J.D. Vance describes the impact of Appalachian culture on his upbringing as a complex mixture of stability, resilience, and challenges. His grandparents emphasized the importance of love and support, providing him with a foundation that instilled self-confidence and the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. However, he also reflects on the stigma attached to Appalachian culture, noting that it led to suspicion from new neighbors when his family moved to Middletown, Ohio. Vance highlights how this cultural backdrop often fostered idealism while simultaneously making it difficult for individuals to confront hard truths about their circumstances, leading many to overlook significant social issues such as addiction. Overall, his upbringing in this environment shaped both his identity and worldview, instilling a sense of pride while also confronting the realities of poverty and dislocation.