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J.D. Vance on his new book Hillbilly Elegy

Hoover Institution

702.5K 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 upbringing in Appalachia and his grandmother, Mamaw, who he credits with saving his life. Vance shares a story of Mamaw nearly setting his grandfather on fire when he came home drunk, highlighting the chaotic and extraordinary nature of his family.

Hillbilly Elegy
Appalachia
Family
Mamaw
Scots-Irish

  • JD Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, is a graduate of Yale Law School and grew up in a poor, dysfunctional environment in Appalachia.
  • Vance's grandmother, Mamaw, played a significant role in his life and is credited with saving his life. Vance served in the United States Marine Corps in Iraq after high school and now works as a principal with a Silicon Valley investment firm.

Insights from JD Vance's Interview:

1. The Resilience of Appalachia: JD Vance's description of his grandmother's actions highlights the sheer grit and determination found in Appalachian culture. His grandmother, Mamaw, was willing to take drastic measures to protect her family, demonstrating the strong sense of loyalty and self-reliance that often characterizes the region.

2. The "Hillbilly Elegy" - More Than Just a Memoir: Vance's book goes beyond a personal story, becoming a cultural commentary on the struggles of working-class white Americans with Scots-Irish heritage. The anecdote about his grandmother's actions is a powerful example of how this group navigates hardship and violence, emphasizing their unique

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