Perspective

Mencken comes from an upper-class background in a wealthy portion of Baltimore, Maryland, in the late 19th century. Perhaps this upbringing can account for Mencken's through-and-through elitism. For Mencken, there are clearly different classes of people, and some people are superior to others. Unfortunately, in a democracy like the United States, too often the inmates run the asylum, and the half-witted commoners are left to rule. In short, Mencken's perspective is clearly from someplace high, looking down on society. This imbues him with a singular arrogance and authority. There is no room for alternative points of view when Mencken renders an opinion on art or a politician. Mencken is sufficiently insulated from and distanced from society, giving him a power of observance and criticism. From his perch above the commoners, Mencken can scold, chide, lambaste, and laugh at society, religion, and human foibles in all their glory. There...