JD Vance on 'Hillbilly Elegy'

J.D. Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, is also known for his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy,' which explores his challenging upbringing in an Appalachian family marked by addiction and instability. The book has been adapted into a film directed by Ron Howard, which has recently gained renewed interest following Vance's nomination, reaching the top 10 on Netflix. Critics have had mixed reactions to the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award but also faced criticism, as exemplified by its Golden Raspberry nomination for the worst film. Vance's views on the White working class highlight a disconnect between media narratives and the actual voting demographics that contributed to Trump's election. He emphasizes personal responsibility and self-improvement over societal blame, dismissing academic studies as insufficient compared to his lived experience. The narrative of 'Hillbilly Elegy' reflects ongoing themes relevant to discussions about class and politics in America today.