Rednecks..

[Meyekul]

This should probably be in the history forum or something else, but I figure since I see a lot of redneck jokes here I'd post it here.  Please note that I'm not saying that I'm offended by the jokes, I actually find most of them funny, its just that its unfair and inconsiderate for southerners who dont practice inbreeding and have all their teeth.  If someone posted a joke on here about a lazy african-american, or a greedy jew, it would be deleted faster than Ozzy can barrell roll an An-225 wouldn't it?

Before you go posting more "redneck" jokes, take a minute to read about the history of the term you are throwing around.  The following is taken from http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/rednecks/rednecks.html.



REDNECK

The origins of this term are Scottish and refer to supporters of the National Covenant and The Solemn League and Covenant, or "Covenanters", largely Lowland Presbyterians, many of whom would flee Scotland for Ulster (Northern Ireland) during persecutions by the British Crown. The Covenanters of 1638 and 1641 signed the documents that stated that Scotland desired the Presbyterian form of church government and would not accept the Church of England as its official state church.

Many Covenanters signed in their own blood and wore red pieces of cloth around their necks as distinctive insignia; hence the term "Red neck", which became slang for a Scottish dissenter*. One Scottish immigrant, interviewed by the author, remembered a Presbyterian minister, one Dr. Coulter, in Glasgow in the 1940's wearing a red clerical collar -- is this symbolic of the "rednecks"?

Since many Ulster-Scottish settlers in America (especially the South) were Presbyterian, the term was applied to them, and then, later, their Southern descendants. One of the earliest examples of its use comes from 1830, when an author noted that "red-neck" was a "name bestowed upon the Presbyterians." It makes you wonder if the originators of the ever-present "redneck" joke are aware of the term

[Woodlouse2002]

Why? Because it's acceptable to make fun of christian people with white skin. It's the way the world works. Everone's got to be able to have a pop at someone.

[Politically Incorrect]

So, why is it that redneck jokes are acceptable, but racial slur jokes are not?

Because Rednecks aren't smart enough too raise a fuss about it.  ;D

Just kidding!!!

I have often wondered this myself. And I guess it is just becasue no one every really says anything about it. And to be honest using the term Redneck is a racial slur, but because no one every says anything about it no one thinks twice.
The same as how it is ok for a African American to make slurs and jokes about thier race but if a caucasion makes the same remark it is racist and something need to be done.
It all boils down to who takes offense and who doesn't have a sense of humor, and it is apparent you don't take a high offense to it so that is good.
Most who are offended bitch and complain about how they were wronged becasue they have nothing better to do and they want to cause a scene, which in turns makes others make more jokes about them.

So in all reallity Rednecks are obviously better than most, they can at least take a joke, and laugh at it!

[Meyekul]

It doesnt really offend me because I know the jokes are about the backward, stupid people here, which are very funny in truth, and so especially the exaggerated truth in jokes.  The trouble is, people who are oblivious to the fact that intelligent people live here too assume that every southerner fits the joke stereotype.  I guess its kinda like "dumb blonde" jokes.  Those jokes lead people to believe that every blonde is dumb, when in reality your hair color has absolutely no affect on your intelligence.  

I guess you have a good point about rednecks being able to take a joke.  They love their Jeff Foxworthy down here; I've actually sat around and heard people tell jokes about other people, and the punchline would apply just as much to either person.  They don't really care what anyone thinks of them, they have their way of life and its good enough for them.  Who cares what the "city slickers" think?  ;D

[jimclarke]

I've known some rednecks who call themselves rednecks and are proud of it!  I also liked Meyekul's bit of history.  It's also interesting how some words have changed meanings over the years.  Did you know that "Gay" used to mean "Happy"?

Jim