Hillbilly vs. Redneck

After conducting a basic Google search I immediately found literal definitions for both Hillbilly and Redneck. Hillbilly is defined as “an unsophisticated country person, associated originally with the remote regions of the Appalachians.” Redneck was defined as “a working-class white person, especially a politically reactionary one from a rural area.” Of the two definitions, hillbilly is significantly more derogatory and condescending.  Many describe a Hillbilly as uncultured and separated from society. In an article by Stacy Kranitz, she stated that a common distinction between the two is that Hillbilly’s are mountain people and Rednecks are farmers who are sunburnt from exposure to the sun while working in the fields. She claims that Rednecks actually take pride in the title because of its origin of the red bandana industrial rebels. To self-identified Rednecks, the title establishes a strong culture and way of living. She also takes statements from Hillbillies who also take pride in their lifestyle. Though it be rough at times, it requires utilizing what you’ve got and toughness bred through perseverance. Some even claim that Hillbilly’s simply be themselves.

These words are used interchangeably by the outside world, which is just as condescending as the use of them in general. Native Appalachians sometimes identify themselves as one or the other or see a little bit of both in themselves but it seems that most agree that these terms do not overlap in definition. The history of these identities creates an almost tribal existence to Appalachians.

*Direct examples mentioned from Stacy Kranitz article are from https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/what-it-means-to-be-a-redneck-or-a-hillbilly-ang