tjanec's blog

The reason that I chose to photograph people in Starbucks as my social phenomenon is because the irony that its a popular, trendy place to hang out yet its coffee does not meet the same hype.. I suppose I am interested in the idea that Starbucks was and is a huge fad and everyone HAS to get Starbucks' coffee. Truthfully, I don't find Starbuck's coffee to be any better than most other coffee shops that sell similar coffee drinks. I also don't find the vibe inside to be particularly special, mellow, or fun. However, since Starbucks is a fad, just like Ugg boots and iPods, there is always a crowd of people who love it and will always go there. Everytime I pass Starbucks on State St. its always hopping with costumers. People are always asking me, "Lets go get Starbucks" instead of simple asking, "Lets go get coffee." Is Starbucks becoming a Kleenex or Jello?! I am truly amazed how this simple cafe could become such an industrial franchise yet still attempt to keep that cool cafe feel. I guess I just notice the weird little things in life and question them. Like, how does a mediocre coffee shop become the center of social meetings?! Its not even that great!