Coffee culture
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coffee culture is a term used to describe a social atmosphere that depends heavily upon coffee shops, espresso in particular, to act as a social lubricant. The term is is frequently used to designate the ubiquitous presence of hundreds of espresso stands and coffee shops in the Seattle metropolitan area and the spread of franchises of businesses such as Starbucks and their clones across the United States and much of the world. Although the term coffee culture seems to be exclusively American, the formation of culture around coffee and coffee houses in fact dates back to the earliest coffeehouses founded in the 16th century Turkey. Coffeehouses, or enterprises that specialize in the preparation of coffee drinks, have traditionally been social hubs and artistic centers. Trademarks of today's coffeehouses (slower paced gourmet service, aesthetic environments, social outlets such as open mic nights, etc.) have their origins in early coffee houses and help to form the distinctive concept of "coffee culture." Although fast-paced coffee service is available, such as at Starbucks, it is still questionable as to what extent such enterprises truly embody the traditional role of coffeehouses in communities as enhancing the local culture.
Additionally, the term is found frequently in print media to describe the deep impact of market penetration into many parts of Seattle life. It is not unusual to see several espresso shops and stands within walking distance of each other or on opposite corners of the same intersection, typically with customers overflowing into parking lots.
Other aspects of "coffee culture" would include the presence of free wireless internet access for customers, many of which do business in these locations for hours on a regular, daily basis, and casual dating and group social activities. A "first date" at a coffee shop is, frequently, seen as a safe and non-threatening atmosphere in which to get to know somebody without the commitment of an expensive dinner, alcohol, or excessively noisy surroundings.
[edit] In Media
Coffee culture frequently shows up in comics ("funny pages"), television, and movies in a variety of ways. TV shows such as NCIS show characters constantly with espresso in hand or people distributing take-out cups to other characters. The comic strips Adam and Pearls Before Swine, frequently center the strip around visiting or working at coffee shops.
