[December 17, 2018] Ever have one of those days when nothing seems to go right? Well, then hitch-up your truck to redneck leadership and your troubles will just scamper away. Redneck leadership is about knowing when to put your shotgun back on your pickup’s gun rack and walk away. Redneck leadership means a lot and I’ll be exploring some of it today.
“My daddy always said, ‘Life is like a ten-dollar hooker; you never know what you’re gonna’ get.” – Unknown Redneck
My wife is always kidding about me going down the irredeemable path of being a “hick” or “redneck.” Maybe it’s my trucker hat, guns (“you don’t need any more”), beer-drinking, good dog, or my lifelong dream to buy a 1985 Ford pickup truck. If there is one thing I’ve learned in the many foreign countries I’ve lived, it’s that you can find practical leadership advice just about anywhere.
The idea of redneck originated in the Southern United States sometime back in the 1920s when West Virginia coalminers organized to resist poor working conditions setup by coal barons. The miners adopted a uniform with red bandanna worn around their necks. The miners nicknamed themselves “rednecks” as a point of solidarity. Throughout history, whether Scottish Covenanters of the 17th century or the poor whites who worked as field laborers, the term redneck found its way into today’s lexicon.
In the U.S., depending upon where you live, the term is either derogatory or a badge of honor. Its overall negative connotation (e.g., poor, racist, uneducated) persists, but redneck more often than not refers to solidarity with others – their lifestyle and beliefs. Yes, it’s true; I grew up in the Deep South and learned about the ways of the redneck. We just didn’t call it that.
Redneck leadership starts with a serious philosophy. Be respectful of others and when they aren’t respectful of you or your family and then be prepared to beat the crap out of them. Most folks have a misguided idea of what being a redneck is all about. Perhaps this demand for and slow-giving of respect is the reason.
Rednecks love the outdoors, their dog, their girl, their home, and family. There’s an old saying in Texas that goes something like this … “Don’t mess with Texas.” The same idea applies to wherever a redneck lives. Any redneck who is the leader of others will know when this idea has been violated and will be prepared to act. Note the idea of being prepared. They may not have never been a Boy Scout, but any redneck worth their salt believes deeply in preparation.
So, if you’re ready to be a leader, consider redneck leadership. Oh, by the way, what I’ve described here is a common philosophy of most places I’ve ever been. And that includes France. We don’t call the French bad names (well, hardly ever) but we are happy to make fun of them … always.
When city people throw around words like “redneck” or “hillbilly,” they generally mean them as insults. But what do these words signify for the people living in central Appalachia?
“Redneck” and “hillbilly” are two of the most loaded, complex words in the American language. When used, the two terms—”redneck” in particular—generally point to a sackful of red-state stereotypes: Confederate flags, guns, racism , and a kind of prideful ignorance and a not so subtle reference to another contentious term—”white trash.” But within the communities where self-identified rednecks and hillbillies actually live, these words have layers of meaning.
Good points, Mike and Max.
Funny that I never heard of ‘redneck leadership’ so I Googled it. And, guess what … I got nothing back. So this must be a new thing. Thanks Gen, Satterfield.
Interesting article since everyone is looking at “rednecks” these days.
The Liberal Redneck: How Left-Wing Politics And A Southern Twang Helped Trae Crowder Go Viral
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2016/10/14/the-liberal-redneck-how-left-wing-politics-and-a-southern-twang-helped-trae-crowder-go-viral/#294ce9fb6d3d
There is now a Redneck Revolt group as they call themselves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redneck_Revolt
They claim to be anti-capitalist, anti-fascist, and anti-racist. They also protest US Pres Donald Trump.
Loved your article today. Well done.
🙂
Great article this morning ??
I concur!!
This is a case where strong stereotypes (in this case of rednecks) might be getting in the way of serious discussion about a form of leadership. No format of leadership should be rejected out of hand without a good look at why it has been successful. Just my thinking.
I think Gen. Satterfield hit it squarely when he noted that redneck is a derogatory term but is closely linked to solidarity.
Agree with you, Shawn. That has always been my personal experience.
What’s it like to be a redneck? See Jeff Foxworthy at the prov tell us all about it.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=jeff+foxworthy&qpvt=jeff+foxworthy&view=detail&mid=CDDBE2A3A2516F51B684CDDBE2A3A2516F51B684&&FORM=VRDGAR
How to be a redneck: https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Redneck
From Wikipedia:
Redneck is a derogatory term chiefly but not exclusively applied to white Americans perceived to be crass and unsophisticated, closely associated with rural whites of the Southern United States. Its usage is similar in meaning to cracker (especially regarding Georgia, Texas, and Florida), hillbilly (especially regarding Appalachia and the Ozarks), and white trash (but without the last term’s suggestions of immorality).
Good ole’ boy leadership. Great humor.
Humor or real? That is the question. Do rednecks still exist?
… or is it all in our minds.
A true redneck don’t give a shit about nothing but putting food on the table, working, and getting drunk. A man ain’t got a job and can’t provide for himself can go to hell.