Stephanie Smith’s Reviews > Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis > Status Update
Stephanie Smith
is 91% done
The Obamas were alien to the white working class not because of their race, but because of their education, lack of accent, and clothes; however, Vance became an alien to the white working class was his optimism? Interesting. Lots to dissect here.
Vance had never considered sympathy for his mom, why did Vance not consider empathy. A bit more to go.
— Mar 31, 2025 07:27AM
Vance had never considered sympathy for his mom, why did Vance not consider empathy. A bit more to go.
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Stephanie’s Previous Updates
Stephanie Smith
is 74% done
In "Hillbilly Elegy," Chapter 11, J.D. Vance argues that working-class whites distrust Barack Obama because he is perceived as an "alien" due to his Ivy League education, wealth, and perceived disconnect from their "hillbilly" lives, suggesting a lack of relatability rather than racism. I’m curious to see how Vance addresses his Ivy League education & wealth during his US Senate and VP campaigns.
— Mar 30, 2025 06:20PM
Stephanie Smith
is 24% done
My Appalachian family history makes reading 'Hillbilly Elegy' a unique experience. While I see glimpses of familiarity, much of it feels foreign. It's highlighting how personal Vance's story is and how it might differ from a broader Appalachian experience.
— Mar 25, 2025 08:18PM
