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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question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.
The United States of Appalachia
How Southern Mountaineers Brought Independence, Culture, and Enlightenment to America
Jeff Biggers
In 'The United States of Appalachia', Jeff Biggers delves into the significant role that Southern mountaineers have played in shaping American history, culture, and identity. The book highlights their contributions to independence, cultural development, and enlightenment, challenging common stereotypes about the region. Biggers explores the complex history and cultural richness of Appalachia, emphasizing its importance in the broader narrative of American society.
Four years ago, Hillbilly Elegy was a well regarded memoir, now, with its 2020 Netflix adaptation, the work has become critically panned and the subject of endless controversy. The author, J.D. Vance, wrote about his upbringing in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. A look into the history and values in this area of the country, it was recommended by mainstream outlets and cultural leaders in mass for insight into the plights of the white working class that impacted the 2016 election. That praise was short lived, however, when the nearly unanimous edict came down from the media that the trials of impoverished white Americans were insignificant and should be ignored. J.D. joins the show to discuss the book, the media’s harsh shift, and how conservatives can connect with the Appalachian and Rust Belt regions of the country moving forward.
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This is the last Sunday Special of 2020! We will have new episodes coming out in 2021, but we will be trying a new format. Episodes won’t be released on a schedule; they will be recorded as we find the right guest and the right topic to discuss. We have had such an amazing lineup of guests this season, and we’re excited for next year. We’ll see you then!
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