J.D. Vance and the Republican Rejection of Progress in American Culture

Christian Caliandro analyzes the cultural and ideological underpinnings of J.D. Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, and his alignment with a conservative worldview that rejects the concept of progress. Drawing on Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' and its 2020 film adaptation by Ron Howard, Caliandro argues that both the Appalachian mythos and Vance's personal narrative lack any notion of collective advancement. Instead, they emphasize individual success as the sole measure of worth, a hallmark of neoliberal and Reaganite ideology that has shaped the Republican Party since the 1980s. The film shows Vance's focus on personal achievement even as his mother struggles with addiction, highlighting a systemic indifference to public healthcare and social safety nets. Caliandro connects this to the broader cultural nostalgia exploited by Donald Trump and the 'new' Republican ethos articulated by philosopher Curtis Yarvin, who stated, 'Democrats believe in progress, we don't.' The article critiques how Vance's story, despite its roots in working-class hardship, ultimately reinforces capitalist logic and avoids class consciousness. Caliandro also notes Vance's ties to tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who funded his investment fund Narya. The piece is part of a series on contemporary art and politics, published on Artribune.