High culture?
“In his cultural studies, DiMaggio’s historical research documented the self-conscious creation of “high culture” in the late 19th-century America. DiMaggio argues that, unsettled by the weak class distinctions in growing industrial cities, local elites created a “sophisticated” culture (via the arts,universities, social clubs, and the like) that would separate commoners from those of high standing. DiMaggio says that “high culture” models developed by founders of museums and orchestras were then adopted by patrons of opera, dance, and theatre.”
source – wikipedia.
And this
All rather puts me in mind of that wonderful Onion story on “Finest opera singer of her generation unknown by her generation…”

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