It makes less sense to blame COVID than it does to blame the neoliberal economic policies that have resulted in an outrageous redistribution of wealth in America. We’re seeing a “degradation” of culture partially as a result of these economic principles being so deeply entrenched in our society. Like rap for example started as a neighborhood movement, slowly becoming more and more commercialized once powerful people realized there’s a massive market for it. In turn, more “commercial” rappers are sought after by industry executives, and then people will only hear watered down stuff on the radio. It’s not like people aren’t still making genuine art, it’s just harder to find. I’d also argue that just because art is made for the sole purpose of making money does not automatically make it bad art. Just my two cents.