As of 2004, Hip-Hop, reality shows and Wal-Mart. I have found that aside from about 10-20% of the country that could be considered "cultured" (ie seen movies other than Twister or Men in Black), most Americans, whether white, black or "other," tend to share they same respect for low culture. What is different now from say 30 years ago is that "middle brow" culture has disappered. A symptom of this is the decline of the family shi, er, "Sitcom" as a staple of television viewing.
Give me Sabado Gigante over Survivor or BET anyday of the week. Better yet, turn off the television and read a book for a change.