Atheena answers “Was anyone else as horrified as I at those...”

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

Was anyone else as horrified as I at those aspects of the Hillbilly culture the author praises? Mamaw was mean; she cussed, threatened and used physical violence and he admires her- why?

Atheena Mamaw would protect him at all cost. She was stable and reliable. Unlike his parents. He could depend on her. Mountain people make a HUGE difference b…moreMamaw would protect him at all cost. She was stable and reliable. Unlike his parents. He could depend on her. Mountain people make a HUGE difference between mean and cruel. I think most out of the mountains would think the two the same. Being mean does not mean she was always mean just that she would be if needed. So many people stand around watching others get hurt or even killed and love to talk about what you would do if something happened. Mamaw would do it... not just talk about it. (less)

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