Exploring the Differences Between Higher and Lower Culture: A Critical Perspective

The debate around the distinction between higher culture and lower culture has been ongoing for decades. Often, the terminology is used to evaluate the intrinsic qualities of various cultural expressions, ranging from literature and music to food and entertainment. However, the concept of low culture and high culture is more nuanced, reflecting both temporal and subjective perspectives.

Defining Low Culture

Low culture or popular culture can be seen as the mainstream or dominant cultural expressions that engage a broad audience. These are often characterized by their accessibility and immediate appeal to the reptilian brain, triggering fight or flight responses or intense emotional states. Examples include:

Pop Music: Artists like Cardi B and popular rap artists who cater to a wide audience. YouTubers and Vloggers: Popular YouTubers and vloggers who create relatable and often entertaining content. Fast and Processed Food: Foods that prioritize quantity over quality. Violent Horror Films: Movies designed to evoke fear and adrenaline through graphic content. MMA Fighting and Late Night Comedians: Sports and comedy celebrating intensity and humor at the expense of subtlety.

Low culture, while often criticized, provides rapid emotional gratification and entertainment, appealing to immediate needs and desires.

Characterizing High Culture

High culture, in contrast, is seen as more sophisticated and layered, designed to engage the prefrontal cortex. It aims to stimulate higher-order thinking and emotional experiences. Examples include:

Traditional Classical Music: Works that require deep appreciation and understanding. Spiritual Works of Art: Pieces that evoke emotional or spiritual responses. Quiet Museums: Spaces for quiet contemplation and appreciation of art. Chants and Songs of Gratitude: Expressions of collective appreciation and unity. Certain Shows on NPR and PBS: Non-poliitical content that stimulates intellectual engagement.

High culture is often associated with higher-quality food that is carefully crafted and presented, where the focus is on the experience and appreciation rather than quantity.

The Ideological Nature of High and Low Culture

The distinction between high and low culture is not an inherent quality but a product of societal and historical context. The line between the two is often blurred. For instance, what we consider high culture today, such as classical music or literature, was once considered low culture in different times and places. Similarly, what we now label as low culture, such as popular music, may have been considered high culture by previous generations.

It is important to recognize that the distinction is often a matter of subjective interpretation and contextual factors. The label "high" or "low" culture is not an intrinsic quality of the art, but a result of the societal values and norms at any given time.

Relativity of Culture

Culture, whether considered high or low, is deeply rooted in the common practices, historical backgrounds, and ongoing influences within a society. The term "high" or "low" is typically used when we make comparisons between different cultural practices, often leading to biases and prejudices. For example, a particular cultural practice may be deemed "better" or "not good" based on a comparison with practices in other cultures.

In essence, all cultures strive to adapt and evolve with the times. The standard by which a culture is judged should be based on its alignment with human nature and human rights rather than a rigid classification as high or low.

Ultimately, it is not about classifying one culture as better than another, but understanding the unique value and purpose of each, and appreciating the rich tapestry of human expression that culture represents.