Photo Journal #1                                                                                      02/28/13

            David’s Tea, a place in my community on Bleeker St. between 6th and 7th Ave, has a vibrant work culture. I have chosen to take this photograph because, unlike many other Bleecker St. shops, the place genuinely serves its community. The employers behind the desk are usually excited and passionate about their work because they receive many regulars from the community. Also, the shop possesses a welcoming modern atmosphere of happiness. The knowledgeable employers behind the unique tea bar offer professional advice about how to brew or make tea. Despite the very professional air of the place, customers often have personal relationships with the employers. Perhaps this is the case because a large portion of the tea community practices Zen. In addition, I also have chosen this place because it embodies most of the growing changes in both the meaning and practice of work. For example, although selling tea might sound like a simple task, many of the employers specialize in many responsibilities or skills (e.g. making tea, advising, creating flavors, and management). Also, the tea shop employs many women and homosexuals, and uses the most-state-of-the-art tea makers and containers. And to my observations, the shop does seem to display a hierarchy of profession with the advisory staff on top and the cash registers at the bottom. David’s Tea seems to implement the common social convention of the corporate ladder.