Really?! What started as(I think) a tongue in cheek thread, you try to turn into a 'serious' crusade... Good grief, lighten up and laugh a little.
For my part in your quoted section I apologize IF it offends you, who puts in their place as in New York.
I was attempting to discern what the TBN "community" was defining as "Redneck".
I am ATTEMPTING to NOT become a "Redneck", if the term is dependent on the color of the nape of my neck.
I try to wear a hat that covers my neck in the Mississippi sun.
Ken (Sweet) tends to start threads with meaning.
Example:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/204281-i-did-survey-yesterday.html
As a Northener transitioning to a Southerner it's important to me to try and find out what Southerners find pride in.
Many of the people I know and associate with in Mississippi have Doctor as their first name and their eduacation levels and incomes match. So when getting around the barbecue on the weekend SWMBO and I tend to associate with people that do not meet most of the criteria previously listed.
However they do meet these:
The receptionist checks the rat traps at your place of business.
Your local ambulance has a trailer hitch.
Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years.
I wouldn't want to label myself as a "redneck" if the community thought it meant ignorant and not trying to learn, or poor and looking to live on the dole. And some of the people I have to deal with in Misissippi are that way.
But if it means "I worked hard, learned hard, and am trying for more, with ethics and fairness for all" I'd be proud to be a redneck.
If Ken meant this as a "tongue in cheek" thread he should have added a smily
