I'm one

[953 nut 63,548]

American Redneck Day is celebrated on July 3 every year. The day is observed across the country, particularly in the southern United States of America, where people are more likely to be categorized as rednecks. Originally used to describe farmers and coal miners, ‘redneck’ is a word applied in myriad ways. While it has been used in denigratory ways, southern farmers proudly referred to themselves as rednecks even in the early days when the word was supposed to mean a poor and uneducated white farmer.

Over time, the term became increasingly politicized as people began to call on the American rednecks to wear their title proudly, mobilize for various causes, and protect their interests. Many southerners adopt the term as a self-identifier and are proud of being American Rednecks.

Despite the negative representation, the question of rednecks in popular culture changed the perception of the word, making rednecks supercool. The increasing popularity of country music has also played a big hand in changing the understanding of the term. The significance of the word becomes more complex by the increased mobility of people from the south. With comedians, actors, and trendy musicians adopting their redneck heritage and wearing their status proudly, the essence of the term has expanded into a symbol of collective identity.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 3, 2025 by 953 nut

[WHX?? 53,720]

Anybody know how the term got coined?!?!?

[Pullstart 68,616]

17 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Anybody know how the term got coined?!?!?

poor white farmers, in the sun all day, with sun burned farmer’s tans… right?

[WHX?? 53,720]

I was thinking because they wore red bandanas Kev??

[Pullstart 68,616]

“My hair’s turning white, my neck’s always been red, my collar’s still blue”
 

 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 30,136]

A Haiku...

 

A Redneck says you?

Perhaps it is true says I

It's red white and blue

 

A Limerick...

 

There once was a man with neck of red

Whose green tractor ended up dead

He said with dismay 

I need a "good" tractor today

So he bought a Wheel Horse - a "great" tractor - instead.

[oliver2-44 11,137]

I’m one in Name, character and back of neck color!

[953 nut 63,548]

11 hours ago, WHX?? said:

I was thinking because they wore red bandanas Kev??

The term redneck derived from members of labor unions in the coal industry who wore red bandanas to signify their loyalty.

[Beap52 1,851]

I thought it was the suntanned (sunburned) back of the neck due to many hours of working in the sun. 

 

Even though I never went bare backed when working construction, I'd tan through my tee shirts.  I'm sure my neck has a leathery feel as well.  I'd have high school young men working for me who insisted on taking off their shirts to get a tan, and often times end up with a sunburn.  I discouraged that but the "School of Hard Knocks" is were many of us completed our education.