Introduction
Introduce students to the context of Hillbilly Elegy, emphasizing its significance in understanding socio-political dynamics in the U.S. during and after the 2016 election. Highlight J.D. Vance’s evolution from author to political figure, including his recent role as a U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate in 2024.
Reading and Viewing Materials
- Book Extract: Read an extract of Hillbilly Elegy available on Scribd.
- Article Review: Read the Guardian review of the book.
- Film Adaptation: Watch the movie adaptation on Netflix.
- Recent Analyses: Read recent articles discussing Vance’s political journey and how perceptions of the book have changed over time ().
Discussion Questions
- Migration and Adaptation:
- How did Vance’s grandparents get to Ohio? Discuss the two versions of their migration story and its impact on their community.
- How did Vance’s grandparents adapt to their new life in Ohio? Did they view these changes positively or negatively?
- Family Dynamics and Violence:
- Are you surprised by the types of violence Vance encountered at home? Do you think his family considered their behaviors violent?
- Masculinity and Father Figures:
- In what ways is the absence of a father figure significant to Vance’s understanding of masculinity?
- Religion and Stability:
- Does religion become a grounding force for Vance? If so, how?
- Economic Decline and the American Dream:
- Why did Middletown experience economic decline? Discuss the conflicts in attitudes towards work and the feasibility of achieving the American Dream in Middletown.
- Trust and Government:
- From Vance’s analysis, why are people in places like Middletown distrustful of contemporary America? How do these perceptions affect their views on government and society?
- Critique of Conservatism:
- What critique of modern conservatism does Vance offer? Do you agree with his perspective?
- Social Mobility:
- How is social mobility portrayed as a lifestyle change in addition to economic change? How does this recontextualize our understanding of social mobility?
- Social Capital:
- What is social capital, and how did it help Vance?
- Personal Choice vs. Cultural Inheritance:
- How do you distinguish between actions based on personal choice versus cultural inheritance?
- Public Policy Lessons:
- What public policy lessons does Vance outline from his experiences? How could they help the hillbilly community?
- Influence of Mamaw:
- Describe Mamaw’s influence on Vance. Is she a larger-than-life presence in the book? Is there humor in her philosophies despite her gruffness?
- Adaptability:
- Discuss the theme of adaptability in Hillbilly Elegy. What are the significant adaptations and their respective successes or failures?
- Sympathy and Responsibility:
- How does Hillbilly Elegy balance sympathy for the hillbilly community’s conditions with a refusal to accept excuses?
- Learned Helplessness:
- How is Seligman’s “learned helplessness” reflected in the book? How does it deepen the crisis for the community?
- Loyalty:
- In what ways is loyalty celebrated and problematic in Hillbilly Elegy?
Essay Questions
Political Polarization
- Historical Context and Evolution:
- How has political polarization in the United States evolved over the past century? Compare and contrast key periods of political division, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War era, and the post-9/11 period.
- What role have major political events, such as the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, played in deepening the political divide in the United States?
- Identity and Partisanship:
- How do race, religion, and ideology intersect to create multifaceted polarization in the United States? Analyze how these identities align with partisan identities and contribute to the current political landscape.
- Discuss the concept of “stacked identities” as described by Ezra Klein and others. How do these stacked identities exacerbate political polarization in America?
- Media Influence:
- What role does media, particularly social media, play in reinforcing political polarization in the United States? Examine the impact of echo chambers and algorithm-driven content on public opinion and political discourse.
- How have partisan media outlets contributed to the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans? Provide examples of how media coverage differs across the political spectrum.
Social and Cultural Divides
- Economic Inequality:
- How does economic inequality contribute to the political divide in the United States? Discuss how economic disparities influence political affiliations and policy preferences.
- Analyze the impact of economic decline in regions like the Rust Belt on political polarization. How do economic hardships shape voting behaviors and attitudes toward government?
- Cultural Conflicts:
- How have cultural conflicts, such as debates over immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, intensified political polarization in the United States? Provide specific examples of how these issues have divided communities.
- Discuss the role of cultural identity in shaping political beliefs. How do cultural values and norms influence individuals’ political affiliations and their perceptions of the “other side”?
- Geographic Divides:
- How do geographic divides, such as urban vs. rural and coastal vs. inland, contribute to political polarization in the United States? Analyze the differences in political attitudes and behaviors between these regions.
- What are the implications of geographic polarization for national unity and governance? Discuss potential strategies for bridging the divide between different regions.
Impact and Consequences
- Democratic Governance:
- What are the consequences of political polarization for democratic governance in the United States? Examine the impact on legislative gridlock, political compromise, and public trust in government.
- How does polarization affect the functioning of democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, the media, and the electoral system? Discuss the potential long-term effects on American democracy.
- Social Cohesion:
- How does political polarization impact social cohesion and community relationships in the United States? Provide examples of how political divisions manifest in everyday interactions and social networks.
- Discuss the psychological and emotional effects of living in a highly polarized society. How does polarization influence individuals’ sense of identity, belonging, and mental well-being?
- Pathways to Reconciliation:
- What are some potential pathways to bridging the political divide in the United States? Explore strategies such as bipartisan initiatives, grassroots movements, and educational programs aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding.
- Analyze the role of leadership in addressing political polarization. How can political leaders, community organizers, and other influencers work to heal divisions and promote unity?
