Rednecks... Not a Joke

Rednecks are primarily thought of as white, working class people living in the southern part of the U.S. Nowadays, rednecks can be found all over the country. There is even some interest in the redneck lifestyle in countries overseas. The term redneck most likely got started as a way of referring to the sun-burned red necks of people who worked in the fields all day. In some places in the country, they are called hillbillies, hicks, bumpkins, or trailer trash. Hillbilly white trash is another term that is often used. Rednecks are traditionally oriented people, who work hard, support their families and try to get by the best way they can. They are always willing to help their community by volunteering as church Sunday school teachers, youth counselors, firemen and anything else needed by their community.

The recent popularity of major acts like Jeff Foxworthy, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and Gretchen Wilson have created a new interest in the red neck lifestyle and it seems to be continuing to grow. A search of the term "redneck" on Google returns over 17 million results.

More and more people are finding that they relate to a more simple way of life. Many start with searching websites looking for jokes and funny pictures only to find there is more to be found there than just a laugh. As a member of my website, Redneck and Single, which gives single rednecks a place to meet, said, "When I saw this site, I thought it was a joke. But, after looking around, there are some real hotties here. So, I guess I'll become a redneck too." I'm sure she will be welcomed to the redneck community. This is further proof that you don't have to be born a hillbilly redneck to become one.

Although the culture probably originated in the south, you don't have to be from the south to be a redneck or even hillbilly white trash. It really is a state of mind. Rednecks have their own point of view and are mostly laid back and stress free. There is a great love of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. Of course, NASCAR garners a lot of interest. It has been called the Redneck's national sport. They own trucks for more reasons than for playing in the mud, although that will always be a big attraction.

Rednecks have a big affinity for home and family and will go to extra measures to protect them. Many homes have at least one gun. Although they may not have much, they will be thankful for what they do have. They work hard for their money, many in lower paying jobs. But they have fun doing it, as well. They know how to treat their mates and are typically attracted to partners who do the same.

The term redneck denotes someone with good common sense, and a talent for building and fixing stuff. Many tend to accumulate a lot of junk, much of it stored on the front lawn. Often, there will be an old automobile parked under a big tree, with a red neck "shade tree mechanic" trying to get it to run. A lot of that junk will be put to good use to build new things that, although not very pretty, do manage to get the job done.

Rednecks have a love of God, their country and state, and are strong supporters of the armed forces. Most believe there is more to life than money, and tend to care more about relationships and family. Many are single parents. In romantic pursuits, rednecks require that their mate be down to earth, always faithful and not afraid to get their hands dirty.

The redneck stereotype is one of an uneducated, simple minded person who delights in consuming huge quantities of cheap American beer like Pabst Blue Ribbon, lives in a trailer park and dates within their family. This has, of course, made them the brunt of many jokes.

What once was a negative term to describe farmers, construction workers and others who worked all day in the sun causing the backs of their necks to get sunburned, (red neck), has now become a description of a culture that believes in the simpler things, quality values, and a true appreciation of life, family and friends. True, the jokes are still around, but behind the laughter are a lot of decent hard working folks who, like the rest of us, are just trying to make a living and find happiness as they go through life.