I participate in another forum devoted to politics, current events, and other hot issues of the present. It also has a section devoted to entertainment. Recently, I posted something asking if there were any classical music fans at the site, and explaining that I was a classical musician. I got a number of responses by such fans. But one person stated that "Classical music is for pretentious snobs". H'es a fan of rap. Fine. He also stated that classical music is also for people who think that Shakespeare is a great playwright. He prefers the writings of Eldridge Cleaver.
But isn't this just snobbery in reverse? In my response, I said that he is certainly entitled to his tastes in music, but that he shouldn't knock classical music. I asked if he had ever been to a concert by a symphony orchestra, or attended a performance of an opera. And I added the quote "Don't knock it if you haven't tried it." And also if he had ever heard any classical CDs.
Why is the onus always on those who love classical music? Why is it okay for people to knock classical music ignorantly , while the assumption exists that if you love classical music and defend its right to exist, you must automatically be a snob? I added that I have nothing against other kinds of music; I just love classical. And at least I've actually heard them.
Multiculturalism has also fostered intolerance of classical music. Don't listen to classical music- it's by dead white European males ! It will turn you into a racist, sexist, homophobic, imperialist monster !
Unfortunately, there is a myth that classical music is stuffy, boring and elitist. But if more people would just keep an open mind and try it, they might love it. What a shame.