Okay, Charlotte. What does redneck mean to you? (title, cities)

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by vindaloo

I think that anyone that would call Charlotte a redneck city has a personal gripe and the term, though inaccurate, is a way to be insulting. I am sure that if were a bitter person, I could do better? It is possible that a person from NYC, San Francisco, or Boston (central) would see Charlotte as a small city compared to their domicile and possibly redneck. My aunt in Boston once asked me why there are so many pick-up trucks in the south. I explained that southerners often have boats or other recreational vehicles they use for pleasure. I suppose she thought everyone used them to haul hay or pitbulls? I do remember driving through Lynn, a section of Boston and seeing a rebel flag in front of the house. Did my heart good

Very good points, Vin, and it does go to the heart of the matter. Perhaps the rest of the country just has no clue what it means to be a Southerner. We are into outdoor activities as well as fine dining and theatre. I suppose it is a strange mix. Activities cross "class lines," as well. As I was saying earlier, just b/c a person engages in some of the behaviors that others seem to point to in order to define "redneck," those activities are just part of a much more complex picture.

I love to let out a Rebel yell . . .and have been known to do it at concerts here as well as in other cities. Does that make me a redneck? LOL!!! I prefer thinking it makes me "a daughter of the South." People can interpret it however they want to, I suppose.

[MommyV]

Originally Posted by nyxmike

Well, that is where the word "redneck" originated from. As time goes by, things change, and so do the meaning of words. It has evolved into a derogatory word that has different meanings to certain people depending on their perception of things.

I understand, but am still shocked by it... or just disappointed

Labels don't start out derogatory until a group of people start having superiority issues. I think that's the case here. I am from the north, but don't hold myself superior to 'rednecks' or anyone else. Once you start looking down on other people, you make their labels to mean whatever it is that you think makes you better than them. It's not right.

If you take a good look around, I'm sure we'll each find many people that are better than us. What label should they assign to us?

[mcampagna]

I think we can discuss the historical basis for labels - but that doesn't change how the term is used today. And it is natural for us to put labels on things. That is how our brain works, we have to categorize things, create groupings in our brains. Whether we do it in a positive or negative manner is a different matter.

For me, the term "redneck" brings with it many negative connotations - ignorance, racism, etc. But I have also seen these behaviors in people in all parts of the country.

I'll also throw out the term "Country." Growing up in Charlotte, I knew a lot of people that I would describe as "Country." Some of it was their strong southern accents, penchant for wearing ball caps, or maybe their interest in racing, PBR, or any other stereotypical interest. But what they all had in common was that they were "good" people. Hearts of gold. True gentlemen and ladies. Thankfully, this is what I see much more often than "rednecks."

As for me, I would consider myself a "Southerner." Growing up in the city of Charlotte, I'd hardly consider myself country - but Southern...absolutely.

[PeytonC]

Originally Posted by BrianH1970

While we're on the topic of stereotypes I think that one fits the bill nicely.

Absolutely does.

[PeytonC]

Originally Posted by md to nc

Well you just described my husband and I to a tee. Does that make me a redneck because I drive a pick up, have a beer when I want and go to nascar races. Just a stereotype I guess

And, as I said before, there is nothing wrong with that, at least in MY mind. There are pretty diverse opinions in here regarding rednecks, but I don't think it is neccessarily a negative thing. There ARE, however, the more trashy-acting people, and those I guess give the term a negative connotation, especially to northerners or elitist-minded people.

[vindaloo]

[quote=PeytonC;3849179]And, as I said before, there is nothing wrong with that, at least in MY mind. There are pretty diverse opinions in here regarding rednecks, but I don't think it is neccessarily a negative thing. There ARE, however, the more trashy-acting people, and those I guess give the term a negative connotation, especially to northerners or elitist-minded people.[/quote

So, what label is put on trashy-acting northerners? Can't they be rednecks too? I just isn't fair!! I need a drink.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by vindaloo

So, what label is put on trashy-acting northerners? Can't they be rednecks too? I just isn't fair!! I need a drink.

It's Five O'clock somewhere, Vin!!!!

[PeytonC]

Originally Posted by vindaloo

So, what label is put on trashy-acting northerners? Can't they be rednecks too? I just isn't fair!! I need a drink.

I guess they are. I don't know.........I need a drink too.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by PeytonC

I guess they are. I don't know.........I need a drink too.

I am gonna go make a batch of Bloody Marys.

Oh, no! Drinking on a Friday! Does this make me . . . a redneck?????


Or . . . a Yuppie???? I am having an identity crisis here. I don't know wh/ stereotype to espouse.

[LAMF]

As a former northerner from a trashy-acting, lower income family I think I can help out here.

As northerners in general tend to be more "in touch" with their ethnic backgrounds, you are more likely to hear the trashier acting ones referred to by their appropriate ethnic slur. I will not repeat any of them here, but my particular background has a number of ethnic stereotypes associated with it, all of which were true for my family, and led me to be personally referred to as a greasy ___, throughout most of my years in the north.

I hope that helps.