One of the great psychic battles I wage against myself pertains to the question of being a snob — am I or am I not one? I like to think that I’m not, that I am open to experiences, points of view, and ways of living. However, the latent disdain I feel for all things and people belies the notion.
Now what do I even classify as snobbery? Some definitions put is as the belief that well-refined tastes make one superior to others. I feel it goes deeper than that and suggests a more forceful rejection of things which do not live up to the aficionado’s standards. One level of coffee snob may look askance at the host who only offers Folger’s, whereas a highly developed snob might bring their own beans and equipment while refusing the offered cup. The willingness to flaunt social niceties in order to please one’s palate may be the final evolution of the true snob.
I don’t think I rise quite to this level, but where on that spectrum do I live? Let’s talk drinks. I’ll gladly enjoy the nuance of a $5 espresso, but I’ve never turned down a 24oz from the Cumberland Farms. No worries here. With beer I have my tastes but when Miller Lite shows up I am still pleased. Paradoxically I do look down upon the hazy double IPA freaks and the sour beer drinkers as incorrect and deluded; I will quaff these if necessary. With liquor the only thing I’ll actively turn down is the insipid flavored stuff like Fireball or Captain Morgan. Luckily I don’t drink with 18 year-olds anymore, so crisis averted.
If asked my friends would call me a music snob. When the music playing doesn’t suit me it ruffles my feathers more than the quality of the refreshments. I won’t necessarily dash across the room, knock the phone out of the DJ’s hand, and play something else, but if offered the aux I will certainly try to elevate the listening experience. Alternatively I will start to register complaints with whoever is selecting the tunes if I feel like my punishment has gone on for long enough. I try not to be a nuisance about this but I may not be succeeding.
So do my tastes make me superior to others? Yes. Yes they do. They wouldn’t be my tastes if I didn’t believe they were better than the alternatives, and by making the correct choices in my tastes I am practically and morally better than the rest. I would suggest that in your core you feel the same. You believe the choices you make are correct. You eschew flavors, music, and experiences that you feel are wrong. Go ahead and be proud of your tastes and preferences, just don’t be too rude and don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.