(flicker.com)
Can A Country Boy Survive?
You might be a redneck if you need an estimate from the barber before you get a haircut. You might even be a redneck if you have ever filled a deer tag on a golf course. You are for sure a redneck if you have flowers planted in a bathroom appliance in the front lawn. These are just a few examples of how society deciphers a lifestyle. I am not arguing the fact that rednecks fit a certain profile, in fact, I am going to tell the untold truths about these “rednecks.”
It’s not hard to spot a so called redneck as soon as you cross the Mason Dixon line. They are abundant in the south and have a horrible reputation. What is a redneck? According to urbandictionary.com, they are the ones hauling around their lawn equipment or hunting equipment (i.e. dogs) even if they do not plan on using them. It’s a proud symbol of their social status. (Urban) Although, this may be true, they are also the guys and gals that own a $70,000 tractor and a $10,000 mobile home. They may spend more money on their tires than they do on their actual truck, and a great majority of them do know what hard work consists of. This is the class that typically stops to help a lady change her tire and expects nothing in return. Nearly everyone has heard of southern hospitality, which basically is a long line of traditions and manners that have been inherited from the start of our great nation. An unconcealed politeness is typical within these “rednecks.”
To this class, it is functionality over conformity. “Why fix it if it’s not broke” is a common phrase you will hear in the south. Although more technology is seeping into these rednecks than the average critic may think. Just as satellite radio has made its way into the new production cars and trucks, John Deere offers multiple models of tractors that literally drive themselves. All the operator has to do is plot the dimensions of his spread into an onboard GPS, and then sit back and watch money grow. Unlike the comfort of corporate radio, this revolution can utilize every square foot of farm land available and produce a larger yield. In addition, the all so familiar Sam Walton grew up on a farm; he too shared the stereotypical slang “redneck”.
Most people use the term “redneck” as a derogatory slang that is similar to “cracker[i]”, “hillbilly[ii]” and “white trash”. Most rednecks themselves have no problem being titled. In fact, they will take pride in it! Their rich heritage and strong traditions have succeeded the urban patronizing.
(blogspt.com)
Take this photo for example; these three brothers in arms all come from the south. They are in Baghdad, Iraq and fishing in a mild dust storm at Saddam's palace. This part of the country that is full of grief and they are finding peace by casting a line in the water. Notice that only two of them are fishing, the third soldier in the middle is just watching the water. Specialist Maxey, (middle of photo) said, “It’s an easy way to maintain sanity.” By venturing out and testing the waters they actually discovered that this lake was stocked with a rare fish that can only be found in the central portion of the Middle East. Their “redneck” roots made a lemon into lemon aid, there is no phone lines nor is there Internet in this zone of Baghdad, and suicide within the army is still at an all time high overseas. Their ability to utilize techniques passed down from a simpler time in life, could have actually saved their own life.
This is just one small example of a “redneck”. They are a proud and traditional stereotype that could actually help you one day. Our nation needs them and our future needs them. Take all of the cell phone coverage and Internet connections away, and what does today’s urban youth do?
[i] Originating in Georgia and Florida referencing to the crack of a whip on a slave. (gurl.com)
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