If one of us wants to appear or feel as if we come from a higher society, we go to cultural events such as plays, galleries, and read so-called “higher” literature, ideally the works of old masters Often. Because it is deeply ingrained in us that these are higher-order pastimes, and that if we practice them, we ourselves will join the ranks of the better people.

That culture has essentially become a matter of fame is nothing new. In fact, this has been essentially the case since the beginning of civilization. For example, the aristocracy had better seats in stadiums and theaters than the common people. But how did this situation come about when, at least according to what is preached today, culture should be available to all?

There are several reasons. The main one, however, is that it used to be really only an upper class society issue. The reason for this in the first place was money. Until two centuries ago, a large part of the population was illiterate. No wonder then that they could not attend such events.

As the situation developed, the common man became less poor and an occasional trip to the theater, for example, was no longer beyond his means. By this time, however, the nobility already had a monopoly on this type of entertainment, and basically no one of lower status was allowed to participate.

Today, of course, things are different, but the belief that culture is for “better people” still persists in us and we act accordingly. For example, there is a reason we go to the theater dressed in our best clothes, but not to the cinema.

The question then becomes whether it is appropriate to maintain this attitude or whether it would be better to strive to create the belief that culture is for everyone. If so, more people would be exposed to culture.

If one of us wants to appear or feel as if we come from a higher society, we go to cultural events such as plays, galleries, and read so-called “higher” literature, ideally the works of old masters Often. Because it is deeply ingrained in us that these are higher-order pastimes, and that if we practice them, we ourselves will join the ranks of the better people.

That culture has essentially become a matter of fame is nothing new. In fact, this has been essentially the case since the beginning of civilization. For example, the aristocracy had better seats in stadiums and theaters than the common people. But how did this situation come about when, at least according to what is preached today, culture should be available to all?

There are several reasons. The main one, however, is that it used to be really only an upper class society issue. The reason for this in the first place was money. Until two centuries ago, a large part of the population was illiterate. No wonder then that they could not attend such events.

As the situation developed, the common man became less poor and an occasional trip to the theater, for example, was no longer beyond his means. By this time, however, the nobility already had a monopoly on this type of entertainment, and basically no one of lower status was allowed to participate.

Today, of course, things are different, but the belief that culture is for “better people” still persists in us and we act accordingly. For example, there is a reason we go to the theater dressed in our best clothes, but not to the cinema.

The question then becomes whether it is appropriate to maintain this attitude or whether it would be better to strive to create the belief that culture is for everyone. If so, more people would be exposed to culture.