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J.D. Vance on his new book Hillbilly Elegy

Hoover Institution

808.3K Views . 2016-11-11

Recorded on October 27, 2016 J.D. Vance chronicles his life and the history and issues of hillbillies in America. Vance, a former marine and Yale Law School graduate, writes about growing up in a poor Rust Belt town and how his family never fully escapes the legacy of abuse, alcoholism, poverty, and trauma in their lives. Vance paints a broad, passionate, and personal analysis of a culture in crisis—that of white working-class Americans. Interested in more of Uncommon Knowledge content? Check out Uncommon Knowledge on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UncKnowledge/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncknowledge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncommon_knowledge_show/ Website: http://www.hoover.org/publications/uncommon-knowledge

JD Vance, author of "Hillbilly Elegy", discusses his family and the origins of the "Scots-Irish" people. Vance, a graduate of Yale Law School, grew up in poverty in Appalachia, and the book details his family's struggles. He credits his grandmother "Mamaw" with saving his life, and shares a story of her confrontation with his grandfather, "Papaw", when he came home drunk.

Hillbilly Elegy
Appalachia
Scots-Irish
JD Vance
Family

  • JD Vance is a Yale Law School graduate who grew up in poverty within a dysfunctional culture in Appalachia, and he believes that "Hillbillies" are the toughest people on Earth.
  • Vance served in the US Marine Corps after high school, and now works as a principal at a Silicon Valley investment firm. He is the author of "Hillbilly Elegy", a memoir that explores his family and culture in crisis.

Insights from JD Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" Interview

1. The Unwavering Strength of Appalachian People: Vance, a Yale Law graduate, proudly proclaims that "Hillbillies are the toughest goddamn people on this earth." This statement speaks to the resilience and determination of those who have faced adversity in the Appalachian region. It's a testament to their ability to overcome hardships and persevere against all odds.

2. The Importance of Family, Especially "Mamaw": The narrative revolves around Vance's upbringing, primarily by his grandmother, "Mamaw." Her role in shaping his life is emphasized, and he credits her with "saving his life." This highlights the significance of strong familial bonds

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