Coffee culture

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A coffee house in Damascus.
A coffee house in Damascus.

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 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.

Coffee Culture is also used to refer to the diffusion and adoption of coffee as a widely consumed stimulant by a 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.

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[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.

Daily Mail writer Philip Nolan stated that the spread of the coffee culture in Ireland is largely accredited to American television shows Friends and Frasier, saying, “we saw it reflected in the lifestyles of our TV favourites the Friends gang in Central Perk drinking instead of alcohol; Frasier and Niles having latte and biscotti in the café Nervosa; every cop on TV being called out on a 911 just as he ambled back to his car with Dunkin’ Donut and a cup of strong, black coffee."[1]

[edit] International

The coffee culture has shown a spread throughout the world. China has seen a great increase in the coffee culture. The total volume sales of coffee in China has increased 90 % between the years 1998 and 2003.[2] Starbucks’ Greater China vice-president Eden Woon said “China will eventually be the largest international market for Starbucks outside of the United States.”[3]

The coffee culture in Indonesia has taken on a new, modern meaning with the expansion of coffee shops. Even those who are not coffee lovers are spending time in coffee houses just to enjoy the atmosphere.[4] Starbucks opened its first location in Indonesia in 2002 and have now opened 24 locations in the country.[5] Anthony Cottan, general manager of PT Sari Coffee Indonesia, the franchisee for Starbucks, argued that the presence of Starbucks would draw more people to the coffee culture, "while existing local brand coffee shops would educate people more about coffee drinking and expand the potential market."[6]

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Nolan, Philip. “Will Our Love Affair With Coffee Survive the 3 Latte?; As the Price of Your Grande Skinny Soars." Daily Mail [London]. 24 Aug 2006. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. U. of Nevada, Reno, Getchell Lib. 5 Feb 2008. <http://www.lexisnexis.com>
  2. ^ “Is Coffee the New Black?" Chinadaily.com.cn. 2 March 2007. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. U. of Nevada, Reno, Getchell Lib. 5 Feb 2008. <http://www.lexisnexis.com>
  3. ^ “Is Coffee the New Black?" Chinadaily.com.cn. 2 March 2007. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. U. of Nevada, Reno, Getchell Lib. 5 Feb 2008. <http://www.lexisnexis.com>
  4. ^ Naommy, P. “Local Coffee Shops Wake Up and Smell the Competition." Jakarta Post [Jakarta]. 29 August 2004. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. U. of Nevada, Reno, Getchell Lib. 5 Feb 2008. <http://www.lexisnexis.com>
  5. ^ Naommy, P. “Local Coffee Shops Wake Up and Smell the Competition." Jakarta Post [Jakarta]. 29 August 2004. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. U. of Nevada, Reno, Getchell Lib. 5 Feb 2008. <http://www.lexisnexis.com>
  6. ^ Naommy, P. “Local Coffee Shops Wake Up and Smell the Competition." Jakarta Post [Jakarta]. 29 August 2004. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. U. of Nevada, Reno, Getchell Lib. 5 Feb 2008. <http://www.lexisnexis.com>