Is Our Popular Cultural Establishment an Obstacle for Positive change?

Question

When I say OUR culture, I mean modern western culture. Specifically American culture.

Answer 1

It depends what you consider to be positive change. Elaborate.

Answer 2

Yes. I believe "American popular culture" is dangerously close to an oxymoron. Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of evolved, wise, intelligent, educated and self educated people in the U.S. but they aren't on Jerry Springer. Sometimes it seems to me that we've elevated stupidity and callousness to the status of heroic traits.