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I know that my love of contemporary cultural exploration and experiences is directly related to my exposure to "culture" as a child. I took ballet, piano and flute lessons, frequently went to the Ballet, Classical performances, musical theater and museums. I had books that I poured through as a child about Henri Rousseau, Kandinsky and Renoir. My exposure was probably much greater than most other kids of my time.
While my parents were highly religious, I don't think they really understood the "subversive" side of creativity and, therefore, were not afraid of it. I think they felt it was the right thing to do to expose me to "culture" as part of their creation of a well-rounded "Miss America". (My Mom had SERIOUS delusions of grandeur.)
As much as I hate my formal training as a child (there was little or no talent inherent in me which make it very frustrating), I grew up to understand and love all forms of artistic expression and appreciate differing cultures. I majored in Art History in college, became an arts administrator professionally and have not spend any "real" time not plugged into at least some form of cultural expression for most of my adult life. I pick and choose what I become obsessed with. There is a huge gap in my knowledge of Contemporary American Pop Culture from about 1980 on, but I find myself fascinated with Japanese Pop Culture from the 1950's onward. Go figure.
In a way, it's probably good we don't have children. They would be these little blind, oddballs dressed like Pugsly or Wednesday and spouting lines from films no other child has seen. I'm content to keep it to our little club of however many want to join in and happily absorb anything that strikes my fancy.
I'm not sure I even answered your question, but man can I babble with I'm sick.
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