Redneck is Not a Dirty Word
by Being from the south in not always a bad thing.
We in the south truly are all rednecks. Some of us that think we have evolved from that title will get offended if called a redneck. But if you are from the south, I promise you, part of your neck is red.
I recently watched a show about the history of the coal mining industry and that back in the day when some folks were wanting to organize a union the company owners put up resistance. People actually lost their lives and a few brave men organized and brought together literally thousand of men to confront the owner. The thing that caught my attention was the way they these men recognized each other was they all tied red bandannas around their necks, hence rednecks. At the time, this was a sign of bravery and men were proud to be called rednecks. It meant that you would not back down from a fight and that some things were worth standing up for. That the man beside you could count on you even unto death.
That really spoke to me and the history we southerners get. Well all have laughed at Jeff Foxworthy’s “You Might Be a Redneck” jokes, heck some of them actually apply to our families. We can laugh at our own expense and know take it in the light hearted way it was meant. We are a people of hard working farmers and coal miners. We have moonshiners in our veins. We were plantations owners. We can’t change the past, and some things cannot be undone, but we should never forget that there is a rich history that should not be be forgotten.
We eat better down here than most people do. Look at Paula Dean, that wonderful goddess of home fried cooking. There has always been some one that have become America’s sweetheart by being a truly southern belle. We are famous for southern charm, barbecue and football. We love us some football in the south.
We have country and bluegrass that was born in the deep south. I just love to see folks from the south that make it in this big world and never forget where they came from. Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Who does not just love them.
I am from the south. I am proud to be from the south. I want my kids to appreciate the truly unique things that make us a great part of this great country. My blood may not be blue, but my neck is definitely red.
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