The Opposing Worlds of Coffee and Tea

by: Brian F Connors

They say that image is everything in life. The two common household items of coffee and tea are truly unique in perception not only regarding taste but also of social significance. They are both champions in respect of our choices in beverage but are unquestionably distinct in personality and acceptability. How so?

Let’s start with coffee. It’s got that reputation as the working man’s everyday go-to tonic for a boost in vim and vigor needed to start the day. The odor is strong and satisfying and welcomes anyone taking a whiff to meet life head-on in no uncertain terms. The first sip clears the mental fog and the remaining ones set the tone for the rest of the day.

Coffee is for the blue collar folks that need the physical stimulus to get the proverbial gears in motion. Many just could not imagine beginning the day without a sure foundation of a rich and satisfying source of caffeine. The office folks share that need throughout the day to meet the administrative and executive challenges that confront them during these days of corporate tension.

Tea, however, is a whole different species. Its reputation leaves it in a category as the choice of the more refined members of society. It’s more sweet and gentle in its delivery. It would have no part with those lacking in delicacy or refinement.

It has an elitist quality about it that avoids the brutish side of humanity. It invites those at a social gathering to speak in a more sophisticated way to others that share their sentiments. Tea is seemingly meant for those that are a tad bit more polished in speech and mannerisms.

When coffee and tea look each other in the eye what do they see? Many a coffee aficionado would roll their eyes and wonder if the other lived in the real world and could handle the slightest bit of pressure. There are sure to be many cup o’ joe fans that would easily dismiss the tea sippers as pansies born with silver spoons in their mouths.

What about the other side? There are sure to be enthusiasts of tea that are sympathetic to the plight of the common man of coffee who wouldn’t know what to do with a good, cultured life even if it fell on his or her lap with ribbons attached. Why, those poor ruffians wouldn’t have to work so hard if they would think and act more like those of our sort. Tsk tsk, indeed!

Was the scenario presented a bit exaggerated? Perhaps so, but there is unquestionably a social division between the two sides that will never be resolved. There will always be words unspoken between members of these separate worlds that ask “So where did you go wrong?”