High culture
From Freepedia
High culture is a term referring to the cultural milieu and culture consumption of a western society's upper class. Here it is a term referring to the "best of breed" (from some elitist viewpoint) cultural products. What falls in this category is defined by the most powerful sections of society, i.e. its social, political, economic and intellectual elite.
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History
High culture is traditionally the milieu of arts and sciences fostered under the European Renaissance. Its ideal is the Renaissance man, whose knowledge leads him to a broad and deep understanding of life.
The following fields of experience and study were considered parts of high culture:
- Appreciation for good design, whether decorative or minimalist
- Etiquette
- Fine arts and patronage of museums
- Government, especially public speaking and informed debate
- Haute cuisine and fine wine
- International travel, especially the Grand Tour of Europe
- Life sciences such as botany
- Literature, and the ability to write elegantly as learned from Classical literature and poetry
- Military service (as an officer) was once a central part of high culture. As war has become more impersonal and technology-driven since World War I, this aspect has waned.
- The more financially expensive sports, such as equestrianism, fencing, sailing, and sculling
- Musical discipline, especially in classical music such as grand opera
- Philosophy, especially of the European tradition
- Refined grooming and couture
- Religion, specifically the more traditional forms of Christianity
- Theatre, especially ballet
High culture and public education
Much of the public education system in Europe and its former colonies is based on high culture. The idea behind this was that exposing all members of society to its most noble examples would lead to a communal sense of pride and purpose. Modern capitalism tends to favor practical mathematics and scientific technology over high culture in education.
Criticism of high culture
Critics of high culture see its focus on the European tradition as narrow and possibly even racist. In addition, the education and talent required for much of high culture is seen as elitist, with time wasted that could be spent on more practical improvements to material society. Many critics of high culture hold up popular culture as a more easily understood and enjoyable lifestyle.
Supporters of high culture
In most nations with a dominant Euroethnic population, high culture is held in high regard, even by those who do not understand it. And in many non-Euroethnic nations, notably Japan, high culture has a devoted following. Proponents of high culture see it is a force for compassion, dignity, and discipline in the face of modern selfishness and transience.
