Why The Hell Is It That...?

Many Americans seem to be terribly concerned that some snooty-know-it-all is trying to give them The High Hat.

Behind Consumer Agency Idea, a Tireless Advocate - Readers' Comments - NYTimes.com
From comment #105: "But in her present position she comes across as another Ivory Towered Academic who wants to lecture and scold."
So why the hell is it that so many Americans sound like (Miller's Crossing's) Johnny Caspar, complaining about some one giving them "the high hat"? Oh, you got yourself some mouth on you, with your high hat and year starched collar and your fancy-pants college degree and your rational thoughtiness, aintcha, mistah.