The Ben Shapiro Show J.D. Vance | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 109
Dec 6, 2020
J.D. Vance, author of 'Hillbilly Elegy,' shares insights from his life growing up in Appalachia and the changing perceptions of his memoir. He discusses the decline of the white working class narrative in media and explores economic solutions for the region. Vance examines the cultural pride and challenges of Appalachia, the impact of government policies, and the intersection of corporate culture with political beliefs. He dives into the motivations behind Trump's support and critiques the evolving landscape of free speech and expression in America.
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J.D. Vance's Upbringing
- J.D. Vance grew up in Middletown, OH, a steel town with strong Appalachian roots.
- His family experienced the town's decline as jobs disappeared and drugs became prevalent.
Appalachian Culture: Strengths and Weaknesses
- Appalachian culture, influential across the U.S., values patriotism, resilience, and loyalty to family and place.
- Downsides include higher addiction rates, family trauma, and insularity, hindering outside support.
Economic Shifts and Social Decay
- The shift from industrial to service-based economies caused job losses and community breakdown in the Midwest.
- This led to increased isolation, and the existing seeds of dysfunction took root, exacerbating social issues.
