The paradox of populism while appreciating "high culture"

"We were better off when we were just kids, when we knew what we liked effortlessly, when our passions were not learned."

Seems like in the olden days, class structures were clear and the things that defined the  classes were well-defined.  Art, ballet, and opera to name a few clichés were for the sole enjoyment of the upper classe. Today, those things have been somewhat democratized, which according to this author mixes up how we are supposed to behave around these things. The article also got me thinking about how the democratization of art and culture has caused some to circle the wagons even more, desparately trying to preserve what was once in their exclusive domain.  Good read and I'd seriously love to hear what anyone has to say about it.