(American here) I'm not sure why we lionize "the common man" so much in the US. The entire subtext of the article is that (1) we should have a shared culture, (

(American here) I'm not sure why we lionize "the common man" so much in the US. The entire subtext of the article is that (1) we should have a shared culture, (2) such a "shared national culture" should reflect the taste and values of the "middle class" and that (3) people of taste/affluence/etc. should make an effort to reach out to others in the name of "connection" or "bonding" or something else. I freely admit not being a "middle-class" American. From my cushy software job on the 11th floor in SF, I really don't have any idea what it's like to earn minimum wage, be a single parent, go to a country music concert, or eat at McDonald's. But I don't think any of this makes me "better" than anyone else, and I still treat people with respect, dignity, and compassion -- I just don't feel the sense of guilt or need to conform, that this article seems to espouse. I fight with my dad about this all the time, who works in a factory in Illinois, and loves reminding me how out-of-touch I am, even as he asks me what I think of Chicago sports, even though (1) I don't live in Illinois and (2) I don't like sports. ;)