Saudi Writer Defends “Lonjat” Cafes as Vital to Quality of Life,Calls for Understanding of changing Social Norms
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia – A Saudi writer hasโ penned a defenseโ of “Lonjat” -โ a โคtype of โฃcafe popular throughout the Kingdom,notably in Riyadh – arguingโข they are valuable spacesโข for recreation and social connection,and urging a more nuanced understanding of theโ evolving social landscape. The article, published in okaz newspaper โand reported on by Al-Marsad,โฃ comes amidst criticism โขleveled against these establishments.Theโ author contends โthat accusationsโ of improper behavior โwithin these frequently enough dimly litโ cafes areโ frequentlyโฃ basedโฃ on rumor and a lack of accurate information. Heโ acknowledges โขthat social behaviors and entertainment preferences are evolving, particularly amongst younger generations, and that these โshifts shouldn’t automatically be viewed negatively.
“We must admit that social behavior,a focus on entertainment,and self-recreation are cherishedโ inโ most cultures,” the writer states. “Weโ need to pay attention to this aspect without resorting toโ accusations and rumors about those who frequent โฃtheseโข spaces.Each generation develops its own culture, which isn’t necessarily identical to thatโ of previous generations.”
While acknowledging the need for responsible conduct, the writer highlightsโฃ the efforts of local authoritiesโข to ensure โขstandards are maintained.Heโค notes recentโค actions by the Riyadh municipality, including fines and the temporary closure of twoโฃ establishments due to โviolationsโ related to โhygiene, safety, and workerโข conditions.
Beyond regulation, โฃthe author emphasizes the positive role “Lonjat” play in modern life. Many offer live music and broadcast sportingโข events on large screens, โproviding a vibrant atmosphere for socializingโ and escaping daily pressures. He concludes that โthese cafes โคcontribute to the โคoverall quality of lifeโค in โcities worldwide.
Ultimately, the writer advocates for aโฃ more tolerant approach, urging society to respect theโค choices โand behaviors of younger generations. “We must allow others, especially the new generations, the freedom to express their views and live their lives,” he writes. “This is the nature of life – change and diversity – โand โstifling this canโ leadโฃ to more hazardous behaviors.”
Keywords: โSaudi Arabia, Riyadh, Lonjat, โCafes, Social Change, Quality of Life, Entertainment, Culture, Generation Gap, Riyadh โMunicipality, Okaz Newspaper, Al-Marsad.