What is the relationship between mass and high culture?

I think that the relationship that exists between both
expressions of culture is that one envelops the other.  The notion of mass or general culture is
one where individuals are sharing a set of common values or beliefs.  These help to establish an
identity of a particular group or social and collective entity.  The notion of high culture is a
bit different.  This refers to the appreciation and vaulting of cultural products that reflect an
"elevated" sensibility.  High culture is a bit more discerning than a generalized vision of mass
culture.  For example, all culture features art that is a part of its expression.  Yet, not every
culture is privy to the construction and appreciation of work samples that represent high
culture.  In the end, this notion of the cultural expression of elements that represent
distinction and notions that lie above the fray of mass culture is what defines high culture and
its expression.  On some levels, this can sound rather elitist, but I think that proponents of
high culture would argue that there should be acknowledgement of endeavors that represent the
essence of human greatness and the very best of what can be done by human beings' use of freedom
and autonomy.  This becomes the basis for the appreciation of high
culture.