Intellectual snobbery has always been around. It's in every English speaking country in the world. In Germany, where only 10% of the population goes to university, others are educated in specific trades. They are, however, not looked down upon. Going to hotel school is as good as going to university.

The interesting part is that, in the States, about 90% of people don't use their college degree. Their work is normally in something else. There is no reason why high-school graduates couldn't do the same job. The degree was unnecessary.