weak. coffee. (3/20/16)

A few months ago I was THRILLED a Chipotle opened on Myrtle Ave. My favorite meal was now within walking distance. God is good.

But today I discovered this road to paradise has a pothole: a Starbucks right next door. Of course there are other signs of gentrification in the neighborhood but I think a new Starbucks is a universal sign of lowest common denominator homogeneity, and the ultimate sacrifice of charm for convenience.

I really thought my neighbors were better than this. As I walk to the bus each morning, I only see unbranded paper coffee cups. Local coffee shops appear to be well-supported: lines to the sidewalk, windows lined with MacBooks. How did Starbucks succeed amidst this campaign of local advocacy?

Because they've realized we're as weak as their watery, burnt coffee. And as we bristle with self-hatred each time they slide our debit cards, we realize no place is sacred.