In Defense of Elitism (1994) by Pulitzer Prize-winning arts critic William A. Henry III is a provocative critique of American political and cultural trends. Henry argues that the United States has shifted from pursuing equality of opportunity—what he dubs "elitism"—to prioritizing equality of outcome, or "egalitarianism." This shift, he contends, has led to a societal unwillingness to acknowledge the superiority of certain achievements, intelligences, or cultural contributions. The book examines affirmative action, multiculturalism, education, and media through this lens. Henry critiques affirmative action as evolving into a permanent entitlement rather than a temporary tool to promote excellence. He decries multiculturalism for defending minority cultures uncritically and asserts that broadening access to higher education has diminished its value, turning degrees into mere tokens of attendance. In the media, he sees a celebration of mediocrity over intellectual and artistic rigor. Henry’s solution is a return to valuing merit and individual responsibility while balancing tolerance with an acknowledgment of excellence. He argues this balance is essential to restoring the American tradition amid global challenges. The book has sparked debate, praised by some for its willingness to challenge liberal norms and criticized by others for incendiary language and selective reasoning.
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