"One of the surest signs of the Philistine is his reverence for the superior tastes of those who put him down"

Pauline Kael, a popular movie critic, was popular for her sharp, insightful, and frequently provocative commentary on both the movie market and society at large. The quote "Among the surest signs of the Philistine is his reverence for the superior tastes of those who put him down" is a telling observation about social and cultural characteristics.

At its core, the quote explores the relationship in between cultural authority and individual identity. A "Philistine" is typically utilized to describe someone who is indifferent or hostile to culture and the arts-- or, more broadly, somebody with uncultivated tastes. Kael suggests that such people frequently want to those whom they view as having superior taste to guide or determine their preferences. This might be due to a sense of insufficiency or a desire to harmonize a more "cultured" crowd.

The paradox in Kael's statement lies in the concept that the Philistine not only reveres those who claim exceptional tastes however also those very individuals who condescend to them. This reverence can sometimes manifest as a desire to imitate or please those who are dismissive of their existing tastes, therefore perpetuating a cycle of self-denigration and external recognition.

In a wider sense, Kael's remark is a critique of the characteristics of power, conformity, and self-respect in cultural domains. The reverential attitude of the Philistine can be viewed as a reflection of wider societal pressures where particular tastes, frequently established by elites or critics, are held as arbiters of quality or value. This produces environments where individual tastes and preferences are eclipsed by the desire to align with what is considered remarkable or mainstream.

Kael's observation highlights a critical and ongoing tension in between genuine self-expression and societal expectations. It prompts a reflection on how people browse their cultural landscapes and the impact of deference to perceived authority on personal and cumulative values.