Well, for one thing, I guess I am a Redneck but that doesn't go far towards answering the question does it?

The name Redneck originally meant a farmer, one who farmed his own land that is. You see farmers worked out in the sun all day and did not get their hair cut often. When they did, either at a shop in town or by the simple expedient of Momma putting a bowl on their heads and cutting around it, their necks tended to get burned. Ergo, the title Redneck.

So Rednecks were largely simple folks who lived close to the land and at the whim of the weather. Before the twentieth century that would have been the vast majority of us by the way. But during the twentieth century, and especially during the dust bowl and then the depression, this lifestyle took on a bad connotation.

The farmers, the rednecks, were put out of work and driven off their farms so they came to town looking for work, they went to California looking for work, they went wherever they could looking for work. Naturally in an environment like the depression anybody looking for work was a threat to the few who had it just as any new person in line at the soup kitchen might mean no bowl of soup for you.

So you see, like all ethnic, national and cultural slurs, the term Redneck stemmed from fear of the unknown. These "country people" seemed strange and dangerous; they lived by a code as harsh and simple as the lands they once farmed, they kept to themselves and tended not to assimilate well and, and never underestimate this one where bigotry is concerned, they were perceived as a threat to the jobs and lifestyles of those around them.

That tells you, at least partially, what a Redneck was. What is a Redneck now? Besides, of course, Jeff Foxworthy's meal ticket.

A Redneck today is someone who, no matter where they live, identify with the traits of simplicity, directness, perseverance, stamina and honesty that were the trademarks of farmers everywhere.

The identity of a true to the linage redneck is hard to define actually, maybe a compare and contrast would help, lets compare Rednecks and Yuppies:

Your tire goes flat on the interstate; if a Redneck pulls up he will help you change it, if a Yuppie pulls up (big if there) he will let you use his phone to call the tow truck.

You asked a question about anything; a Redneck will tell you what he thinks, a Yuppie will tell you what he THINKS HE IS SUPPOSED to think.

Someone attacks you in the parking lot of the local mall: a Redneck (assuming its not him of course) will help you, a Yuppie will suddenly get very busy looking at something in the other direction.

You say something that seriously offends him; a Redneck will tell you forcefully, a Yuppie will sue you.

You offer him a beer; a Redneck will drink whatever you have (PBR to Sam Adams) and thank you, a Yuppie will drink whatever you have and tell you he knows a better one.

And those are just a beginning.

I am, actually quite proud of my six traceable generations of side hill farmers and part time soldiers. Rednecks one and all. From the best I can determine they help fill the bellies of people all over America and, as time permitted fought in the Revolution, Civil War (both sides), WWI, WWII, Viet Nam and on and on. (This does not count brush fires, Indian Wars and passing disagreements)

The simple fact is folks, wherever America has used force of arms, you will find Redneck graves.

Learn more about this author, Edward Hall.
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