if art really matters

oh, but over time, one age's mediocrity does often fall by the way side.  I see no reason to believe that wouldn't be the case with today's schlock or schlocky tastes.  Also, bad art is frequently representative of culture - not as it wants to be but as it is.  Ideals aren't the end all be all of culture - frequently its a question of whose ideals are being promoted, to the exclusion of others.  And yet regular people just keep on liking what they like, influenced or not.  Culture is life, art is creativity.  They meet in many places and diverge in others.  Its all interesting.  But if you see bad art lauded?  Do just as you're doing now - rant about it.  Share your opinions, create alternatives, laud what you feel is universally good.  Someone else might disagree, then you have a great conversation - depending on temperments.  Here's to good, intense conversations about art.