Stereotypical European gentlemen were products of an era of aristocracy. The common people were lorded over by a wealthy, educated and intelligent elite who were considered not only superior to the rabble, but also responsible for their government and care.

With "social equality" having become one of western society's most important values, and with the middle and lower classes becoming the dominant seat of power, society is now, governed indirectly by the lowest common denominator.

With the lowest common denominator in control, and largely responsible for itself, it is able to establish what is culturally acceptable and what isn't, and furthermore, what constitutes quality art and entertainment.

It is therefore in the interest of stupid people to oppress the intelligent, and to assert their sub-par, lazy and stupid methods of self-expression, as the most "normal" and "correct", meanwhile demonizing those rare souls who prefer to write fluently, intelligently and with great profundity.

Nobody wants to be reminded that stupidity is a bad thing, right?