Social Scene of Shisha (Winter 08)

Rozeta Yaghoub

It’s Friday night and there are no special events, no Armenian Students’ Association parties, nor ‘kickbacks’ at a friend’s house; phone calls begin and it’s only fair to admit we all gather around a table with the centerpiece hookah.

So, how did such peaceful social occasion that may lasts more than two hours in a sitting become popular in such a hectic, high-speed, over-populated city such as Los Angeles?

A good guess is the ambition of Middle Eastern Dads, or the Armenian motivation of becoming successful businessmen with as little education in ‘AMERKA’ possible.

As college students, we are all familiar with the demands, stress, and chaotic lifestyle of Los Angeles. Not to forget, the separations and the long distances between friends from high school after graduation. In between pursuing a higher education, ‘hookah gatherings’ are the best social means of catching up and gossiping with one another.

It’s absolutely optional to attend a Hookah Bar in pajamas or covered by jewels, as there is no one to judge and no bouncer to enforce dress code. Furthermore, the prices listed on the menus are fairly low and reasonable in comparison with alcohol at a bar. Plus, there is no need for a designated driver after a night out at a hookah bar, not to mention that the legal age is 18, not 21.

Despite the generational disconnect between grand-parents and kids today, this activity is a type of link with our ancestors. It is fascinating that we are drawn to what was practiced thousands of years ago by our great-great-great grandparents.

Hookah gives people a chance to slow down and take time out of their life to reflect and socialize with those they love. This social invention contains valuable life qualities that cannot be taught at any universities.