Coffee houses have served as cultural gathering grounds since coffee has been sold. Men, women, artists, poets, political activists and almost every other social group have used coffee houses as a catalyst which provides the spark of imagination and debate.
Why then do I feel like an essential part of our social collective is slowly being burned into oblivion one corporate coffee shop at a time? I really don’t care if Starbucks charges $1, $4, or even $10 for a cup of coffee.
What concerns me is the cultural apathy that is growing within so many coffee shops today. I can’t remember the last time I went for a cup of coffee and heard someone reading poetry, or playing an instrument, or having a group discussion. Instead my memories seem sanitized and devoid of culture beyond the cup of coffee I was ordering.
There can be little debate that the revitalization of culture within the coffee houses we frequent will require our direct efforts. So here is my challenge to you — find a way to facilitate a cultural rebirth at your favorite coffee shop.
Figure out a way to get a group of strangers together to sit down, have some coffee and discus a topic. There are many options available, all that it takes is a conscious decision on your part to make it happen, and it will.
Share with us your successes and failures, a wise person once said:
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
July 21st, 2006 at 9:59 AM
This is so true. I have been trying to find these kinds of places in Winnipeg, but haven’t succeeded, most of the time I always end up haveing to go have coffee at the usual starbucks, or second cup, etc… Where did the artsy cultural coffee places go? I’ll take on this project that you mentiond, and share my results with everybody.
The main obstacle that I anticipate is trying to find people that actually have the time and disposition to slow down, and share an idea or two with others…
July 21st, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Finding time is always a challenge I will agree, the nice thing about coffee is that its not a big commitment of money or time.
I am excited to hear how your efforts go!
July 23rd, 2006 at 9:35 AM
Atlanta’s local 2 shop chain, Aurora coffee, passes the test! The N. Highland location regularly features political and cultural debate and discussion. Our state representative is a regular visitor as are a clan of neighborhood road cyclists. Local art is featured on the wall and CD’s from our local music store Criminal Records are for sale and on the air. Plus the coffee, fresh roasted by Batdorf Branson, is excellent. Visit when you get a chance!