a post on a rainy morning
In simple terms, we can define democracy as a way of thinking, acting, and behaving that evaluates the rights and obligations equally with other people. Democracy is considered the best system in the world today, in a democratic system every citizen has the right to vote and be elected to change their life in the future.
One of the advantages of democracy is freedom of expression and expression. In a true democratic system, we can express any opinion that is important without offending religion, race, or skin color. Democracy also makes public spaces more lively, such as coffee shops which are often places for meetings and discussions. This time, I want to explore the relationship between coffee, democracy and the public space.
Coffee Shop In The Past
Since the first, coffee shops have become an important part of Indonesian life. Before the era of smartphones, television or the internet, every man would go to a coffee shop. They come to coffee shops not only to enjoy a cup of coffee, but also to discuss, read the newspaper or get the latest information. The hallmark of coffee shops in the past, was the elongated shape of the tables and benches and made every customer able to chat with each other.
Our country had time to strictly monitor the activities of coffee shops and public spaces. In 1965-1998, Indonesia was led by the same president and tended to be dictatorial and anti-critic. Some of the big actions and demonstrations that took place in Indonesia at that time were the result of discussions between activists and students in coffee shops.
After that, the coffee shop was no longer the same because there was always an intel watching the conversation of everyone in the coffee shop. If you vilify the government or the president, maybe the next day you will be at the police station or commonly known as "incarcerated". Critics of the government were seen as part of the communists, and coffee shops became empty of intellectual discussion.
Democracy and Coffee
The current situation has changed, since the reforms in 1998. The dictatorship era collapsed, and freedom of opinion and expression has returned to Indonesia. The coffee shop has turned back into a public space, everyone is free to talk and express opinions. A cup of bitter coffee and sweetened condensed milk can make the conversation flow more and of course more weight.
When I was in college, I still felt how a cup of coffee and a coffee shop became an intellectual space. There are many things I do and think about when I am with friends at a coffee shop. Coffee makes our minds wild and critical of social issues. I was young and idealistic at that time, many demonstrations from 2008-2010 we made and discussed in coffee shops. Everyone who comes to the coffee shop participates, gives opinions, jokes or anything else.
Since 2016 when the wave of modern coffee shops and many people have started to care about the coffee he drinks. The function of a coffee shop and a cup of coffee has changed a lot. In this era, you can get information from the internet and social media. The development of information is very fast and makes anyone who does not update will be left behind or left behind. And how about coffee shops today?
Coffee is Getting More Individualized
I feel whether you guys are too, coffee shops are becoming more and more individual spaces and make everyone who comes more individual. When we come to a coffee shop, we will see some people who are busy with gadgets, some are writing, busy updating Instagram or something else.
Every now and then, I miss the coffee shop 10 years ago. At that time, the coffee was not good and sometimes made me sick to my stomach. There are no lattes, cappuccinos, dolce, or expensive espresso machines, just a cup of black coffee which is sometimes made to your heart's content, either too sweet or too bland.
Lots of stories and discussions when it comes to coffee shops. At that time, when I needed a friend for stories and discussions or just to chat, I would go to a coffee shop. In that era, I could talk to anyone or just chat with the barista. Unfortunately, because coffee shops are becoming more and more individual, I've never had a moment like that again.
Call me Isdarmady, because I have a full name that is very long, namely Isdarmady Syahputra Ritonga. I am a head of the family who work as Farmers Vegetables Hydroponic and Consultant Hydroponics, sometimes I also sell coffee from various regions in Indonesia.
I have expertise dispensing coffee with a variety of techniques and tools brewing, because I have the desire to make a coffee shop with hydroponics as centerpieces. Help me realize that dream.
Thanks for read, vote, re-blog and support me in Hive. Maybe god will reward the kindness, let’s success together.
