So this iteration of the coffee culture question has more to do with the current economic situation in Jordan than specifically with changing coffee tastes. However, it does illustrate the observation I tried to make about the generational shift from traditional Arabic coffee to the Western style moving only as fast as economic progress in the country will allow: those who can afford cups at a Starbucks or similar venue are likely to make the switch, and the distribution of Western-style cafes in more affluent urban areas like West Amman proves the point.
For some context, early this year the Jordanian government removed gasoline, electricity, and heating oil subsidies to, among other reasons, keep its expanding Social Security program afloat (small world). Because of the ubiquitous role of these basic amenities in daily life, the price hikes have had a wide ripple affect, driving up prices for all kinds of commodities like food staples.
I think these two ideas are perfectly united in the following political cartoon, reprinted in Maraya News online, one of the emerging electronic news sites from my research...
Trans:
(A look at the serious skip)
1. "Honey, what do you think about drinking coffee in this cafe?" "Not here"
2. "Alright hun, here...great coffee...!" "No not here"
3. "Hey buddy, I want to get coffee with you...Nothing pleases you--enough, where do you want to drink coffee?" "Watch it!"
4. "Abu 'Adb, 2 coffees (with a little sugar) and a cup of water...you love of my heart!"
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