Are Europeans more sophisticated than Americans? What’s wrong with preferring Taylor Swift to Puccini? And is Steve Levitt “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob”?
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I know a little bit about this sport ball of which you speak.
I'm Angela Duckworth.
I'm Stephen Dubner, and you're listening to.
No stupid questions today on the show.
What makes art highbrow or low brow?
The vase with flowers is art.
The portrait of this young woman is art.
But what the hell is that blotch of red?
Stephen, we have an email from an Anya Levitoff.
Okay.
Dear Angela and Steven, why is it that in the US, for a writer, a journalist, a university professor, or any other person of high standing in academia, it is okay to say I don't understand and don't like opera, while in other places, Russia, France, Italy, et cetera, that would be interpreted as a sign of ignorance and it would be quite an unacceptable statement for a public intellectual.
And not just opera.
Appreciating most forms of art, ballet, classical and jazz music, theater, independent cinema is a basic requirement for being an intellectual.
It would also not be considered acceptable to say that one loves junk food or reads vampire novels.
Parentheses.
Please send Stephen Levitt my regards.
We should say Steve Levitt is an avowed fan of vampire.
What were those famous books called?
Oh, Twilight.