J.D. Vance, the author of the bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” and a rising star in conservative politics, has become a prominent voice in the national conversation about class, culture, and the American Dream. Born and raised in the Appalachian region of Ohio, Vance’s life story and observations have shed light on the challenges and aspirations of white working-class communities that have often been overlooked or misunderstood by mainstream society. Through his writing, speeches, and political activism, Vance has offered a unique perspective on the social, economic, and cultural forces shaping contemporary America, and has emerged as a controversial and influential figure in the realms of literature and politics. In this article, we explore some of J.D. Vance’s most notable and thought-provoking quotes, examining what they reveal about his worldview, his critique of American society, and his vision for the future.
1. “I believe we hillbillies are the toughest goddamned people on this earth.”
This quote, which appears in the opening pages of “Hillbilly Elegy,” encapsulates Vance’s pride in his Appalachian roots and his belief in the resilience and strength of the people he grew up with. Throughout the book, Vance portrays his family and community as a group of survivors who have faced generations of poverty, trauma, and social dislocation, yet have managed to persevere through grit, loyalty, and a fierce sense of identity.
At the same time, Vance is clear-eyed about the challenges and dysfunctions that plague many working-class white communities, from drug addiction and family breakdown to a lack of economic opportunity and a sense of hopelessness. By claiming the mantle of “hillbilly” and asserting the toughness of his people, Vance seeks to reclaim a sense of dignity and agency for a group that has often been stereotyped or dismissed by mainstream society. His words also challenge readers to look beyond simplistic narratives of “white privilege” and to recognize the complex realities and struggles of America’s working-class communities.
2. “We lean on the people we love most when we’re afraid, and I was afraid.”
In this quote, Vance reflects on his own struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, and the importance of family and community in providing support and guidance during difficult times. Growing up in a chaotic and unstable household, Vance often turned to his grandparents and other relatives for love, discipline, and a sense of security that was lacking in his immediate family.
Vance’s words speak to the fundamental human need for connection and belonging, and the ways in which our relationships with others shape our sense of self and our ability to navigate the world. They also highlight the particular importance of family and community bonds in working-class and rural communities, where economic and social resources may be scarce and where people rely on each other for survival and support. At the same time, Vance is clear-eyed about the limitations and dysfunctions of some of these relationships, and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own choices and futures.
3. “The American Dream requires more sacrifice and more responsibility than they are willing to take on.”
In this quote, which appears in a 2016 interview with the National Review, Vance offers a critique of what he sees as a culture of entitlement and victimhood among some segments of American society. Drawing on his own experiences and observations, Vance argues that many people, particularly in working-class communities, have become dependent on government assistance and have lost the work ethic and sense of personal responsibility that are necessary for upward mobility.
Vance’s words reflect a long-standing conservative argument about the importance of individual initiative and self-reliance in achieving the American Dream. At the same time, his critique is rooted in a specific understanding of the challenges facing working-class communities, including the decline of manufacturing jobs, the erosion of social institutions like marriage and church, and the rise of drug addiction and family breakdown. By suggesting that some people are unwilling to make the sacrifices and take on the responsibilities necessary for success, Vance seeks to challenge a perceived culture of complacency and to encourage a renewed commitment to hard work and personal accountability.
4. “The social cohesion that had been a key part of working-class life – church communities, neighborhoods, extended families – had started to decline and fray.”
In this quote, which appears in a 2018 op-ed for the New York Times, Vance reflects on the broader social and cultural changes that have impacted working-class communities in recent decades. Drawing on his own experiences growing up in Ohio, Vance argues that the decline of traditional institutions like church, family, and neighborhood has led to a sense of social isolation and fragmentation that has exacerbated the economic and personal struggles of many working-class Americans.
Vance’s words speak to a growing concern among social scientists and policymakers about the erosion of “social capital” in American society, and the ways in which this decline has disproportionately impacted working-class and rural communities. By highlighting the importance of social cohesion and community bonds, Vance seeks to challenge a narrow focus on individual responsibility and to encourage a broader conversation about the structural and cultural factors that shape people’s lives and opportunities. At the same time, his analysis is rooted in a conservative worldview that emphasizes the importance of traditional values and institutions in promoting social stability and moral order.
5. “We need to stop pretending that everything is OK, stop giving kids BS advice that hard work always pays off.”
In this quote, which appears in a 2017 speech at the National Press Club, Vance offers a provocative critique of what he sees as a culture of false optimism and empty platitudes in American society. Drawing on his own experiences and observations, Vance argues that many young people, particularly in working-class communities, are being sold a false promise of upward mobility and success through hard work alone.
Vance’s words reflect a growing sense of disillusionment and frustration among many Americans who feel that the traditional pathways to the middle class – education, hard work, and playing by the rules – are no longer sufficient in an economy that is increasingly unequal and precarious. By calling out the “BS advice” that is often given to young people, Vance seeks to challenge a perceived disconnect between rhetoric and reality, and to encourage a more honest and nuanced conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation. At the same time, his critique is rooted in a conservative worldview that emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of facing hard truths rather than relying on wishful thinking or government intervention.
Conclusion
J.D. Vance’s quotes offer a fascinating window into the worldview and experiences of a rising conservative voice who has emerged as a prominent commentator on issues of class, culture, and the American Dream. Through his writing and activism, Vance has sought to challenge dominant narratives about working-class white communities and to offer a more nuanced and empathetic portrait of the struggles and aspirations of a group that has often been overlooked or misunderstood by mainstream society.
At the same time, Vance’s words have also sparked controversy and criticism from those who see his analysis as overly simplistic, moralizing, or dismissive of the structural and systemic barriers that shape people’s lives and opportunities. Some have argued that Vance’s emphasis on personal responsibility and traditional values overlooks the ways in which government policies and economic forces have contributed to the decline of working-class communities and the erosion of the social safety net.
Ultimately, the significance of J.D. Vance’s quotes may lie less in their specific arguments or policy prescriptions than in the broader conversations and debates they have helped to provoke about the state of the American Dream and the future of the working class. By shining a light on the complex realities and struggles of a group that has often been marginalized or misrepresented in public discourse, Vance has opened up new avenues for dialogue and understanding across lines of class, culture, and ideology. As America continues to grapple with profound social and economic challenges in the years ahead, voices like Vance’s will undoubtedly continue to shape the national conversation and to challenge us to think more deeply and empathetically about the diverse experiences and perspectives that make up our shared society.