Lisa Scott

It is a mistake to think that the majority of Hillbillies fit into the mold that Vance depicts. I come from many generations of Hillbillies - born and raised in the Appalachian Region. I can tell you that none of my family, friends, or neighbors incorporated cursing into their vocabulary or settled problems with physical altercations. I have NEVER heard any of my relatives curse, much less drop the F-bomb as is common language in this book. We are mostly a culture of kindness, respectability, and follow the Golden Rule. The Church is central to life in this area and the values extend throughout the community. Vance is obviously confusing Hillbillies with hoodlums. Hoodlums are known by many different names across cultures and regions, but a common name is "Thug." Perhaps his book should be titled, "Thug Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis." Drugs, degenerate living, and a lack of respect for oneself and others is a problem not limited to a certain culture - it's a national epidemic.