Once characterized by classical music, ballet, and Renaissance paintings, “culture” was associated with audiences who were “refined,” meaning educated and wealthy. The development of broadcasting blew this notion apart, giving social critics a voice and delivering their ideas into the living rooms of rich and poor alike. Beginning with the founding of the BBC and its mission to expose people to the fine arts, through to the mavericks who legitimized the sensibilities of the working class, to the 1960s’ shockingly informal approach to the arts, this program uses vintage footage to track the changing definition of culture over the course of the 20th century. Features John Reith, Raymond Williams, F. R. Leavis, C. P. Snow, Richard Hoggart, John Berger, Marshall McLuhan, Susan Sontag, C. L. R. James, Stuart Hall, and Edward Said. Part of the series Great Thinkers: In Their Own Words. (60 minutes)
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