Not all grey things are elephants

Hello. My Name is Brandi and I’m a redneck. Now those of you reading this that have known me one way or another for any length of time are thinking, “Ok…and….” There’s no and, just a statement of fact. If you read the previous post (What America Needs…) I’ve got a couple of historical references to the origin of the word redneck and the stereotypical image; dumb/ignorant, truck driving, beer drinking, country music/Southern Rock listening, gun toting, ignorant, racist jackass. For the record, I used to drive a truck – a 1973 Ford F-100 as a matter of fact – before it got totaled. Now I drive a Chevy HHR. I listen to country music and Southern Rock on a regular basis, Elvis is my all-time favorite singer, but I also listen to swing, blues, jazz, Celtic and opera. Yes, I said opera. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I’m far from dumb or ignorant. No one can accuse me of being racist and I don’t own a gun simply because I’ve been told my temper is too quick. Unlike Tom T. Hall, I don’t like beer. I don’t drink that often and when I do I prefer a margarita. Alright, truth be told, I prefer Southern Comfort, but I hit 30 & it started hitting back and ya’ll, it’s just not worth it. I’m a redneck, but I don’t totally fit the stereotype do I? Oh…and I NEVER go barefoot.
Now you’re all probably wondering where I’m going with this…or maybe not. My last blog was inspired by a singer I’ve loved for as long as I can remember, Charlie Daniels. This one was motivated by a comment by another favorite singer of mine. I’m not sure what moved them to make the comment that “Jesus is a countryboy, Satan is a redneck” but it got my hackles up in a big way! Maybe they encountered one of those hatemongering racist jackasses I referred to above but just because you run across one person who fits the clichéd redneck mold, you can call him Satan, knock yourself out. But that doesn’t mean that he represents what a redneck is. That’d be like seeing a black guy in a gang, an Italian guy who’s in the mob or hearing recent comments by Pat Robertson; then deciding and posting that all black guys are in gangs and all Italian guys are in the mob or that all Christians think the disaster in Haiti was caused by God’s wrath because of a deal with the devil. Elephants are grey, but not all grey things are elephants.
In fact, most of the rednecks I know – the kind of person who works hard, upholds their religious beliefs, treats people fairly, expects the same, and demands that wrongs be righted – would probably kick Satan to the curb (I had something WAY more colorful in mind, but I’m trying to be a good girl). I made the comment/asked the question if the person had been Black, Asian, Arab, etc would they have made the statement that “Satan was Black, Asian, Arab, etc”. The point was made that country boy/girl & a redneck boy/girl were two different people no matter what their color. Personally I think being a redneck is just who you are. It doesn’t matter where you live, what you do for a living, what color your skin is, what you drive or how much money you make. If you’re a redneck, you’re a redneck. But fine, let’s not bring race into this. Let’s say you make the choice to be a redneck. So what other things do we choose to be? We can choose to be a blonde, brunette or redhead. For the most part, you choose your profession. You choose your religion. So plug any of those things in to “Satan is a “. Really, post “Satan is a Blonde/Brunette/Secretary/Nurse/Construction Worker/Catholic/Baptist/Muslim/Hindu” anywhere and see what happens. Boy oh boy what kind of dust storm would that kick up?
Am I offended by their comment? In the words of my Aunt Nooie, kinda-sorta. I think what got me was not so much what they said but that they said it when just days ago they said how much they hated racism. To me, racism, discrimination, prejudice of any kind go hand in hand, do you agree? I’m not saying the person who made the comment is a racist. I’ve followed their career long enough to know better than that. But if you wouldn’t dare to make a disparaging statement, or if you’d be offended if the comment was made in front of you, about one group; be it based on race, religion, gender, sexual preference, then you shouldn’t say it about one of the non-sacred cow type groups like Caucasians, blondes, Southerners/rednecks/hillbillies, Christians, and people who are overweight. If a comedian makes a joke about someone who is non-Caucasian, Muslim, from a different country, etc, the ACLU is all over them! The poor soul barely gets the words out of his/her mouth before the old hook is sent out to pull them off stage. Where is where the ACLU is when the same comedian is making jokes about inbred Southerners? Why is it ok that every single racist bigot shown on television or in movies is Southern and white but if there are too many stereotypes of another race, if a terrorist character is Muslim, people get offended? There aren’t racists in other parts of the country? People who aren’t white can’t be bigots? Really? Do I get in a state of fury when the folks on Criminal Minds (one of my favorite shows) do a profile of the latest psycho killer as “white male, average size/build, 35-40...”? No. Because statistics show that most serial killers are white men in their late 30’s-early 40’s. I know racism and bigotry exist. I’ve seen it growing up and I’ve got some relatives that are living examples of the fact that it’s alive and well. I was taught it was wrong and with my Granny, it wasn’t tolerated.
Let it be known, I am NOT a person who worships at the altar of political correctness. I think it’s stupid. There aren’t words enough to tell you how much I despise it. If you ask me (and no one did) people in this country, if not the word have become hypersensitive about everything and we all - Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Muslim, Christian, even Southern – just need to grow a thicker skin. Do I laugh at Jeff Foxworthy’s redneck jokes? Yes. Because I know people like the folks he talks about and have on occasion, seen myself. Do I laugh at dumb blonde jokes? Always and I tell them with great frequency. They don’t bother me because like Dolly Parton, I know I’m not dumb and I also know I’m not blonde. I’m a big fan of the first amendment. It gives me the right to do this. But if one person can say what they want about who they want then everyone should be able to. I mean, if I call my friends redneck crackers, I shouldn't get my knickers in a twist is someone of another race/religion does. If you can pray freely, why can’t I? If you’re holidays should be respected, so should mine. I wouldn’t have a problem with a Nativity scene and a decorated Christmas tree displayed alongside a Menorah, symbols for the Muslim holiday in December and a Yule log for our Pagan friends and neighbors. Equality needs to be equal.People preach acceptance, tolerance, unity, and inclusion from every corner of this country. But where is the acceptance, tolerance, unity, and inclusion for people who aren’t considered a minority by the ACLU?
I’m not trying to bad-mouth anyone here. I’m not calling anyone names, insinuating that the singer who made the comment is a racist, bigot or anything negative. Their comment, like so many other things, simply inspired me to think. Do I think they should have censored themselves? No. Remember…flag waving free speech fan here. But the thing to remember about putting something on the web, and it doesn’t matter if your famous person posting a blog on your MySpace or a private citizen tweeting something or making a comment on a news website, is that someone who doesn’t know who you are or what you stand for may take some innocuous comment and decide “This is who you are”. And the truth of who you are is so far away from what they think, that when you stand at their truth, you need a GPS and bread crumbs are to find the REAL truth.
Bellamy Brothers' Redneck Girl: http://bit.ly/6NVfEc
Gretchen Wilson's Redneck Woman: http://bit.ly/5AyBOh

What America Needs....

To say this has nothing to do with the election of Scott Brown would be a bit of a lie. I actually started this a couple of weeks ago. When I say started, I mean rolling the thoughts around in my head. I actually started writing it last week and was stalled. I was too far away from the point/spirit of origin and I'd kinda lost the vibe. Watching the events unfold last night -- a Republican winning in Massachusetts! Not just any seat either; Ted Kennedy's seat (though Scott Brown reminded us that it was "the people's seat") -- lit the fire again.

I had been watching the news before going to work the other day and of course everything was about the economy, the war, unemployment, everyone blaming everyone else....and all I could think is that this country needs something done and soon. No matter what each party says, both Democrats & Republicans got us in this mess. The citizens also carry part of the responsibility for it as well. We saw the politicians we elected; either by the votes we did or DIDN’T cast or with our apathy and just sitting back and letting things happen. Yeah, I was getting myself riled up. I got about half-way to work and the song “A Few More Rednecks” by Charlie Daniels came up on my MP3 Player, and I thought, yeah, that’s exactly what we need. Have you ever heard the song? Do you know the words?

I know you’re thinking, “Yeah, right...a redneck in charge” But when you hear redneck what do you think of? Probably the stereotypical image you’ve seen in movies & TV; beer/whisky drinking, truck driving, NASCAR loving, mullet wearing guy with a couple of old cars and a Confederate Flag in the yard, which means he’s a racist. Even without the flag you’d think he was racist because, well, he’s a Southerner. The stereotypical redneck female isn’t much different except that she’s either (a) barefoot & pregnant or (b) wears Daisy Dukes usually while wearing high heels. Keep in mind that being pregnant does not negate the possibility of wearing the Daisy Dukes. You see this everywhere! Anytime there’s a Southerner 9 times out of 10 this is the image you get. Is this the image of a true a redneck? Yes. Is this the only image of a true a redneck? Not by ANY means! I know everyone’s heard Jeff Foxworthy’s “You know you’re a redneck when/if...” and unless you have no sense of humor 99% of the time they’ve got you falling over laughing. But do you know what a redneck is? Where the word came from? How did the term redneck even come to be? (Warning: Short history lesson follows)

Some believe it was born when the necks of the farmers in the South were burned from working outside in the sun all day. Another story is that it began in Scotland when the Presbyterian Covenanters signed documents stating that they wanted a Presbyterian Church government and rejected the Church of England. Many of those who signed the document wore red scarves or pieces of cloth around their necks to make their position known and signed it in their own blood.

My favorite is the story of the West Virginia miners. Trouble had been brewing for some time but the spark that lit the fire happened in May of 1920 with Matewan Massacre. The mine owners hired Baldwin-Felts detectives to "evict" miners who joined the union from company owned houses and did so with gunfire and violence. In the ensuing gun battle between the detectives, Sheriff Hatfield, and the mayor, four townspeople and some Baldwin-Felts detectives were killed and the local sheriff was accused of murder. It’s reported that miners had begun wearing bib overalls and around their necks, they tied red bandanas and became the symbol for the rising army of miners, which led to them being called rednecks by both friends and foes.

After being acquitted of the murder of in the Matewan Massacre, Sheriff Hatfield was murdered on the courthouse steps by Baldwin-Felts agents while attending another trial. He was shot 17 times and NO ONE was ever charged. Miners rallied in protest of the killings calling for a march on Logan County. The Battle of Blair Mountain began when the miners marched across Lens Creek Mountain. The Logan County Sheriff Don Chaffin organized a group of deputies, mine guards and others to oppose them. The Governor requested federal troops and on September 1st, his request was answered by President Harding. The miners were defeated, but their story lives on as a symbol for workers to this day.

Looking at these examples, a redneck is someone who works hard, upholds their religious beliefs, expects to be treated fairly and demands that wrongs be righted. In my opinion, a redneck isn’t even exclusively Southern. I know several people who were born & raised on the other side of the Mason-Dixon Line who are more redneck than folks I grew up with. Remember the song that I said inspired this post? Here are some of the lyrics:

What this world needs is a few more rednecks/Some people ain’t afraid to take a stand/What this world needs is a little more respect/For the Lord and the law and the workin’ man/We could use a little peace and satisfaction/Some good people up front to take the lead/A little less talk and a little more action/And a few more rednecks is what we need/ What most people call a redneck/Ain’t nothin’ but a workin’ man/And he makes his livin’ /By the sweat of his brow/And the calluses on his hands/Now you intellectuals may not like it/But there ain’t nothin’ that you can do/Cause there’s a whole lot more of us common-folks/Then there ever will be of you/

This is the kind of person/people we need at the helm of this country. In the last 25 years, this country has been slowly going to Hell in a hand basket and it’s been hand delivered by the elected politicians who are preoccupied with lining their pockets, keeping lobbyists, special interest groups and corporations happy instead of worrying about the welfare of their constituents and the state of the country. It’s more important to them to keep their seat and maintain the power that comes with being a career politician than to do what’s best for the people who elected them. Don’t think I think it’s all the "Yankee Kennedy" type politicians that are responsible. We’ve got our fair share in the South and even had one right here in NW FL.

Career politicians are half of the ruination of the political system because they are more concerned with their “legacy” than doing the job they were ELECTED to do. The other half? A citizenry that has stopped paying attention, which for the most part has stopped caring. A population of apathetic voters that expect information to be handed to and then explained them, looks to someone else for their opinions and then blames everyone else when things don’t go exactly how they wanted and were “told” they’d be. Be responsible, do some research. They said they had opinion “A”, but what does their voting record say? Have they always been for “A” or now support it because it’s popular & they’re trying to get elected. Just because you’re a Democrat, don’t automatically discount the Republican candidate and vice versa. What are the issues important to you? Where do they stand? THAT’S what you choice should be based on. Not party, not ideology, but on issues and how it will shape our country.

http://www.tsrocks.com/c/charlie_daniels_band_texts/a_few_more_rednecks.html

Walkin' the walk

It seems like every time you turn around, there’s another celebrity of some description promoting another cause and asking you to give your money and time. It leaves you to wonder, or at least it does me anyway, how involved are they? How much of their time do they devote to the cause that’s so important to them? For instance, if you’re preaching to me about how crucial it fuel economy, green living and decreasing my carbon footprint is to our nation, our world and the future, why do you have a huge mansion, half a dozen cars and private jet? What’s that all about? I think the word I’m reaching for is hypocrisy.

There are celebs that practice what they preach and I think that that inspires people to action than just a celebrity being “the face” of a cause. I mean when Al Gore starts talking environment what I hear sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher, but when Ed Begley, Jr speaks I pay attention. Now don’t start thinking I’m an eco-friendly green person, I’m not...oh well. But the point is that Ed Begley, Jr lives the eco life where as Al Gore talks about it. There’s no way his mansion or jet is green.

Another name you can add to the list is Jimmy Wayne. He’s a country singer now, but he grew up in conditions that to call them unhappy and hellish is an award winning understatement. He and his sister were moved from foster home to foster home as a child and as a teen he was homeless until an elderly couple took a chance. Knowing the problem is still there, Jimmy has started a movement called Meet Me Halfway. He decided that beginning on New Year’s Day, he was going to walk from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ to bring awareness to the problem and to benefit Home Based Youth Services in Phoenix. There have been a few nights he’s had to stay in a hotel because the temps were in the single digits. Along the way he’s been sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent. His fans, me included, have been worried about his safety on this journey, and along with the help of the online radio station Nixa Country have set aside a time each day (10 AM & 10 PM) when fans and listeners can pray together for Jimmy’s safety along the trip and for the MMH movement itself. Fans have also started the Loose Change project where you collect the loose change you find in parking lots, couch cushions, the bottom of an old purse, etc and donate it to Home Based Youth Services through their website.

I said that Jimmy was sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent on his journey. The tent and the sleeping bag were provided by Marmot and according to one picture Jimmy posted, it was 12 degrees outside, but inside his bag it was 75! At that point we stopped worrying about him freezing in his sleep! Folks have been meeting up with Jimmy along his trip bringing him supplies, picking up his tab at a diner, stores not letting him pay for items as a way to show support and it’s heartwarming to see people helping and supporting something so important to Jimmy.

Seeing all of this brings a few things to mind; the company that donated the items for Jimmy’s trip and wondered if they’re donating to the cause as well? Don’t get me wrong, as a fan, I’m thankful they donated these items I am, but maybe they could donate the value to MMH/ Home Based Youth Services. The folks who have met up with Jimmy and brought him food, hot coco and hand warmers -- one person even left supplies in a box on the side of the road with his name on it – would they have done that if it hadn’t been country singer Jimmy Wayne? Have they ever bought an extra cup of coffee or extra burger to someone who’s homeless? Probably not. I haven’t. Are we gonna start? Because as sad as it sounds, as a culture, we’ve become used to seeing it and we either don’t see them or we choose not to. Jimmy posted this comment “Been walking all day; suns goin down; its strange 2 C people look away; then again a familiar thing from long ago!”

There maybe people who are on the streets because of choices they’ve made. Some are there because they choose not to support themselves. But the lion’s share of people are there because they lost it; lost a job, lost a home, lost family. The Mark Wills song "Don’t Laugh at Me" comes to mind

“I'm the cripple on the corner/You've passed me on the street/And I wouldn't be out here beggin'/If I had enough to eat/And don't think I don't notice/That our eyes never meet/I lost my wife and little boy when/Someone cross that yellow line/The day we laid them in the ground/Is the day I lost my mind/And right now I'm down to holdin'/This little cardboard sign.

What about the children who are out there? Jimmy’s focusing on the teens because once they “age out” of the system, what happens to them? If they’re in the system then the chances of them having family members or a support system of any kind is slim and none. I was telling someone I know who’s not a fan about what Jimmy’s doing and they said, “Goin’ a little far for some PR huh?”. I explained about Jimmy’s motivation and they said, “Well, seems like a stunt. He’s probably crashing in comfy hotels the whole time.” Let me play devil’s advocate, what if he is? This is all just a ploy to get attention for himself and his career. If he’s trying to build a good guy image this is the way to go. People are bringing him stuff, hanging out, even walking with him. The press is gonna love you, the people are gonna love you and the women are gonna go nuts! Yeah, he’ll get attention and it’ll be the positive kind that sticks with people. People tend to forget how many #1 songs you’ve had, how many awards you’ve won, but you walk across the country, by God they’ll remember that!

You know, even if this is just a PR strategy? WHO CARES! (for the record, I don’t think so) Ok, even if he is in hotels every night, cushy or otherwise, the man is walking outside during a freakish cold snap that turned most of the country into a freezer for almost 2 weeks! This is no picnic, this isn’t a Sunday stroll – according to mapquest.com, it’s 1637.91 miles from Nashville to Phoenix. He’s doing more than giving money, he’s not doing a concert, he’s not doing PSA’s; he’s actually physically committing to it. I’m not knocking people who don’t get out there and brave the elements, but there’s no way you can deny Jimmy’s level of commitment.

The idea that we can totally eliminate poverty and homelessness is a great, but I don’t think it will ever be done. Even the Bible says, “For the poor always ye have with you;...” (John 12:8) but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something. That we should sit on our hands say how awful it is. The bottom line, whatever his motivation; be it selfish or altruistic he’s got people talking. They’re talking about what he’s doing and about the problem. The more people talk the more people are aware and maybe, just maybe, something can be done.

http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com/

www.hbys.org

www.nixacountry.com

www.marmot.com