below.
While the presentation is pretty funny, gender inequality is not, and the app serves as a great conversation starter regarding the inequality of wages.
EquiTable also allows users with some extra bucks to donate to charity. When dining with more affluent individuals, the app adds a "Pay it Forward Surcharge" to this "high-privilege group." This fee goes toward meals for others and other donations through the company's charitable arm.
EquiTable is expected to launch for iOS in the coming weeks.
Source: Huffington Post
