The United States is a diverse land, full of distinct regions and cultures. In particular, the American South is a colorful area full of interesting people, including the group that refers to themselves as 'redneck.' This term has come a long way to mean what it does today.
The first people to be called by this name were found in 17th century Scotland. A group of Presbyterians found themselves being ruled by bishops, and were so passionate in their protests that they even signed important documents in their own blood. To represent their cause, they wore red handkerchiefs around their necks. Many immigrants to the American South came from Scotland, and some people believe they brought the nickname with them.
Soon, the word became an even more general term, until it no longer specifically described people of a certain religious group. By 1893, it had come to describe farmers and sharecroppers in the South. Because they were always out in the sun working, their necks were often bright red. This is probably where the modern usage of the word originates.
Within a couple of decades, the term was applied to miners to the north, as well. Many miners in the Appalachian Mountains went to work each day in a uniform that included a handkerchief around the neck. When the miners' union chose to strike, the red bandana seemed like the perfect symbol of their unity. They came to be called after this accessory, with their opposition using the term 'red neck' derogatorily.
While the word originally described hard-working, uncomplicated people, its meaning has shifted quite a bit since then. It came to be a derogatory name for Southerners, and connoted racism, bigotry, and a lack of class.
However, many people in the South are working to reclaim the word and give it a more positive feel. People who use the term as a way to describe themselves see it as connoting independence, hard work, and pride. Many comedians have notably worked redneck culture into their acts, in a way that can be appreciated by people throughout America. There are also several singers who have capitalized on their self-identification as rednecks.
Clearly, 'redneck' is a term that can mean many different things, depending on who uses it. It originally described religious rebels in Scotland, but now generally refers to people in the American South. Although it has been used pejoratively in the past, there are now many people who use it proudly to describe themselves.
The first people to be called by this name were found in 17th century Scotland. A group of Presbyterians found themselves being ruled by bishops, and were so passionate in their protests that they even signed important documents in their own blood. To represent their cause, they wore red handkerchiefs around their necks. Many immigrants to the American South came from Scotland, and some people believe they brought the nickname with them.
Soon, the word became an even more general term, until it no longer specifically described people of a certain religious group. By 1893, it had come to describe farmers and sharecroppers in the South. Because they were always out in the sun working, their necks were often bright red. This is probably where the modern usage of the word originates.
Within a couple of decades, the term was applied to miners to the north, as well. Many miners in the Appalachian Mountains went to work each day in a uniform that included a handkerchief around the neck. When the miners' union chose to strike, the red bandana seemed like the perfect symbol of their unity. They came to be called after this accessory, with their opposition using the term 'red neck' derogatorily.
While the word originally described hard-working, uncomplicated people, its meaning has shifted quite a bit since then. It came to be a derogatory name for Southerners, and connoted racism, bigotry, and a lack of class.
However, many people in the South are working to reclaim the word and give it a more positive feel. People who use the term as a way to describe themselves see it as connoting independence, hard work, and pride. Many comedians have notably worked redneck culture into their acts, in a way that can be appreciated by people throughout America. There are also several singers who have capitalized on their self-identification as rednecks.
Clearly, 'redneck' is a term that can mean many different things, depending on who uses it. It originally described religious rebels in Scotland, but now generally refers to people in the American South. Although it has been used pejoratively in the past, there are now many people who use it proudly to describe themselves.
About the Author:
Looking for more info on the distinct redneck social group ? Get the low down now in our guide to all you need to know about rednecks on http://projectredneck.com. Also published at A Brief Introduction To The American Redneck.
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