Who Finds the Term Redneck Offensive and Why and Why Do You Consider It a Slur

Bug, no disrespect, but you are offended by 'blacks', but what about 'whites'? It's a catch 22.

I'm from the country, I grew up in the country. I grew up milking cows, playing with barn cats, getting lost in corn fields, eating raw fruits and veggies outta the garden, making things out of nothing.

I'm a country girl, redneck, whatever you wanna call me, living in a city. I don't care what people call me. I work hard, take care of my daughter, my animals, my house, myself. Names are names. Get over it, move on. Don't we have better things to get pissy over?

And I am missing one tooth. So, am I a redneck? With a damn good job (along with benefits) and can support my family.

Where I come from, the terms Redneck and Trailer Trash are interchangeable. It IS a derogatory term here (CA). It seems like a lot of people on this forum believe it's a term to describe a salt-of-the-Earth Southerner. Maybe in the South, that's what it means. Here in the West, not so much.

This is interesting - kind of like how in the South it's coca-cola, on the coasts it's soda, an in the Midwest, it's pop. We live in a big country with many linguistic differences!

Ok, here in Cali its more of a negative thing-not really a slur. But when I think of redneck, I usually have the image of an unkept person, with a mullet, smoking cigarettes,drunk, uneducated, living in the backwoods etc with no teeth, shooting cans or at things near the trailer--this term goes hand-in hand with trailer trash. I would love for you to explain more about what you feel is positive about being a redneck--you said your vocal, outspoken and independent. What else makes someone a redneck?

Thanks-

M

I grew up in Pennsylvania and have been in Texas for 30 years. Redneck has always meant hard working (although usually blue collar - from the original meaning of those contructing the railroad), God fearing, country loving, ethical persons. Those on the left leaning may find that stupid and that's why it's now considered a slur in places like New York, Illinois, and the west coast where there are more progressives who feel blue collar workers are ignorant or stupid and fearing God just shows how little you actually know and certainly have a global view than USA pride AND they'd do just about anything to get ahead (regardless of who or what you have to step on to get there). Rednecks are WONDERFUL people you can trust and will come to your aide no matter what and are willing to think out of the box in allot of situations. So yes, your perspective and geographic location probably have something to do with your "opinion" of who a redneck may be. And what are you suppose to call people of color? I find the term African Americans offensive and incorrect. They are AMERICANS if they were born here and live here. My fore fathers came from Germany and Luthauania, but I don't have to have that in MY title. My husband's came from England, but he doesn't have that in his title. I just don't get it - sorry. Just as someone said, we don't consider white a slur, why is black bad?

I don't find it offensive, but I think it is frequently misused.

Bee's Mom said the term comes from people who used to wear red hankies on their necks while working on the railroad, but I've never heard that before. I've always heard that the term referred to farmers and ranchers who worked in the fields, in the sun all day and backs of their necks were always red from the sun. To me that signifies a hardworking person, and in my opinion is a noble designation. Yes, they were typically poor people without much schooling, but they were honest, family minded, usually God-fearing. It's unfortunate that the term has come to mean something else to so much of the country. If everyone would take the time to educate themselves on the origin of the word, many who think negatively of it would change their minds, and many who call themselves rednecks would realize that they really are not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redneck

Had to chuckle over some of the responses on here. Growing up in Texas, "redneck" was never a slur, although it seems that some people confuse "redneck" with "white trash". "Redneck", where I grew up, means more "country" but also means hardworking, common folks, just trying to live and get along like everyone else. They aren't necessarily "rebels", and they aren't necessarily "trashy".
I AM offended by the more "liberal" readers out there that take offense to the use of "black" but think nothing of misusing the term "redneck". Rednecks were originally hardworking, mostly clean living, God-fearing people. I have to agree with Kris M. on that one! But as for the term "blacks", just what are we supposed to call them? I agree with Pam B on this one, people of African descent are NOT "African Americans" if they are born in this country, they are simply Americans. My forebears came from Mexico, but I am not considered anything except American, certainly not "Mexican-American". Growing up in the 70s, "blacks" was the term used, or "negroes". Would that term be less offensive? Maybe if we referred to hispanics as "browns" and Asians as "yellows", the term "black" would be much less offensive, right? Guess I'm just too redneck to be politically correct!

I think anyone who thinks redneck is a racist term is ignorant. Redneck is not a race. Since you are asking honest opinions and are curious, I will tell you redneck is not a favorable term here in northern illinois. It basically means a country person with lack of education, poor hygeine, unkempt living conditions, and such. I also know some people who like the term and it is favorable to them. My husband has many "rednecks" in his family and they are all wonderful, loving, decent people and they do not mind the term and all, even show pride in it.

I am more confused that people here are proudly calling themselves "rednecks" (?) I am not meaning that to be rude, I guess I am curious what the term entails to all of you who classify yourselves as that. Maybe it is because I am from the West Coast and the term "redneck" to me means mullets, missing teeth and shotguns? LOL Again, I am so not trying to sound rude or ignorant...but I always thought it was a joke term and didn't realize that eloquent people called themselves "rednecks." So now this question has me curious... I always call things "ghetto" and some people get offended saying it is disrespectful to black people... I totally don't mean it to be, it has nothing to do with that in my book but for some people it does.

I think it's an insult when it's used in a derogatory manner, just like any other label. Like I tell my son, it's not so much your words, but how you use them.

I think different people have different definitions of what redneck is, so it can be offensive depending on who and where it is coming from. Racist comments (including your comment about "blacks") will evoke offense, but redneck is not a race although you claim to be full blooded. I also think generation influences the definition. I am almost 40 and grew up in a small town outside Houston, and my initial definition of redneck aligns with the Bellamy song I grew up with referring to rednecks having callused hands but tender heart, that they are faithful and conservative, but like to have a good time. I had many redneck friends growing up that fit that definition. And as my bubble expanded and I traveled further from home, I found that many people had a less positive definition. To many a redneck is uneducated or ignorant, usually low income, their home and person are unkept, and they believe that rules and laws do not apply to them. I still have many friends that fit my original definition, and probably would not be offended by being referred to as a redneck but it really is subjective.

I'm more offended by your use of "blacks"

@Momma Of One - It's not at all a catch 22. "whites" has NEVER been used in a racist, derogatory, or demeaning matter. In our country, using the term "blacks" has a long history of being used to discriminate and insult the African American culture. You remember all those signs that said, "No "Blacks." ever see a sign that said "No Whites?" Didn't think so. There IS A HUGE difference. Would you go around saying "japs," or "jews?" Then you shouldn't go around saying "blacks." Saying "whites" mean nothing. It has no negative connotations.

Way back in the day, many men, (many colors and backgrounds) worked through the south building the train lines (tracks) They built tracks, cleared land, dug through mountains. Before Unions were very popular, a group of men wore red banddanas around their necks to signify unity...this is where the term "redneck" originated. Over time, it has become somewhat of a stereotype. I would not consider it a "slur".

I WILL have to say, and pardon my ignorance, but your use of the word "blacks" is very offensive. Who even says that? You do know its 2011?

I have enjoyed reading the responses. I think there are people who use the word to offend others. Our society has become the society of name calling. For example, I have been called "homophobic, stupid, ignorant, terrorist" why you ask? Because I'm a member of the tea party. Makes you wonder!

I'm proud to come from rednecks. My grandparents worked hard to send their kids to college. My parents worked hard to send my brother and I to college and my husband and I are working hard to send our kids to college. I would say I'm a urban redneck! :)

I think people take to much offense to WORDS these days. It's just a word. She said the word "blacks" and even THAT offended some. I think some people are just looking for a reason to be offended. I don't take offense if someone calls me WHITE. It's just a color too. I don't have the time to be worried about all that I guess. I have alot more important things going on to get upset over WORDS people use these days. Have a great day!!

I think of "rednecks" a bit negatively. To me the term means that you don't care about your yard, other people's rules, unkempt, mullets, daytime strip clubs, fighting, spitting, etc.
I think of "country folk" as kind, hard working, God-loving people who just want more of a simple life. Big difference!

Cutting and pasting what I wrote before:

This is why I don't like labels of any kind. It is quick, base and inaccurate. Description about people takes thought; labels, not so much.

I have a redneck streak in me ... never found it offensive, simply a term of love to one who is but then again I have a ton of redneck buddies from all over the states. Redneck, Yuppie, Socialite they are all simmilar words to me they just describe someone's personality and veiw towards life in one word as opposed to many! You say Johnny is a redneck and you have a mental image ... you say Johnny is a Yuppie and again mental image same goes for socialite and many other terms as such.

From all the different responses on here.... I don't think anyone REALLY knows what a "redneck" is. It seems everyone has their own definition of what it means. And everyone seems to have their own OPINION about it. So I would say that is it what it is::::: AN OPINION of what it means. It means different things to different people.

It's funny reading some of the answers on here. You can take any term that refers to a group of people and you can make it a slur depending on how it is used in a sentence. I'm glad you are proud of who you are. As in every category of people, there are those who give the rest a bad name or those that give the group a stereotype. There are also the ones who rise above and make everyone proud. Some will become defensive, some will try to pretend they don't have a stereotype, some will be proud to be a part of a group, some will try not to be part of that group, some will judge, some will look down on anyone who is not like them, etc., etc.

I find the word redneck to quite honorable. Every redneck I have ever known was honest and you knew their opinoin straight out and straight up always. I have never known one that knowingly participated in rumors. Nor have I known one to gossip or enjoy hearing gossip.

Sadly I do not fit the title of redneck; thus, I have to settle for, "Redneck wannabe" It is kind of like those exservicemen who claim all kinds of ribbons for wars they were never part of. Nevertheless I am a Redneck wannabe.

Redneck as far as my best friend tells me means you can handle your own, you grew up in the sticks and can pretty much live comfortably if the world ended. My jolly green redneck as I call him (he's tall as hell) can make his own weapons (bow and arrows), knives, and use them. He hikes a lot in the middle of nowhere. I think it's just like wigger... a lot take offense to it but people call me that and I don't, I am who I am and I know how I act, I know I'm not ignorant, rude, or anything if someone implies that meaning or something... I'm a product of my environment. People who call me that don't ever mean it in a rude mean way either. Maybe people get redneck confused with hillbilly. I call my best friend Jolly green redneck and he calls me Sawed-off shotgun or a wigger lmao.

Hi D.! I really liked your post! I do need to comment on the posts that saying "black" is offensive. I have many, many friends who refer to themselves as "Black". My nephew and his sisters proudly say they are brown! I am Peach. :)
We are too worried about offending people with terms. I despise the word "n****r", and it bothers me when I hear black people call each other that. I think the casual reference cheapens the horror of what the slaves went through. But that is just my opinion. I am not willing to start a crusade over it! :)

Now......I think it's time to go watch Sweet Home Alabama! I'll pretend I'm watching it with my favorite redneck, D. S! :)

The term redeneck can be funny (jeff foxworth is a good example) but the most recent post about the neighbors who play basketball in the street and let the dog loose was not funny. she wasn't trying to be funny and used it almost the same way other people use the term sp** or ni**** these are slurs and inappropriate. I come from the south. I know what redneck is and can laugh and roll with the punches as well as the next person. But to complain about a lousy neighbor and then use a term like that is not appropriate.

The term redneck refers to the white overseers of slaves working in the field. Their necks were red from the sun. Wouldn't want to be associated with that term due to its history.

my opinion on rednecks are: any race, in the hood, ghetto, city, in the subs can be rednecks not just bein in the country. plus rednecks has nothin to do with country livin, farmin, etc. so people go out to the beach and get burnt on their necks are called rednecks? i dont think so. when i was in kentucky, the high school there, if they see anybody wearin cowboy boots, hats and all that they fight ya, even the teachers. just rednecks wanna fight someone for dressin different. ya know how i know, cause my cousins went to school there, been to their graduations there, all them so called country people were havin their eyes on me cause i was wearin boots, hat, belt and buckle and i was in my teen years. country people dont act stupid like rednecks. i get my neck burnt, dont mean im a redneck. plus i was raised up in the country all my life. so if ya gonna say rednecks are respectful and gentle, ya are rednecks for lyin!