Jefferson Pooley, a professor of media and communication at Muhlenberg College, dives into the fascinating 1959 Kitsch debate during the Cold War. He illuminates the clash between Nixon and Khrushchev over cultural values, revealing the nuances of mass culture and its critics. Pooley discusses the implications of mid-cult versus high culture, highlighting Dwight Macdonald's controversial views and his unproduced essay 'America, America.' The conversation also explores the tension between consumerism, kitsch awareness, and the evolving role of media in shaping public perception.
