Redneck Stereotypes Rednecks and Television:

Redneck Stereotypes Rednecks and Television: A Qualitative Investigation of Popular Media's Habit of Promote Stereotypes of "Rednecks" The researcher's goal is to explore stereotypes of classic "rednecks" or "hillbillies" on television. To achieve this goal the researcher proposes first devising a common and acceptable definition for "rednecks." The researcher then proposes engaging in a qualitative case study to explore the way people feel about rednecks on television.

The author hypothesizes that uncertainty reduction method is a plausible tool for reducing or eliminating stereotypes of rednecks and other social groups commonly targeted for comedy. The results of this study will prove helpful to sociologists interested in understanding how social identity is formed and why people hold onto negative stereotypes in modern society.

Introduction Problem Statement Background to the Problem Research Questions Literature Review Stereotypes Defined Effects of Stereotypes/Why Popular Stereotypes in Television Methods Population Data Collection & Analysis Instrument Results Limitations Timeline Conclusions/Discussion APPENDIX I Introduction The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate stereotypes. Specifically the researcher proposes analyzing why certain individuals called "rednecks" in slang are stereotyped by the media on television.

The researcher proposes that while the United States has cut down on racial slurs and epithets, the people within the United States silently agree that stereotyping of certain groups that fall under the category of "rednecks" is still acceptable. This is because all groups currently residing within the United States subscribe to beliefs that they regard as their own culture's norms and therefore engage in ethnocentric behaviors (Sumner, 1906), which often leads to the false belief that one groups beliefs or "norms" are superior to another (Brislin, 1986).

The goals of the researcher include to find out why people feel it is ok to stereotype one group but not another, and to develop a proposal for removing the prejudice and discriminatory programs on television that continually support this form of prejudiced behaviors. To understand why this happens one must first understand what rednecks are according to modern sociological and psychological terms.

The researcher hypothesizes that all groups are ethnocentric and subscribe to the ideal that their group is the "center" of the world as compared to other groups, and all other groups that do not fit within the primary ethnic group are to be scaled, compared or rated using the primary groups norms as the basis for judgment (Sumner, 1906). Problem Statement Despite knowledge that stereotypes in the media leave negative and lasting imprints on the minds of viewers, there is much evidence suggesting blatant misuse of stereotyping in the media.

While the media is no longer allowed to support comments or television programs supportive of bigotry or prejudice, there seems to be a consensus that stereotyping of the population labeled "rednecks" is acceptable even if it is derogatory in nature (Booker, 2002). This paper will attempt to discern why stereotyping of this sub-population remains commonplace and acceptable in the media. The objective of the researcher is to find out if any new paradigms may be provided to eliminate the use of redneck stereotyping in the media.

Background to the Problem Throughout history the problem of stereotyping has existed, and is often portrayed in the media through film and television (Booker, 2002). Thanks to the advent of multiple laws including the Civil Rights Act, many people in the media now refrain from promoting stereotypical images of ethnicities or cultures (Booker, 2002). For one reason or another however their remains an informal acceptance by viewers and the media of the stereotypical "hillbilly" "poor white trash" or "redneck" as one may label these slang terms.

This may result from ethnocentrism, or the idea that one person or ethnic group is superior to others. One "consequence or result of ethnocentrism" is people base experiences and expectations they have regarding "cross-cultural interactions" using their personal cultural norms and rules regarding social interactions (Brislin, 1986). Another consequence of ethnocentrism is that one's own group's norms, values and behaviors are seen as moral and proper whereas those of groups that differ from their own are viewed as immoral or improper Levine & Cambell, 1982).

Research Questions The foundation for this research is based on the following questions: (1) how are rednecks stereotyped in television? (2) how are other ethnicities stereotyped (or not) in television? (3) what constitutes a "stereotype" as defined by television? (4) how do stereotypes impact the working class citizens labeled as stereotypes in television? (5) why are stereotypes used as part of American slang? Literature Review The literature review will further define the redneck and explain the utility and roles typically assigned the redneck.

Additionally the literature review will analyze how television stereotypes this type of personality. Why and how the redneck is stereotyped are of utmost importance to the researcher in the literature review. A are immoral or improper (Levine & Cambell, 1972). Stereotypes Defined Stereotypes are often defined as overly general, inaccurate and negative in nature (Hamilton & Sherman, 1996). Stereotypes are false beliefs held by one or more members of a group regarding the rules, roles and ethical standards held by another group.

They also relate to a culture's behaviors and actions (Hamilton & Sherman, 1996). It is important to consider the terms "slang" and "slurs" when exploring stereotypes. Slang often refers to informal speech or "jargon, can't and regionalisms" referring to language certain ethnic groups may use casually to describe people, objects, or activities native to their own culture (Allen, 1990).

Slurs are a form of stereotyping, typically involving the use of derogatory name calling or invented terms to "produce a rhetorical effect" and demonstrate "ephemeral, flippant, piquant, and outlaw qualities" which can make them "slang" if used often enough (Allen, p.4). Thus, the term stereotype is a slur that has become "slang" among American people to refer to a particular socio-economic status and work status of people living in modern society.

Stereotypical language "is fraught with words that reach for meanings beyond the locutions of standard language" thus fails to meet the emotional needs those using such terms may have (Allen, p.4). Allen (1990) suggests that stereotypes are an attempt by one group to prove they are more powerful or dominate over another group because of certain characteristics associated with the stereotyped class. Effects of Stereotypes/Why Popular Stereotypes that are negative have many effects on the people that are stereotyped against.

The communication accommodation theory suggests that language and speech, dress, house, artifacts, tattoos and other communicative markers are important components of one's personal and social identity (Giles & Noels). Allen (1990) notes ethnic slurs in American speech began appearing during the late 1600s, when British people settling in the United States deemed the native Indians living there "Redskins" an epithet reflecting the color of their skin, meant as a derogatory term that should be insulting to the culture assigned the name (Allen, 3).

Giles & Noels are correct in assuming such stereotypes or slurs can affect a group's or an individual's social identity. Allen (1990) notes slurs often result "in response to social and economic conflict during historical periods of rapid social change" (p.3). Slurs often grow from social history during times of intense immigration or after wars or turmoil, following depressions, massive migrations or as a result of "urbanization" (Allen, 4). They form during these times in part because these times reflect periods of chaos, especially in American history.

Chaos involves periods where massive change occurs and people look to something familiar for security. This often results in their turning to their native culture. Dominant groups have a tendency to undermine others which can lead to bigotry, prejudice and stereotyping of certain ethnicities, as is the case with "rednecks" (Allen, 1990). Allen (1990) suggests the "profusion" of stereotypes aligns with the history of "ethnic conflict" in societies (p.4).

Many stereotypes were in fact initially coined within the United States during its early years of colonization, and spread from there to encompass world societies (Allen, 1990). Stereotypes are popular because they reduce stress for some or cultural anxiety members of one class in society may have about another group of society (Allen, 1990:4). Slang often correlates to ethnicity but also one's social habits. Stereotyped slang is often used by members of one group to control the social reality in which a majority group lives (Allen, 1990).

In this context it is just as likely that stereotyped rednecks would also use slang and slurs to describe the rest of the population. People also use stereotypes to express their anxiousness, or "jealousies, envies, resentments and anger" of groups they may be in conflict with (Allen, 4). Studies suggest men are more likely than women to stereotype others when anxious or when they feel their manhood of livelihood is threatened by another group, or when they have anxiety about their own status in society (Allen, 1990).

Uncertainty Reduction Method To resolve stereotyping one may apply the uncertainty reduction method. Mullin & Hogg (1999) suggest uncertainty reduction theory can reduce stereotyping by using communication consciously and unconsciously to learn more about a person or group which allows each group to form a more uniform and understandable ideology. Goad (1997) notes the use of stereotypes helps reduce uncertainties one may have with their own status or relationships in society.

He goes on to suggest people use the term "redneck" to reduce their anxiety and insecurities they may have about their own ability or socio-economic status, or their concerns about the welfare of their own ethnicity in an environment where they may feel outnumbered (Goad, 1997). To resolve stereotypes generated by groups as Goad suggests, education would help placate people by addressing their fears and providing them with tools to reduce anxiety and insecurities that arise when one encounters a member of a different ethnic or cultural background.

(the uncertainty reduction theory suggests most people tend to amass feelings of insecurity and anxiety when approached by members of a group unknown to them Mullin & Hogg, 1999). Another theory commonly used to explain group behaviors is the social identity theory, suggesting the "motivating force" for people's self-identity or positive feelings of one's self is gained through the "membership" or acceptance of certain groups that hold similar ideals or ethnocentric beliefs as stated previous (Mullin & Hogg, 91).

Both of these theories, the social identity theory and the uncertainty reduction model provide explanation for why many people still hold prejudice opinions of the group labeled "redneck." The uncertainty reduction model tends to entice members of a group to embrace their "group membership" and hence exclude others (Mullin & Hogg, 91).

Mullin & Hogg (1999) suggests in many groups including those that are labeled "cultish" or "totalist" it may however, be difficult or perhaps impossible to change their beliefs about "rednecks" because this would deviate from the norm they are accustomed to (Mullin & Hogg, 1999). These same groups as now evidenced derive their self-identity, or "who" they are on their membership, and subsequently adopt cognitive processes they correlate with their group membership identity (Mullin & Hogg, 1999).

This in turn results in what Mullin & Hogg deem "groupie behaviors" including stereotyping certain individuals including those of low socio-economic status or education as "rednecks" (p. 91). Other philosophers and sociologies supporting the belief that the uncertainty reduction method and social identity theory correlate directly with stereotyping include Hogg & Abrams, 1988; Turner & Giles, 1981; Turner, 1982, 1991; & Robinson, 1996). These methods and theories can correlate also with the communication accommodation theory, which proposes communicative markers also help build social identity by influencing the way individuals talk with a listener (Street & Giles, 1982).

Communication accommodation theory also suggests people within a group may change the way they talk, dress or communicate subconsciously to match the style of others the group communicate with; on the other side of the coin, communication accommodation theory proposes social identity can be distinguished from others when a group or person purposely changes their style of communication so they are not seen as "similar" to others in the group (Giles & Wiemann, 1987). Stereotypes in Television The redneck stereotype is often found in television for the reasons stated above.

Stereotypes on television often reflect the morals, ethical behaviors and customary beliefs about certain groups in society. Booker (2002) notes many shows utilize cultural stereotypes including the stereotype of a redneck to build the plot; stereotypes used on shows like the X-files for example demonstrated "degeneracy, inbreeding, and a tendency toward abject violence" to describe common beliefs held of rednecks and other cultural groups (Booker, 135).

Many have compared the character "Mulder's vision" on the X-files as similar to the vision held in the television town "Mayberry" which many might consider a redneck town (Booker 136). Many small towns use the town of "Mayberry" according to Booker (2002) as the "paradigm" or model for living, except in redneck "Mayberry-like" towns there is more discussion and inference of "inbred white trash" (Booker, 2002). The use of such stereotypes is common because people enjoy it and find stereotyping others more relieving than self-stereotyping or anxiety.

Many television shows also focus on the "paragons of depravity and degeneracy believed to originate in the South" as demonstrated by violence that disrupts the home and transforms good habits into bad ones (Booker, 2002). The southern whites in the X-files for example are portrayed often as lowly and degenerate in nature (Booker, 2002). Booker (2002) actually acknowledges Goad's (1997) interpretation of rednecks and stereotypes as white trash, suggesting these individuals are "the last remaining American social group against whom it is acceptable to employ sweeping negative stereotypes" (p.14).

The two others refer to stereotyping of rednecks as "classism" more so than "racism" (Booker, 169). Harkins (2004) notes the television show "The Beverly Hillbillies" is among the first to demonstrate this growing acceptance of producing negative stereotypes of rednecks or the working class, and uses this cultural group as the basis for mockery and comedic plotlines.

The television show features the lives of what many might refer to as the "savage" or "rugged" American; the term "hillbilly" is in fact often used synonymously with the term "redneck" as depicted in television (Harkins, 2004). This term is also used to define "unnamed mountain rapists" or savages in the movie Deliverance promoted in 1972 (Harkins, 3). Other films that use the stereotype include popular films Li'lAbner (1934) and Tol'able David (1921) all of which describe rednecks as either depressed, lazy, inbred, poor or aggressive (Harkins, 3).

It is important to note however the term "hillbilly" is used in many contexts and not always negative (Harkins, 2004). Hillbilly is used historically to represent individuals living "within and outside southern mountains" and individuals that denigrate, or those that are working-class with southern ties and Caucasian (Harkins, 4). The popularity of the term "hillbilly" declined somewhat in television and the media after the 1930s although it is not uncommon to see the term used synonymously and negatively in modern television (Harkins, 2004).

Many other television programs promote the stereotyped redneck; some are less obvious and others blatantly obvious.

Some examples of TV programs that still identify with the stereotypical redneck include "King of the Hill" and "Hee Haw." Even more common, many shows do not center on the rednecks culture per se, but make fun or use the stereotypical "redneck" as a form of comical devise, as is the case with the Family Guy, a popular contemporary show that often creates jokes that belittle people living in the south that popular culture would obviously associate with the stereotypical redneck.

Many independent comedy shows feature jokes about rednecks, although they will not always make fun of rednecks alone. Minority groups and women are also a source of comedy for television in many instances and film. Why belittle these groups? Most people feel more at ease. There is a sense of "community" and "social identity" among those that belittle or poke fun of the redneck community.

As stated previous, while laws exist in federal legislation prohibiting the use of racial slurs and prejudiced behaviors, they do not address these behaviors much in the way of television and other media outlets. Many people in the media knowing that poking fun of minority groups especially black people and women will result in much conflict and perhaps prosecution.

Interestingly enough however, few people have problems accepting the term "redneck" and associating it in a derogatory way on television, film and in many other forms of media (Glascock, 2004; Selnow & Gilbert, 1993). Society's acceptance of stereotypes as ordinary or useful contributes to the use of redneck stereotyping in television (Selnow & Gilbert, 1993).

There is little in the way of public dissent or outrage when the "redneck" is mocked in person or on television, which is likely the reason this type of stereotyping still exists on television in contemporary society (Selnow & Gilbert, 1993; Allen, 1990). Unkind use of words and ethic labeling including "redneck" is more a joke to people that does nothing to elicit outrage. If some called a person a "nigger" however, or a "*****," there would be public outcry, especially if such terms were used on television (Allen, 1990; Valenti, Brown & Trotta, 2000).

This pattern is especially disturbing because evidence proves the media has much influence on the opinions, actions and beliefs of society, especially when presented early in life (Valenti, Brown & Trotta, 2000). This means the more young children are exposed to such stereotypes the more likely they are to believe and accept them, and continue to watch television shows depicting rednecks with humor and acceptance (Valenti, Brown & Trotta, 2000). Methods The researcher proposes using a qualitative case study analysis to explore stereotypes of rednecks in television and in modern life.

Brown (2000) provides the theoretical framework for this research, noting qualitative case studies are useful for providing direct information about people's behaviors, idealisms and actions with respect to a given phenomenon or object of interest. The case study approach is not easily generalized to the public at large, however it provides an excellent tool researchers can use to explore sociological and psychological phenomenon (Darlington & Scott, 2002). Darlington & Scott (2002) note research using a case study methodology can provide "straightforward" information on ethical issues without compromising individuals participating in the study (p. 29).

The researchers also note it is critical when using a case study approach to provide the participants with confidentiality, thus this study will be conducted using ethical procedures that ensure participants confidentiality. There are many ways to conduct research using the case study method, including exploration of organizations, families, communities and other similar settings. To achieve the goal of case study research, the researcher will engage in observational analysis of redneck stereotypes demonstrated I multiple popular television shows from the 1950s to present day media.

This analysis will come from discourse from people within the community. The community will include information gathered from individuals located in a 5-mile span surrounding the university. The focus of the case study research will be to gather people's ideas and opinions about the definition of rednecks, the use of redneck stereotyping in television and the ways in which people feel they form their social identity. This will provide information that confirms or disproves the information gathered from the literature review.

The goal of this case study will be to provide information in a comprehensive or "holistic" manner (Darlington & Scott, 31). To achieve confidentiality the researcher will devise three separate questionnaires so participants are given different issues related to the theme of redneck stereotyping to explore (Darlington & Scott, 2002). Information gathered for the case study will be compiled and analyzed by the researcher, and made readily available to all participants interested and the community at large.

Population The population surveyed will include individuals living within a 5-mile radius of the university, a population commonly identified as the university culture. The researcher will explore the opinions of people between the ages of 18 to 35 that currently attend the university and watch a minimum of 10 hours of television each week. Those interviewed will have an opportunity to sign a confidentiality agreement to help participants feel more comfortable.

Data Collection & Analysis Data collected from university students will be compiled in digital format using unique identifiers rather than names to sort and log the interviewee's answers to the questions presented during interview sessions. Interview sessions will last from 20-30 minutes to allow the researcher ample opportunity to collect information without being rushed. Instrument The instrument used to conduct research is a qualitative case study of university students living within a five mile radius.

The researcher will use oral interviews as the primary research method acting as a university student so the researcher will be accepted by the group interviewed. The researcher will also develop a close-ended 10 question survey (see Appendix I) that will help the researcher clarify any discrepancies of answers and to provide additional insight into belief systems that predominate student's viewing habits. Results The researcher predicts the results of the study will show stereotyping of "rednecks" is common among the population observed.

The researcher predicts the research will also show communication accommodation theory will provide acceptance into the group surveyed for this research. Further, the researcher believes the results will show the uncertainty reduction method is an adequate tool for alleviating stereotypes that currently exist among students attending University. Limitations Because the researcher has chosen to take advantage of a qualitative case study approach sampling a small segment of the population at large it is unlikely the results of this study alone could be generalized to the public.

To help reduce bias and promote greater validity and reliability the research will attempt to collect information from a diverse sampling of university students of different ages, social status and ethnic or cultural backgrounds. The researcher also notes the population age selected to participate in this study is somewhat limited. However, the researcher purposefully chose this age group as they are statistically more likely to watch television and identify with characters in television (Booker, 2002; Mullin & Hogg, 1999).

Future studies may explore the impact television stereotypes have on larger populations, especially among children. The results of this study may serve as a pilot for future studies that will explore the dynamic behind redneck stereotyping in greater detail. Timeline The researcher intends to complete a more comprehensive and extensive review of the literature within one month following acceptance of the proposal. Once this research is gathered and analyzed, the researcher will review the proposed survey and make changes as appropriate.

This will happen within one week's time of completing the literature review. The case study analysis will then take place in a timeframe of two weeks. During this time the researcher will spend most of the time collecting data and inputting it into the PC for analysis. During the next month.