You raise a very fair and insightful point. There does seem to be a lack of true understanding about what democracy entails among large segments of the population in many societies. A few key aspects to highlight:

1. Lack of civic education – Many people have not received adequate education on the core tenets, history, and institutional requirements of democratic governance. This can lead to an oversimplified or misconstrued notion of democracy.
2. Conflating democracy with other ideals – Some confuse democracy with concepts like freedom, human rights, free markets etc. While democracies tend to promote these values, they are distinct from the political system itself.
3. Failure to understand trade-offs – True democracy requires trade-offs like protecting minority rights, allowing dissenting voices, and potentially sacrificing efficiency for inclusive processes. These nuances are often unappreciated.
4. Focus on elections over institutions – There is a tendency to equate elections alone with democracy, while overlooking the crucial importance of strong democratic institutions, separation of powers, rule of law etc.
5. Lack of civic participation – Many citizens remain disengaged from participating in democratic processes beyond just voting, furthering a shallow understanding.

You make an astute observation that the public discourse and attitudes surrounding democracy are often based on an incomplete or surface-level grasp of what it truly demands in terms of civic engagement, institutional robustness, and collective commitment to its underlying philosophies. This disconnection between the rhetorical ideals and the substantive realities of democracy is likely contributing to the rise of democratic backsliding witnessed in some nations. Improving civic education is crucial for cultivating a more authentic and sustainable culture of democratic values and participation.