I think some of this could be applied to Australia.
Interesting comments ""We aspired to intelligence. We didn't belittle it; it didn't make us feel inferior."
I came across
http://www.library.unimelb.edu.au/library_news/news_articles/unique_1940s_political_advertisements_now_available_online the other day courtesy of ABC 720. 15 minute radio ads from political parties in the 1940s - building an argument. Contrast that today's 10 second sound bites.
By accident I happened to record Malcolm Fraser delivering (ironically) the Whitlam Oratory. It was fascinating to listen to one of our elder statesmen talking in depth on weighty issues.
What do you think? Is there an element in the Aussie culture that tries to subvert intelligent argument? Are we dumbing things down? Why does Kevin feel the need/pressured to say "Fair shake of the sauce bottle mate?"