Jenn "JR" answers “This is a hard read. I am 53 years old...”

Atheena asked this question about Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis:

This is a hard read. I am 53 years old and just finished this book yesterday. I have cried all day yesterday, all night woke with nightmares and am crying now. I know this is for questions. The only question I have is... does it ever get ok?

Jenn "JR" As an individual - sure - and that has to do with how you find your happiness and fulfillment. As a culture - no. The flavor of capitalism we've commi…moreAs an individual - sure - and that has to do with how you find your happiness and fulfillment. As a culture - no. The flavor of capitalism we've committed to in this country requires a permanent underclass - check out "Poor White Trash" for a painfully well documented history. I don't expect that poverty in this country will ever be "fixed" because that would mean placing the blame for inequality on social, economic and cultural issues instead of blaming individuals for lacking "character" or drive.(less)

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