J.D. Vance | The Ben Shapiro Show Sunday Special Ep. 109

Four years ago, Hillbilly Elegy was a well regarded memoir, now, with its 2020 Netflix adaptation, the work has become critically panned and the subject of endless controversy. The author, J.D. Vance, wrote about his upbringing in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky and Middletown, Ohio. A look into the history and values in this area of the country, it was recommended by mainstream outlets and cultural leaders in mass for insight into the plights of the white working class that impacted the 2016 election. That praise was short lived, however, when the nearly unanimous edict came down from the media that the trials of impoverished white Americans were insignificant and should be ignored. J.D. joins the show to discuss the book, the media’s harsh shift, and how conservatives can connect with the Appalachian and Rust Belt regions of the country moving forward.

This is the last Sunday Special of 2020! We will have new episodes coming out in 2021, but we will be trying a new format. Episodes won’t be released on a schedule; they will be recorded as we find the right guest and the right topic to discuss. We have had such an amazing lineup of guests this season, and we’re excited for next year. We’ll see you then!


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And make sure to watch the film adaptation available now on Netflix.

[firemarshal]

After watching the movie I reached out to my mom for the first time in 15 years. My life mirrored his in many ways but I didn’t share the empathy for his mom that he did. But after bailing my eyes out for almost an hour after viewing it I finally stepped up and reached out and we are meeting up this weekend for the first time since I was 17.

[johnwhale]

I love the way Ben listens without interrupting and just asks intelligent non judgemental questions. I learnt a lot.

[EliezerKatz]

Who came here after he was announced as VP!!!
Edit: VP

[rebeccashields]

I love how two people can have a real philosophical disagreement about policy and economics and dive deep and let each other talk and make their point without insults. Such a refreshing change from every other news show.

[counterintuitive]

This man is The American Dream, in the flesh. That's why the left finds his story threatening.
I watched this movie over Thanksgiving with my family that came to visit. It never once occurred to any of us to think that this was a political statement. The fact that anyone can take this story and twist it in such a way is so sad. It's a story of someone that pulled themselves up from the bootstraps plain and simple. Well done, Mr. Vance!

[Car-jypw]

Rare to see someone so highly persuasive without being argumentative.

[CarrieSoVery]

Poor people are poor. Poor doesn't discriminate. I'm ashamed of this country for making this man's memories racial.

[CherubicDolly]

I am twenty-eight. Grew up poor in southeastern Kentucky. My grandmother ended up raising me because my father died before I was born and my mother was an abusive drug addict. There were several moments in this movie I thought I was watching myself as a child. Nothing about this movie or its representation of Appalachia was exaggerated or wrong. There are lots of people who can see themselves, their family members, friends, and neighbors in this movie. Unfortunately, most people do not get out. I've had a desire to try and break the generational curse my entire life. I've also been writing a book, which discusses this. It was infuriating to read and hear the mainstream critic's opinions on this story due to their politics. To deny its authenticity and ignore the impact that it has simply because of the region and race of the person telling it is morally deficient.

[annieoakley]

I moved to a deep Appalachian town at 46 years of age after living in a Navy family and world traveler. His memoir is exactly what I've seen and experienced as an outsider but also from direct experience with this population and knowing families with multiple generations living as clans.
I'm still here 20 years later very glad for the life lessons I've learned from these fiercely independent and resourceful people. They are of those strong pioneers who established and stabilized our country. And a hidden backbone even today.

[cmeeki]

Black middle class, conservative and I loved the movie and it's meaning.

[conradbr]

I grew up in Flint, MI, I relate deeply to all of this and despite all of America’s problems I will NEVER stop fighting for her and my fellow man. 🇺🇸

[digidottie]

Being raised in the same area Middletown/Trenton, my Grandfather, Step-father and uncles all worked at Armco Steal. My grandmother and grandfather where also from the hills of KY/TN. My grandmother was married and with child at age of 13 and had 11 children, in fact J.D's story is so close to my family's story that it makes me realize that most of us in that area have the same story. When your parents are raised by parents that where getting pregnant at 13 is acceptable, things like education is not important and you never went to the big city like Cincinnati . My grandmother encouraged me to get married, she was a housewife most of her life. My step-father abusive, but everyone turned a blind eye to it, you kept to your own. We did speak our minds, even knowing that may bring a beating, and we understand those who also speak their truth and is the reason why Trump is so popular here. Today, I'm a woman in IT, a Software Engineer, I'm not sure why I felt the importance of an education, it may be because my mother loved the new technology and made sure we had it, she never graduated high school, but was the smartest woman I knew.

[envy]

Let’s be real here, all those “critics” and journalists who hated this movie hated it because it was about poor white people.

[irrelevantideology]

He knows the struggle, served in the Marines, went to Yale against all odds. If he isn't presidential material idk who is.

[Livefreeordi]

I relate with J.D as I come from similar background. I was first in my family to have B.S. degree. I new I was breaking the cycle and worked my tail off to get it done.

[cameronboden]

Movies about poor blacks struggling: guaranteed Oscar
Movies about poor whites struggling: guaranteed ridicule

[veiltricks]

Who’s watching this after he becomes vice president for Donald Trump?

[sandyrodz]

I am honestly here after his nomination for VP and it was a pleasant surprise to find out that he is the writer of Hillbilly Elegy, a book I heard about a few years ago because of the political controversy. I now look forward to reading it and watching the film. I might add that it is striking (and a delight) to hear this man talk with such eloquence, verbal aptitude, quick wit and intelligence. A stark contrast to the current VP who can barely articulate a thought. I truly hope he wins, for the sake of the country.

[geeship]

Get this man in an office...he's a great thinker.

[claudiachurch]

one of the best segments I have ever seen, Vance is both wildly articulate and down to earth at the same time and their is an aura of honesty about him, the movie was fantastic and so was the book, I would highly recommend them