Values of decency and modesty, and fame achieved through effort, were ridiculed alike by the contemporary chroniclers of the city. In a grotesque form of inverted snobbery, the catterwaulings of long-haired 'pop stars' gained precedence over trained musicians; infantile daubs were preferred (as 'cool') to the work of old masters, and models became superstars - for no other reason than their looks. Swinging London saw the birth of the so-called celebrity culture, which has done so much to demoralise our youth. | Values of decency and modesty, and fame achieved through effort, were ridiculed alike by the contemporary chroniclers of the city. In a grotesque form of inverted snobbery, the catterwaulings of long-haired 'pop stars' gained precedence over trained musicians; infantile daubs were preferred (as 'cool') to the work of old masters, and models became superstars - for no other reason than their looks. Swinging London saw the birth of the so-called celebrity culture, which has done so much to demoralise our youth. |