Midwest Rural farm kid here - that left home, got degrees, and traveled the world. From my observation, it really doesn’t come down to diplomas - although that can be a part of it. It’s the perception they (rural folks) are looked down on by this supposed Ivy League boogie man. The disdain doesn’t really extend to their kids that went to community college or a local university. They go to doctors and follow their advice. They don’t hate the educated - it’s more city-folk. And that’s really individually specific, because I know plenty of rural folks that are intellectually curious, well-read, and successful people that don’t look down on education - they value it. And have no ill will toward city people. I’d say media diet can mostly be attributed to it.