> the pipe dream of an America enchanted by serious literature and
> classical music
Whoever had that dream? I remember that period very well, since I was an undergraduate at the time, and I can't remember anyone who fooled themselves into imagining such a ridiculous thing.
Everyone in the high culture circles was bemoaning the lack of taste of the average American, just like now. Just because Jackie invited Pablo Casals, etc., to the White House, there was no reason to think that would affect the culture of the country.
Believe me, there was as much crap in the national culture then as there is now.
Jon Johanning // jjohanning at igc.org __________________________________ When I was a little boy, I had but a little wit, 'Tis a long time ago, and I have no more yet; Nor ever ever shall, until that I die, For the longer I live the more fool am I. -- Wit and Mirth, an Antidote against Melancholy (1684)