Some parts of pop culture are good but the problem is that the people don't see the degradation. Well they do because they start having the same problems eventually. If someone doesn't like Desperate Housewives, then just ignore it. I don't like Growing Up Gotti so I don't watch it. I'm convinced the only people watching are the guido-wannabes and country folk fascinated with the LI bimbo lifestyle.
People in NYC (and LA/Chicago etc) view pop culture differently. The lifestyles portrayed aren't seen as "better" or more sophisticated. They are mostly seen, I believe, as vague parodies.