I'd agree on 'elitist'. Don't think Pound's 'high modernism' was meant for
the
hoi-pelloi. But then again, perhaps elitist isn't the correct term. Esoteric,
most likely. Exclusive. To some extent, the arts are exclusive, utilizing a
separate language, a honed jargon, e.g. the entire genre of abstract art
operates with a specialized language, and is limiting in that sense, defining
its own peripheries and working within them. As for snobbery, perhaps.
Depending on what side of the fence you're on? Just some thoughts.
-CB