Redneck Offensive: On the Abuse and Misuse of the Term Redneck

So, I saw an article as a delicious pick on Nas' blog and the title made me think of Tim's post inaccurately portraying rednecks as people who would leave our busted cars on the streets near our homes. I called him to task for it (we have more class than that, we put them on blocks on our own yard next to our indoor furniture that's left outdoors in all weather).

But, the reality is that this one caught my eye becaus the title is patently wrong. Well, maybe not. There may have been a redneck that got elected to the presidency, twice, in the past. But George W. Bush ain't it. Kinzi and I had a conversation a bit ago (spurred by Tim's post) about the term redneck. She said her cowboy cousin told her of the origin of the word and while pieces may be factually accurate or not, the bottom line is it's correct. Rednecks refers to farmers and workers of the dirt, originally mostly in the South, who wear baseball caps to keep the sun out of their eyes. Because baseball caps offer no protection for the neck, you end up with a guy who has a big old patch of red on the back of his neck. Voila!

There's even a comedian who started his career out of talking bad about us (and he is one, so he can). His name is Jeff Foxworthy and he's a genious.





Now, this man knows what's it' like to be a redneck. He is clearly from a long line of rednecks. I can say that with certainty because I also come from a long line of red necks. My dad went to school in a one room schoolhouse in the thriving metropolis of Loachapoka Alabama. It's on the road from nowhere to nowhere. My early memories of his family are things like hunting and fishing and watching my great aunt make stuffed animals from old socks. I assure, I know something about being a redneck. For another perspective, a friend (who is also from a long line of rednecks) sent me this link -> http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/ftp/multimedia/waffleweddingx/publish_to_web/ . Yes, anyone who weds their love at a Waffle House is absolutely a redneck.

So, I say again that while W may speak with a Southern accent (and sound less than brilliant to boot), he is no redneck. In fact, if you listened to Jeff Foxworthy you would have heard all of the criteria which he certainly doesn't fit.


And, to leave you with more proof of my own person redneck background... I would fit into the category of redneck who owns no daily-wear clothing not purchased at Wal-Mart. As PappaBean used to say if they ain't got it at Wal-Mart, I don't need it. So, don't offend my redneck roots. I don't claim George W. I seriously doubt he's worked a day in his life. While he wears the trappings of the cowboy and has ranches wherever he goes, rednecks don't spend 75% of their lives on vacation. They've actually got to earn the money they want to spend. They share much more in common with Palestinians tending olive groves than a millionaire in the White House...

Happy offense!