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The Joys of Snobbery
Is it possible to be “discerning” and have “refined” tastes without being a grump? Can a person be sharply critical of art and entertainment without being constantly annoyed by mediocre works?
In seeking what is good and beautiful, should we readily dismiss lesser works? Should we try to overlook flaws in order to appreciate as much as possible? Or is that settling?
Published in General
Agreed!
Having preferences and standards is one thing, tearing others down is another.
My mom always said, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
If I prefer something, I should be able to explain the qualities of the elements of that art which endear it to me. The same if I do not prefer it.
Rap music? loud, repetitive, often vulgar & violent. I don’t think not preferring Rap makes me a snob. Maybe I need to listen to more, but as a genre, it is not my thing, and not on my iPod or concert watch list.
‘Classical’ music? can be complex, long, and overwhelming, but if you listen for something specific, or let your mind wander, it can be intriguing and grow on you. Just because 300+ years ago wealthy aristocrats ruled the musical world doesn’t make the organized sounds inherently snobby.
Folk music? simple, clear, homemade, it often tells a story of people, places that I might be curious about, or shares life stories I identify with. It can be re-tooled by changing instruments or voices. I like it. Not snobby enough? too bad. :)
I love the dog in the headline picture! Drool out of both sides of the mouth is snobby, right? I bet the pup plays viola too!
I have to say “fluent Klingon speaker” would be the ne plus ultra of nerd-dom snobbery.
A part of me wants this feverishly.
Well said. And there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the mediocre for what it is. Like, say Loverboy. A snob can’t discern the difference between good bad or indifferent, but out of social insecurity acts the way they think they should. In my experience the more one knows an art form (e.g. music) the broader and more catholic their tastes, or at least their appreciation.
Wine and Whiskey improve everything! E V E R Y T H I N G. The greater the tipple, the greater the improvement. For example, I am no culinary king, but my best grilling is done several sheets to the wind!