Based on the review, the book is total B.S. However, I have believed for quite some time that rural eastern Kentucky (and areas of other states) share some of the same problems as black urbanites. Both groups struggle to live and be accepted because:
1) Neither group cares about speaking the language anywhere close to properly. This holds them back from moving to a more prosperous area and also shuns someone from outside who might be thinking of investing in their area.
2) Related is the problem common to both groups are that they don't value a good education. A company thinking of investing and locating in any area wants an educated workforce.
I know someone who had a friend who advised him to try to get a factory job at Square D and brought him an application. My friend filled it out and sent it back via his friend. Square D liked what they saw on the application and soon called him in for an interview. When he got there, they made him fill out another application. Why? Because Square D wanted to know if my friend, from a very rural county, could really read and write.
Also, I know a woman who had 5 brothers; none of whom completed high school, though all or most got their GED later.
3) Illegal drug use is rampant in both areas.
4) The citizens of both areas are prone to fall for the lure of "get rich quick" ideas, which leads to all sorts of crazy crimes being committed, which leads to being caught, which leads to spending time in prison.
Sigh. Feel free to add to the list.
Thomas Sowell’s book “Black Rednecks and White Liberals” describes how purposeful illiteracy, avoidance of gainful employment and irresponsible sexual promiscuity were learned behaviors, from white trash to their black counterparts.
He was nicer and more eloquent but it illustrates how the winners/majority cannot write history without polishing up their image of themselves. This is true throughout written history; challenging us to find the actual truth between the lines.