[mmcdan]

I don't think mainstream tv content is" dumbed-down" because the poor are getting more ignorant, and the only thing they'll understand is American Idol. It's 1) consuming content passively is the most enjoyable thing to do after long hours of soul-sucking work(escapism),2) Living vicariously through others via a rags-to-riches story(American Idol) gives a misguided and fleeting sense of hope(like lotto tickets), and 3)Learning about other people's problems(eg international news) is depressing when you can't see passed your own troubles. If it helps my point, I alsilo grew up around this environment.