Today I was on a shuttle bus from the airport to the parking lot where I had left my car over the weekend. Since Easter Sunday is not a big travel day, I was the only one on the shuttle at the moment, so I had a lot of time to think about the experience of shuttle-riding. As I was doing so, I noticed that a Bach concerto was playing over the sound system in the shuttle instead of the rap music/country music/ bad pop music station you're usually treated to.
Then I noticed that over the luggage rack there is a dry erase board that usually says "Your driver is:" and then the name of the driver. But today, the sign was adjusted to read "You are listening to: BACH!"

It was so random and funny that I tipped that guy extra just for making a valiant effort to inflict some culture on the masses, even if he is driving a shuttle. I think I'm going to start doing something similar, like reading great literature out loud while I walk from my office to my parking garage on the off-chance that someone might enjoy it and be moved to go out and read a book. In that case, though, I suppose I would have to tape a sign on my shirt saying "You are listening to: FLANNERY O' CONNOR."

It was funny, and it made me laugh, but it also made me think. If you stand around in our culture for more than ten minute, it's clear that people want tacky reality TV, mediocre fiction and talentless music, and from a commercial perspective, you gotta give 'em what they want. It's just capitalism, and I don't have a beef with that. But every once in a while, shouldn't someone try to give 'em a little bit of what they need, too? I think so. And now I'm not alone. The shuttle driver and I will start a revolution. I'll let you know how it goes. Or call me up if you want to join.
I'll let you pick your own book to read and everything.