A question about Racism (The term "Redneck")

[yuiyoshida]

If a minority, (Black, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, etc.) Calls a Caucasian person "Red Neck" is this considered Racist?? I was in an argument with a friend, and they believed it was. I am not sure. One person said being a "Red Neck" can be considered a life style. I would like some help with this...So going to do a poll.

14 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Time expired
	Yes (please explain why you think so)
	5 (36%)
	No (please explain why you think so)
	9 (64%)
	Other, Please explain.
	0 (0%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[libodem]

1. I answered first

So my current stated opinion is at 100% for the right answer.

[yuiyoshida]

3. Thanks for your reply..

would you like to state why you think its not..I would like to hear people's thinking on this.

[libodem]

4. Redneck seems like

A lifestyle choice. I think of them as country ignorant, by choice. Like Sarah Palin, and Tawd.

[yuiyoshida]

5. okay but..

I am asking why you think its okay for a person of color to use this term against a Caucasian. Some have told me its racist while others do not think so.

[backwoodsbob]

100. I'm a proud redneck

the original rednecks were miners who were fighting to unionize...they literally fought to the death in some cases.

I'll wear that tag proudly

[Warpy]

68. Right, it's more cultural than racial

The original rednecks were miners who had joined the UMW and wore red neck scarves to advertise it. Now it's a pejorative.

In fact, although I know plenty of pejoratives against white folks in general, I don't know of any that have the sting of what white folks have used against people of non European origin.

[Jackpine Radical]

78. I never heard that explanation for the origin of the term before.

I thought it was due to the exposure to the weather of the necks of people doing stoop labor in the fields.

[yuiyoshida]

82. I don't understand why that is..

Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 09:02 PM - Edit history (1)

You know, I am constantly telling my friends NOT TO USE the word "Jap". When they type they can use JPN, or JP...but the word "Jap" is derogatory and was often used during World War II as a slam word against the Japanese people. In the Japanese language...Some
Japanese may use the word.. Hakujin referring to Caucasian, though I am not really sure if that word is considered an insult or not.

As for Gaijin, it refers to Outsider, where as gaikokujin is far better to use. "Gaijin" is kind of a shortened Slang word.

http://www.sljfaq.org/afaq/gaijin.html

more..(snip)
Some people are deeply offended by the word, saying that gaijin refers to outsiders rife with undesirable characteristics. There is no doubt that is one meaning of the word.

Gaijin is also used in many cases where it is probably not intended as a negative statement. Consider that it is common in the Japanese language to address people whose names are not known, or even if names are known, by titles: omawari san, Mr Policeman; sushiya san, Mr Sushi Shop. It is not unusual for a Japanese speaker to call a non Japanese who is otherwise not known, gaijin san.

[Art_from_Ark]

128. "Hakujin" is not an insult,

although I rarely hear Japanese use that word.

"Gaijin" when said by an adult without the suffix "san", does seem to be a kind of subtle insult. It becomes less subtle if they put the adjective "henna" in front of it. Little kids, particularly in areas where there is little contact with foreigners, may use "gaijin" as an innocent reference to a foreigner.

[yuiyoshida]

133. Henna meaning

Strange...as in Chotto Henna ...a Little strange. Omoshiroi desu ne! Interesting!

[Arcanetrance]

2. I don't think so when you see so many white guys especially go out there and say they are rednecks

[demwing]

112. By that logic, if a black person calls themselves "N"

then it isn't racist for a white person to say so as well, right?

[Arcanetrance]

114. Not really the contexts are very different

The white people who call themselves redneck have built a whole culture around it and they're proud of their "red neck culture".

[demwing]

117. I disagree, with adamance. /nt

[Art_from_Ark]

135. The Bellamy Brothers would disagree with you

[gollygee]

6. Racism = bigotry + power

People of color don't have the power in this country to back up ugly thoughts and words with societal power and privilege.

[yuiyoshida]

9. I understand that..

but specifically I was asking about the term "redneck" being used by a person of color.

[gollygee]

12. It might be a bigoted statement

but racism is specifically about having societal power, and since people of color don't have societal power over white people, it isn't racist.

It is specifically about white people though. The term refers to poor white people who worked in agriculture, particularly in the south. The word came from the back of the neck getting red from working in fields out in the sun. So yes it is a bigoted word, and classist word, but it would not be racist since racism isn't just about an ugly word but is about societal power.

[Behind the Aegis]

13. Popular myth

Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 05:33 PM - Edit history (1)

However, "redneck" doesn't come from the sun beating down on the necks of white people working in the fields, but rather it was a term used to describe Scottish immigrants.

[gollygee]

14. Well I double checked wikipedia on that

although of course wikipedia isn't an authoritative source. Still, if I'm wrong (which I might be as I'm no expert,) tell the folks there and give them the back-up.

OK I see wikipedia gives that as a potential source for the name as well.

[Behind the Aegis]

16. See how far back it goes in it's usage.

It derived from one thing, and then became used for something else; not uncommon in language.

http://www.tartansauthority.com/global-scots/us-scots-history/hillbillies-and-rednecks/

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

92. A Scotch immigrant is anyone coming here with a bottle of Glenfiddich

A Scottish immigrant might have to buy some sunblock if they settle in the south.

I welcome the Scotch immigrants!

[Behind the Aegis]

97. Ooops. I was thinking Scotch-Irish, but left off the Irish because it didn't apply.

That was a silly mistake. Thanks.

[OriginalGeek]

111. lol, my Scots-Irish ancestors would still quibble

I ain't mad though - any talk of scotch is fine with me! But all the people I know will always tell you "Scotch is a drink. Scots is people."

Except my grandma. SHe said Scotch-Irish until she died. She might have been drunk though.*










*jokes! She never drank.

[Behind the Aegis]

113. LOL! I have seen it both ways.

I don't know if there is a preference or usage that is more common than the other. I would think "Scots" would likely be the more "correct" usage, but, as I said, I see it both ways. I like your grandma!

[OriginalGeek]

119. I can promise you this:

She woulda liked you too. She and grandpa quite literally rescued me from a fundamentalist, racist, bigoted upbringing.

[Behind the Aegis]

120. That's sweet of you to say.

I am glad they were there to save you.

[loli phabay]

137. yup scots is the correct term, as the poster said scotch is the a drink

[Hosnon]

85. "[R]acism is specifically about having societal power."

This is incorrect. There is more than one kind of racism, and institutional racism is but one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institutional_racism

[Uncle Joe]

15. From a moral point of view there is no difference, if one is a bigot while out of power

nothing precludes that individual from being a racist while in it.

The same mentality with the only difference being the wherewithal to back up said ugly thoughts and words with marshall or societal power and privilege.

[enlightenment]

28. Interesting.

Where did you find that definition?

[gollygee]

66. I do volunteer work for an organization

that sends all of its regular volunteers to anti-racism training, and I learned it from the anti-racism trainers.

[enlightenment]

95. Ah.

Thank you.

[ZombieHorde]

79. That is not the general use the word.

When most people use the word, they mean bigotry based on skin color.

[gollygee]

81. Hmm

I have gone to a good amount of anti-racism training for an organization I volunteer with, and the anti-racism trainers told us that many white people use the definition you have, but people of color do not see it that way. I don't know if "many white people" = common usage. I assume the people who are affected by racism are the experts on it so if the people of color teaching the anti-racism training tell me that's the definition, I'm taking their word on it.

[ZombieHorde]

96. It's the basic dictionary definition.

There is a difference between general use and specialized use for a word.

Consider the word "BS." It usually stands for "Bull Shit," however, for people in the medical field, and people who have diabetes, "BS" stands for "Blood Sugar." The people in the medical field and those with diabetes may be the experts, but "BS" still means "Bull Shit" in general usage.

[Hosnon]

84. That's institutional racism, and only one form of racism.

Power is not necessary for individual racism.

[gollygee]

89. See post 81

[Hosnon]

94. Your training may focus on institutional racism for various reasons,

such as it being the most useful to reduce as a society.

However, that does not mean it is the only type of racism. Individual racism is a thing, and it does not require power in the sense that institutional racism does.

[gollygee]

98. No

The first thing we've done in any anti-racism training I've gone to is to define racism, and every single anti-racism trainer I've heard from has defined it as societal, and individual bigotry as bigotry. And I consider these people, who are people of color and who are therefore personally affected by racism, and who have advanced degrees in this field and work in this field, to be authorities on the subject.

They've also said that they've only known white people to define individual bigotry as "racism." I don't know if any people of color at DU have even contributed to this thread, but maybe they could speak for that better than I could. I only know what I've been taught, but again I do consider these people to be greater authorities on the subject than anyone I've seen post in this thread so I'm going with what they told me.

[Hosnon]

104. It's news to me if only white people think racism includes individual racism.

My information comes from this Wikipedia entry on "Institutional Racism".

Under the "Classification" heading, reference is made to Professor James M. Jones and his classification system (which is not as limited as the definition you have been provided). Prof. Jones appears to be a professor at the University of Delaware, and he is black.

[AverageJoe90]

107. You must not have had a terribly good trainer, then, I'm afraid.

I honestly mean no offense, but I've been in the anti-racism circuit for a few years and I've only rarely heard this. Most groups, yes, POC included, btw, will talk about institutional racism when needed but they don't claim that it's the *only* form of racism.

[AverageJoe90]

106. Very true. Though institution racism is far more damaging overall.....nt

[AverageJoe90]

86. That's only describing *institutional* racism, tho....and not all racism is institutional.

POC can be racist, too. With all the reality of institutional prejudices set aside for the moment, we must realize that *ANY* group can have truly bigoted and ugly thoughts about entire groups, e.g., blacks against whites, Koreans against Mexicans & blacks, Arabs against Jews, Chinese against Native Americans, Iranians against Indians, etc.

The ugliness of what we modern folk call "racism" has tainted humanity for far longer than institutional prejudice in America. We can eliminate the latter.....the former, maybe not entirely. But it wouldn't hurt to keep trying.

[gollygee]

88. See post 81

[AverageJoe90]

99. Okay, and?

The number of POC in the Social Justice movement who take the honestly, rather flawed & short-sighted, view that only institutional racism is "real" racism, isn't all that high, even if the proponents of such a view tend to be quite vocal. And some of these, unfortunately, from my experience, do tend to come across as quite prejudiced, against white folks, even if they may claim not to be.

[gollygee]

102. Based on that response

The number of POC in the Social Justice movement who take the honestly, rather flawed & short-sighted, view that only institutional racism is "real" racism, isn't all that high, even if the proponents of such a view tend to be quite vocal. And some of these, unfortunately, from my experience, do tend to come across as quite prejudiced, even *Racist*, occasionally, against white folks(even if they claim innocence).

I'm definitely taking them as the authorities on the subject.

[AverageJoe90]

105. Based on your response.....

It sounds like you have some rethinking to do.

Trust me on this: the majority of POC in the social justice movement don't adhere to the view that *only* institutional racism is "real" racism. Rather, from what I've been hearing from most, it is merely a part, albeit a big one, of the larger problem; and it is, and one that isn't nearly as discussed as it could be(which definitely seems to be the case).

I've been around for a while. I know what I'm talking about.....

[demwing]

115. Which has nada to do with racism

Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 07:47 PM - Edit history (1)

If an unemployed white woman called the President the N word, she's a racist.

Social standing has nothing to do with prejudice based on skin color.

[Nye Bevan]

7. I would call it classist as opposed to racist (nt)

[AndyA]

8. To me, a redneck describes a lifestyle more than anything else

It's not limited to any particular race. White people, black people, Native American people, etc., can all be rednecks. It's considered an insult to most, but I've never thought of it as being racist.

[yuiyoshida]

11. I have always heard "Redneck" being applied to

Caucasian, never anyone else... I find it hard to believe a African American could be considered a "redneck".

[Art_from_Ark]

145. In my part of Arkansas, at least,

the term "redneck" is generally applied to rural people who 1) are poorly educated, by choice, 2) have a gun rack in the back of their pick-up truck, usually with a gun in it, 3) think the best time of year is deer hunting season, 4) throw beer cans out their truck windows and 5) (probably the most important) can be downright ornery-- whip-the-kids-and-beat-the-wife type of ornery. It has nothing at all to do with whatever European country their ancestors might have come from. And yeah, in that area it's almost always white guys.

[rrneck]

10. If its intended to be so - yes.

Other racial epithets are still racial epithets whether they are directed at a particular race or not.

"Rednecks" are almost universally understood to be white, a descriptor of race.

[libodem]

27. I kind of assumed

Most red necks were farmers or ranchers working with their backs to the sun and thus making sunburned necks.
Everybody sunburns. Some just worse than others.


In high school we had a hippies vs cowboys phenom. The hippies were liberal and the cowboys conservative. Cowboys threatened hippies with the sheep shears, over the long hair. Most everyone was more or less white.

[rrneck]

123. The term itself carries with it

distinct cultural connotations that stretch beyond occupation. Generally when people hear the term they don't think "farmer". Generally redneck is synomonous with "white cracker".

Remember when Clevon Little used the term in Blazing Saddles? It was used then expressly in terms of race.

But language is plastic and it's almost impossible to codify slang with much precision. I've used the term in reference to myself and others have used it in reference to me with no offense. Is that any different from the cooptation of the "N" word by the black community?

[Gormy Cuss]

17. If it's used by an outsider to stereotype a group of people based on appearance,

race, or other characteristics like income and education, it's bigoted.

gollygee though pointed out the definition of racism, which is in a formal sense quite different from bigotry.

In informal language, many people use 'racist' when the proper term is 'bigot.' That causes some confusion.

[yuiyoshida]

21. That is confusing....

Now I know the word "Chink" has been considered racist ..and bigoted..but your saying its not racist? I am a bit confused by that.

[Gormy Cuss]

29. I don't mean this as snark, but you need to read up on it.

Bigotry can be racist. Not all bigotry is racist. Racist, bigot, and prejudiced are used interchangeably in informal usage even thought each is a different concept.

[yuiyoshida]

33. Thanks...

Okay.. I will do a little research on it, but this was a specific example of something not easy to find an concrete answer to. Seems even the poll has some people who believe it is a bigoted term..

[hobbit709]

18. The original rednecks were union coal miners.

[Spider Jerusalem]

20. Nope.

The original rednecks were Scots Presbyterians who signed the Solemn League and Covenant promising to uphold the reformed church in Scotland. Many of them signed in blood and wore red scarves as an emblem; they were referred to as "rednecks". The descendants of these same Scots and Ulster Scots Presbyterians formed a significant part of the colonial population of the inland South (and of the present-day South).

http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/rednecks/rednecks.html

[Sheldon Cooper]

19. It's not racist.

Anymore than calling white people crackers, honky, etc. is racist. Sure, you will have some white folks who want to argue racism, but really the only thing you can do is shake your head and chuckle at their silliness.

[yuiyoshida]

23. Please explain why those words are not

Racist? Yes its definitely bigoted, but why is it not racist?

[haele]

35. Racism is active - it's a mechanism of power usage, like Sexism. Bigotry is individual belief.

I can be bigoted, and probably am considered bigoted by some who think I judge unfairly, but my actions can only be racist if I act on that bigotry.

Calling me a cracker or redneck behind my back (or even to my face) means the person calling me that is reacting to a stereotype because they think I'm an old rural-looking white woman who is not going to give a minority a fair break over her white peers.
That is their individual belief. It doesn't hurt me unless they attempt to convince others that I am a racist person and should be treated as such. That attempt to convince others or interfere with my rights is the racist action - not the comment.

However, if I actually was an old white woman who would not give a minority a fair break over my white peers, I would be racist, and it would not be racist for anyone to point that out.

Haele

[yuiyoshida]

37. Thank you so much...

This really has turned out to be fascinating because I am seeing some different perspectives on this, I had not seen previously. Thank you for your interesting comment!

[Tom Ripley]

38. +1000

[cpwm17]

25. OK, then it's open season on calling everyone anything

because none of it is racist. You are amazingly wrong.

[hrmjustin]

72. What?

[Douglas Carpenter]

22. I perceive racism as referring to an assumed sense of ethnic and/or racial superiority one group has

over another group or groups - This assumed sense of ethnic or racial superiority is made possible by the cultural, economic and political dominance of the dominant/privileged group. Peoples of color in a white dominated society are simply not in a position of cultural, economic or political dominance. That is not to say that they can not have prejudices and unfair attitudes - but they are not in the position to practice cultural, economic or political dominance.

[Throd]

24. I'm something of a redneck.

I like a lot of the things that are ridiculed by the some of the more urban types around here.

Some rednecks are racists. Not all racists are rednecks.

[yuiyoshida]

26. okay but the question is...

If for example, I as a Japanese American called you a redneck, would I be considered Racist (now the term seems to be changing to bigoted) for doing so? Is it wrong for a minority to use that word?

[Throd]

30. No, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

Like a lot of things it would probably matter on how you said it.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

40. Look, "Redneck" is not a race. You can't be racist for calling someone a redneck - especially

if that person is, indeed, a redneck!

This isn't that hard.




DISCLAIMER: I have extensive knowledge in this topic. My opinion is not to be questioned.

[yuiyoshida]

43. okay but isn't it assumed that

A "redneck" is in fact a Caucasian? This term would not be used for a Hispanic nor an Asian.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

51. Every redneck I ever knew, me included, was proud to be referred to as such. It's a

lifestyle, not a racial thing. Rednecks simply work and play hard, against all odds, and are proud of it. That's it.

[Lizzie Poppet]

49. But you can still be a bigot.

Obviously...

[ChisolmTrailDem]

52. Well, you see, one trait of a true redneck is that he doesn't recognize

bigotry as the motivation when he is the target because he's too busy working, partying, or both, while bragging about and being proud of it.

[libodem]

42. If somebody calls me a flaming white liberal

I'm taking it to mean that all my concern for other races, other sexual orientations, and females, getting a fair shake, and equal opportunity, under the law, makes me a phoney, flakey, meddling fool.

What other people think of me is none of my business.

[enlightenment]

45. I don't think you're going to find consensus

about this on DU.

Why not just settle for thinking that it really isn't nice to label people with derogatory names, regardless of their skin color; ethnicity; cultural heritage; or other . . .

You're Japanese American, so I'll ask you this - when I lived in Japan (I grew up there), many of my Japanese schoolmates called me gaijin. Not a horrible word, but it was often meant in an ugly way. Was it racist?

I don't think it was, but it often was not very nice and as I was quite young, it was sometimes hurtful to be referred to that way. On the other hand, when I was with my American friends, we would refer to ourselves as gaijin - without batting an eye.

You - and your friends - live with the choices you make. I'd say take the high road. It doesn't cost any more than the low road, after all.

Just my humble opinion.

[yuiyoshida]

50. Yes of course.... Its far better never to use

Those kinds of terms in polite company. Though people get mad. They want to say something hurtful because they have been hurt. I guess its totally childish to do so, but most of us do not seem to have the control to move above that kind of thing. If you are driving in a car and someone cuts you off, nearly causing an accident, your brain is not going to say to you...

That driver has done a dangerous and stupid thing...but He's probably an alright guy to his family and friends. Your going to think..
You freaking idiot! You cut me off and nearly got me killed!

Human Nature...

[VanillaRhapsody]

56. So you drink from Red Solo Cups not Crystal Stem?

[Throd]

74. Beer already comes in a can. Who needs fancy-pants cups?

[yuiyoshida]

108. I want you to know...

This made me

[Sylvarose]

31. redneck as racism..

I don't think works. Generally when you say "redneck" you are not using it as a phrase that would apply to all Caucasians as say the world "cracker".

Redneck has different connotation. It generally is associated with a stereotype.

I would say it would be closer to classism then racism.

IMHO

[JEFF9K]

32. A redneck is a member of a certain subset of Caucasians. ...

Said subset is generally racist, hateful, and stupid. He deserves to be called names.

[Go Vols]

53. Redneck may be a step up for you then.

[IrishAyes]

129. Jeff said 'generally' and that's true, regardless of the charming picture above.

Red Neck obviously does not HAVE to be ignorant and racist - but a lifetime's observation suggests that it generally IS. I might add that xenophobia plays a large part in the problem people.

That said, I really do like that picture. I wouldn't love folk music and blue grass the way I do if I considered all rural whites beneath me in any way. I can also feel deep respect for natural intelligence in a decent if unlettered person. They're not necessarily ignorant.

But the fact remains that a large number of whites rich and poor, especially in the South and MidWest, whether rural or urban are xenophobic as geese and that aggravates a host of accessory ills. Those are the people to whom I refer when I speak of being marooned as a retiree in RedNeckLand. If I thought they were not to be found elsewhere, the GOP would quickly disabuse me of any such notion. It's been very educational over a long life (so far) to have lived in so many different locales. I will continue to use the term Red Neck and/or RedNeckLand where applicable w/o a single twinge of embarrassment. I don't consider it a classist slur either because while I might have grown up in more fortunate circumstances than some, I've never based my friendships or admiration on socio-economic terms at all. There are quite a few people in the world from all walks of life whom I consider my betters.

Unfortunately this might have to suffice as my vote because when I click on the vote button, the form never loads for me. That might be due to quite a few gremlins, some inhabiting this old computer I use.

[CFLDem]

134. Lol that's awesome!

Coolest president ever!

[Iggo]

34. No.

[2naSalit]

36. It's a lifestyle choice

and expression of a purposefully manufactured culture based on the celebration of racist attitudes.

[Tom Ripley]

39. +1000

[ChisolmTrailDem]

48. Oh bullshit. Most of the redneck culture is based on pride in hard work which

results in hootin' and hollerin' and partyin' and drinkin' beer and cookin' on the grill and havin' as good a time possible during off-work hours.

Once again, while most rednecks are white, not all rednecks are racist or right-wingnuts. I'm sure as hell not.

[Skip Intro]

64. Yeah, that's bullshit. n/t

[NightWatcher]

41. Country Boy, Good Ol Boy, Hick, Bumpkin, Redneck, White Trash, Poor White Trash...

These terms exist on a spectrum of lifestyle, attitude, or social standing. To some, certain of these term might be considered endearing, while to others they are insults.

I am from a long line of Country Folk who up until the last two generations resided in rural areas. I still have certain Good Ol Boy and Country inclinations.

[yuiyoshida]

57. Did you notice that song has the

"N" word in it? ...yikes.

[NightWatcher]

62. removed the song

There's a dozen versions of that song, some with some without. Sorry, I do not condone use of the word

[yuiyoshida]

65. Thanks...

Did not want this thread locked for that ...(phew)

[ieoeja]

103. I have never viewed the N-word as having negative context in that song.

Actually, in the context of that song the N-word means "hard worker". It actually becomes a compliment in this instance.

Of course, I'm not Black, so ....

[NightWatcher]

109. it was easier to just not go near it

Other versions of the song say "work like a dog for my room and board" and I think he meant work hard and not as an insult either

[loyalsister]

122. white trash does not belong with the other

"White trash" implies that if a white person is trashy they must be defined. Everyone else is naturally considered trash.

Redneck is negative only when intended to be. My dad takes pride in it and has no problem with associations with the beer drinking, construction worker, country music loving, stereotype it implies. Unfortunately he is also part of the extreme of the stereotype.

I think it's often used as a derogatory term to describe a social group in a way that is often inaccurate. It's not necessarily racist, since it is used by white people frequently, to describe a group with a negative intention. I think it's a classist slur.

[Tom Ripley]

44. Rednecks choose to be belligerently stupid and are proud of doing so

Fuck them

[Go Vols]

55. lol,you an expert?

I think not.

[Tom Ripley]

63. As a matter of fact, I am. I am currently doing field studies here in Georgia.

[Go Vols]

67. I don't think you are getting an accurate picture

and should expand your research to a broader area if this is what you have come up with "Rednecks choose to be belligerently stupid and are proud of doing so".

[2naSalit]

125. Hmmm...

rofl: :

Well then, I'll invite them out to Montana and Idaho redneckland and they can expand their studies here.

I think they're onto something though.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

46. Redneck is on a level with things like 'hick,' 'nerd,' 'jock,' 'hippy,' 'beatnik,' etc.

It's pretty exclusively applied to white males but it's still about lifestyle and behavior.

[lunasun]

118. yes nothing to do with the color of the neck

not racial but can be a put down about that kind of lifestyle and behavior. from anyone of opposing thought or values

Just like "dirty hippie" is not nice neither is "dumb redneck"

I am a hippie, or I am a redneck, is different also and not a call out on discrimination imo

[beachbum bob]

47. its a life style

redneck is alot easier to say than "ignorant tobacco chewing gun toting beer drinking trailer living poor white guy who hates everyone else that has it better"


definitely a lifestyle

[appleannie1]

54. There are black people in my area that are rednecks. It is the way they dress and choose to live.

[yuiyoshida]

60. Do they refer to themselves as that?

That is kind of odd.. I think.

[nadinbrzezinski]

58. Union History 101, no longer taught

Red Necks were union members in the mines in the 1920s. Self identifying as such could earn you a beating or a bullet. So they wore the red neckerchiefs to identify themselves to others. That is where the term comes from, the union movement.

They no longer teach this anymore though.

http://www.timothydeanblog.com/apps/forums/topics/show/2915547

Look up particularly the Battle of Blair Mountain.

[AlinPA]

71. Thank you. Being from a coal mining region, I heard that story from parents and grandparents, but

it seems the prevailing understanding was that "redneck" was a term applied to working people who were not accustomed to wearing neckties and their neck became red when they did, usually on a Sunday or at a wedding, etc..

[nadinbrzezinski]

73. That is the other origin

but it is related to work. I hate that it has been taken away from workers and made something else.

[theHandpuppet]

121. Thanks. I was going to post about this

Glad you enlightened folks on the term "Red Neck" and the Battle of Blair Mountain.

[nadinbrzezinski]

124. You welcome

[loli phabay]

139. wrong it predates that, its the covenanters where redneck comes from

[Go Vols]

59. I don't come from a race of Rednecks,

although I am a Redneck.

Not racist.

[Tikki]

61. I used to think 'hillbillies' were only white Americans who lived in the mountains of the Southern

areas of the U.S.

Then I started reading bios of black musicians who, also, called themselves hillbillies
and so pretty much anybody CAN be whatever they call themselves or what others perceive them to be.

I guess you would have to ask each individual what they think about how they might be identified to
see how they feel about a certain label.

Tikki

[yuiyoshida]

69. I suppose for example if you

Visited, say... China...and met some poor people who lived and survived up in the Hills, they could be considered similar to "Hillbillies" and maybe there is some Chinese equivalent to that term. But as people say, being "Redneck" is kind of a life style.. and perhaps Racist is not the correct word to use, if a minority were to use it... Bigoted yes, but in the way they deliver the word. If its an angry use of the word it would be bigoted...


Still myself, I don't like some labels and would never use them. But...I think as someone said, Racism is more an action.. and a Racist is one who is doing that action.. where as a bigot can just be thinking or saying things.. a bit different.

This has been so educational, thank you everyone!

[Tikki]

76. Lots of people live in hills and not all are called 'hillbillies' so it has an aspect of 'lifestyle'

associated with the term.

I am very glad you brought this idea here for us to discuss.



This is where we learn.

Tikki

[yuiyoshida]

77. Yes, I have learned a lot today

Thanks to everyone

[Skip Intro]

70. I've been told "thug" and "gangsta" are racist terms.

I guess they could be, depending on context and intent, as could redneck.

I think the term redneck is used more as a classist (bigoted) insult by others who tread in stereotypes and hypocritical self-importance.

[yuiyoshida]

75. Maybe its how they are used...

For example there is "gansta rap". To simply use that does not imply anything wrong. As for "thug" that is a word that has been around a long, long time. I think I am beginning to understand there is a difference between Racist and Bigot... where as a Racism is an action and a person doing it is a Racist. (Example, someone burning a cross on a lawn.) Where as a person can be a bigot simply by having
bigoted thoughts.. or saying bigoted things.

I hope that is correct.

[etherealtruth]

80. Redneck is a classist term

... more a comment on socioeconomic status than anything else

[HipChick]

83. I don't recall Rednecks being enslaved..

Unlike Skincolor,it's a lifestyle choice

[CJCRANE]

87. Unless you're part of the group

or close to them it's best to avoid any borderline derogatory terms for any group of people IMO.

[yuiyoshida]

91. This is common sense

Last edited Mon Nov 11, 2013, 06:03 PM - Edit history (1)

No one likes a fist in the face.

[loli phabay]

140. best post on the thread, and so true

[AverageJoe90]

90. Usually not, no.

While there are undoubtedly a few POC who *may* use this term in a racist or otherwise bigoted fashion, that's actually kinda rare.

Mostly, the negative connotations are cultural more than ethnic and usually don't cross the line into tarring entire groups.....just saying.

[yuiyoshida]

93. What ya think??

Should we talk about "Haole" next?

[AverageJoe90]

101. Maybe, I dunno.

[SummerSnow]

110. Hmm...I dont use the term but..

redneck is more of a lifestyle like the term "ghetto" is a lifestyle.

[One_Life_To_Give]

116. Prejudice is ugly

Racist or not prejudice is ugly. Now depending upon context the word can have differing connotations. But referring to a group like that can be slippery territory.

[rock]

126. No

Simply put, what race would that be? You certainly couldn't tell by examining the DNA. No race, not racist.

[Township75]

127. I voted yes.

The reason is simple - it's only used towards white people. When someone says redneck, do you think of anyone other than a white country looking male? Likely ignorant, dirty....maybe wearing a flannel?

Nigger actually means a meager person, and was used to describe slaves that often looked that way...meager. It didn't mean black. I see redneck in the same light.

My guess is that at DU the term has been used so much in association with the tea party, that people will not want to acknowledge it as a racist word.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

142. Township, you're confusing "nigger" and "niggardly".

Please learn the difference.

People have lost their jobs, like a judge in Missouri, for using the word "niggardly" and other people thinking it's a racial slur, when it's not.

[mike_c]

130. classist perhaps...

...but I wouldn't call it racism.

[IrishAyes]

131. Apparently my vote has now been recorded but I still don't get a form to explain my vote;

so please see #129 for my explanation. And thank you for an extremely interesting OP.

[dimbear]

132. To appreciate how it can be racist, be called that while you're the only white person around.

It'll sink in. Coming from your drinking buddies it doesn't have the gravitas.

[alp227]

136. Culturally it's been used as a term of endearment

such as Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck if..." skits, or Gretchen Wilson's song "Redneck Woman".

[Vashta Nerada]

138. Rednecks are a generally racist, bigoted, simple subset of the white population.

[No Vested Interest]

141. Like so many things, it depends on tone and context...

The minority in this instance is obviously referring to a Caucasian.
What else is being said, and what emotions, if any, are involved.

It could be simply a descriptive term, referring to a countrified, unsophisticated person.
Or ir could be used in derision, hatred, you name it.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

143. Randy Newman - Rednecks

Telling it like it is--and it's ugly:

[Whisp]

144. the term redneck is not racist. that's just damn silly to even think that. n/t