There's a certain elitism that has crept into the attitudes of some in journalism, and it played out perfectly over the issue of these little American flag lapel pins.

The quote by Brit Hume, "There's a certain elitism that has crept into the attitudes of some in journalism, and it played out perfectly over the issue of these little American flag lapel pins," critiques a perceived disconnect between some members of the journalistic elite and the broader public. Hume points out that certain attitudes in the media have shifted toward elitism, creating a sense of superiority or detachment from traditional values or symbols of patriotism, such as wearing the American flag lapel pin. For Hume, this symbolic controversy reveals deeper tensions about identity, bias, and representation in journalism.

Brit Hume, a veteran American journalist and political commentator, made this observation during discussions following the post-9/11 era, when the presence—or absence—of patriotic symbols in media and public life became a focal point of debate. Some journalists chose not to wear flag pins, believing that objectivity and neutrality required distancing themselves from overt national symbolism. However, critics like Hume saw this choice as reflective of a growing elitist mindset, one that seemed out of touch with the values of many Americans.

The term "elitism" here refers to the belief that a select group of individuals, often more educated or culturally influential, see themselves as superior in judgment or taste. When paired with attitudes that reject common patriotic gestures, it can foster alienation and a sense of cultural division. Hume uses the lapel pin controversy as a tangible example of how these attitudes can manifest in subtle but powerful ways.

Ultimately, the quote calls for a more grounded, inclusive perspective within journalism—one that respects the symbols and values many hold dear without compromising the profession’s core principles. Hume’s words suggest that when media figures allow attitude to cloud connection, they risk eroding public trust and weakening the bridge between the press and the people it serves.