knicksm16's blog

When I searched “hillbilly” and “redneck” on google.com I found the run of the mill, generic, pictures, jokes, and cartoons of them both. They are used in a derogatory manor to poke fun at having lesser education, lower hygiene/dental standards, and an unwelcoming look. Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, and various other country music artists have fashioned the two words into positive direction by shining light on the true meaning of the words. I see condescending, and derogatory examples all the time of these two words. The association of the inability to learn, or the way an individual talks are two main components of every joke about “hillbillies” and “rednecks”. If you are from the country, for some reason these two words are what you are referred to if someone doesn’t like you and usually is followed by some stupid joke about how you married you cousin or had kids with your sister. In my opinion, Appalachians have reclaimed these two terms through music. Songs titled “Redneck Yacht Club”, or “Hillbilly Deluxe”, have spurred a generation to associate these two words with drinking beer and have having one hell of a time with your buddies, while muddin’, fishin’, huntin’, and doing whatever he or she wants to do and not caring about what anyone else has to say about it. The two terms have their differences and similarities, though more similarities in my opinion. A person who lives in the middle of farmland, cut off from the outside world may not be considered a “hillbilly”. Where as someone who lives in a holla’ or holler back in the mountains may be considered more of a “hillbilly” than a “redneck”. Yet, the individuals whom reside in the mountain may be considered a “redneck” and “hillbilly” more interchangeably than the individual living in the middle of flat farm country.

My upbringing has shaped everything I noted about Appalachia on the first day of class. The aspects of bluegrass music, a strong family atmosphere, living off the land, moonshine, ginseng, and most importantly Christianity have been parts of my life that have shaped my perspective on this target culture. Although, I feel that having been brought up the way I was, and having the opportunity to be submitted to various other cultures has truly allowed me to view where I come from with an open mind and achieve a more clear perception. I know the positive and negatives aspects of my culture, some I am proud of and some I am not. However, I know that with the enriching lifestyle my parents afforded me, I owe thanks to them for the enlightenment I have received throughout the years. There are many individuals in the Appalachian region who are able and willing to do so much, but simply do not have a chance. They don’t have the opportunities I had when growing up. Unfortunately, this causes not all, but some, to be stuck in a rut. Not an economic rut, but one of enlightenment. The realization of outside cultures, and its similarities to his or hers own. This realization or enlightenment is what individuals use to perceive different aspects of the world through their own filters, using cognition to recognize patterns and differences. Thus, when the opportunity to view outside cultures is not obtained, the ensuing rut causes the perceptions to be one sided and bias. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunities I had; this is what has allowed me to have the perspective I have on the Appalachian region, a region that is so dear to my heart.

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