? about Nascar & Redneck?? I don't understand?

[Jenn218]

First, I want to apologize to Admin for the direction this thread turned! I just wanted to semi-understand some of the reasonings of how and why some people have decided to classify others in a certain way for just attending a sporting event! Or for enjoying something that they do not like or fully understand themselves. Come on..........

In my personal opinion and experience, I have seen tons of sporting events that I may not have enjoyed or wish to ever attend again. (For one, I am the type of gal who thinks that if you have never been to something, therefore you can not talk bad about it or about the people that have gone AND two, I try to make it a point for myself and my family to atleast experience all there is to offer before it is our time to leave this world). AND at these sporting events, I have seen people of all different classifications, backgrounds, etc. AND I have never once thought that they didn't belong there. I remember going to a horse race (my first time, didn't have a clue what I was doing) and watching a young man get so upset and pretty much spend what money he had trying to make money. Do I think that is right? Not really, but who I am to say anything or point fingers at him or classify him as some name that I don't know the meaning of or what my children to hear or use?! What I'm getting at: Nascar may have started in the south, but it is by far not just a southern sport, NOR a sport that only so-called Rednecks attend (even though that may be the history of the sport). Nascar is everywhere!!! And just because you might now know of anyone who watches it or have been to a race...that doesn't mean the whole state is against it or that your state has never been associtated with the sport.

I have never been a big sports fan, of any kind, but I do like to say that I have been to several and that just adds more to my life by experiencing a range of activities that I otherwise would not do. But it is my belief that if you don't experience it, then you can not say anything about it - like, if you didn't vote, you shouldn't complain. I do not like golf, never have, but I have tried it, so I can honestly say that, for me, it is boring and takes a long time and I couldn't see wasting my day playing it or watching it on tv. I love volleyball, played it in school, got into good shape playing it - does that make me too manly or macho to be a women? I tried belly dancing at one time in my life (okay, didn't last long, but I tried it), does that classify me as (a name I can not mention) or make me an unfit mother? I am saying this because I feel that people are just judging me and everyone else for attending a certain event that they might not approve of or have never been or do not understand it.

I started this thread because I was really taken aback by what I was hearing from people about us attending a race. I think it was good for my daughter to experience this at a young age...I mean why not? I want her to experience a lot of activities and cultures (some might be expensive and we may never have a desire to go again, but that is our right to decide and atleast we are out there experiencing all that we can). I honestly wasn't offended by the thought of being called redneck because some of these people did not know me or know me well. I am by far not the richest person or come from the best background, but my family has a good name with no bad marks anywhere against them, we were all raised to be polite and good mannered, to be easy going and light hearted and to live our lives to the fullest and be the best we can be. We were brought up never to judge a person by what they look like or what they wear (even if they are totally different from us) or to judge someone by their thoughts, dreams, religion, activities (even though we may not agree or understand them, we never condemn them or classify them as beneath us or not as good as us). I am raising my daughter the same way and it's just sad that I have to try to explain "redneck" to her and that she is not and should never be classified as such a word, nor should she have to worry and fret about being called that by an adult.

Do people consider David Letterman a redneck....he owns a car in a racing sport. How about Troy Aikman (sp?) from the Dallas Cowboys? He owns a car. How about Adam Sandler, Bon Jovi, Fantasia (from American Idol), Hillary Duff, etc. These are all people who have attended a race and have been a big part of a race - would they be considered redneck for attending or enjoying the race or providing advertisment or sponsorship? Is the Army, UPS, FEDEX, Marines, Tylenol, Beer companies, etc. redneck for sponsoring the race teams and races?

Regarding the "definition" - if I can call it that - of a "redneck" - ummmm....I am a pretty easy going lady, but I did not think that was right - I was thinking at first that it was an actual definition of that "redneck" means - which I was told was a name given to farmers (in all areas, not just the south) because their necks were always red from working out in the sun all day - would anyone be offended by this definition? I think I would be proud if someone in my family was a farmer and considered this, as it means that they are hardworking, making little money just to put food on everyone's table (people they don't know and will never meet and even those people who look down at them for what they do, even knowing that this is where their food comes from.) You've totaled every car you've ever owned - Your wife weighs more then your refrigerator - 4-H Fair - Really? The car part....well, I have known several guys from several areas (NY, CA, Wash, etc) that have pretty much wrecked or destroyed any car they have ever gotten into. The weight....well, I am not over weight, but I think the weight issue is a very touchy subject for most and one that I see no reason why it should be solely implied to rednecks. AND 4H.. I have never joined a 4H group or Future Farmers of America group, but just recently, my home schooled daughter and I attended a meeting, trying to understand more in our area and maybe broaden our horzions alittle - well, let me tell you - this group is more into careers, business and education then anything else. There were no talks about raising farm animals or tractors or chicken manure. In fact, the lady in charge said that in 4H, the children and parents are free to pick what areas of study suits them and what activities they would like to attend. I see nothing redneck about that! My gosh, there was a vast array of subjects: computer, photographing, cooking, fashion, pets, etc. and I am glad that my little girl is getting to experience these topics and classes at such a young age because she is extending her education for more above most adults I have met. Off topic - my daughter is into fashion and through this 4H group, she was connected to a lady that use to model, we are attending a fashion show w/ runway models, we are getting software to draw our own patterns/designs, etc. If that is redneck, I most say, some people's minds are even more far behind than I think!!

I guess from this thread and some of the people who have posted on it, I have learned that: My daughter and I are rednecks (or considered that), my father and most of his friends (no matter their eduaction/background) are rednecks for supplying a product that was in high demand (and therefore paid my way through my childhood and educational experiences) and enjoying a hobby that to this day, they still talk about with great pride. - All this, even though, they do not have mullets, drink beer and/or have a beer gut hanging out, are "poor" (even though poor people live everywhere, therefore, this should not be solely associated with redneck) nor have a rebel flag or Nascar symbols posted about their place of business or homes. I guess I am guilty of driving a four wheel drive SUV and my husband as a four wheel drive truck, we both occassionally like to were ballcaps, and we would both much rather live in the country then in a big city. So, if these reasons make us redneck, I am sorry to say that there are people just like me living on the outskirts of many big cities and I know that they would not be classified as such a name. AND as such, I do not want to be considered as such just because our thoughts or enjoyments are different from someone elses.

I must say, I never thought that a question would cause just a ruckus. It just blows my mind that even if you are a president of a major company or a multi-millionaire or an upperclass family or a middle class family or a "blue-collar" worker or a family from the poor part of town or a poor man with little money - you can be considered redneck for supporting a race by sponsoring it, attending it, cheering for a driver, wearing a Nascar shirt or hat, or just watching one race in person - just because to some it is considered a redneck event or a lower class event.

Sometimes it is scary to see that my daughter is growing up in such a world where you can be classified in such a way for no real reason or feeling like people are condemning you or looking down at you for enjoying something that they do not approve of, even if it was a once in a lifetime event. So sad!
I see so many opinions - and what a dull boring world we would live in if we all had the same opinions - but I would like to think that people would think before they speak, especially when they are directly implying such nonsense to a young child. I think we can all agree to that!

[Sherry Lynn]

Please, this is not to inflame you further. I'm genuinely confused... You asked for opinions and then got upset when people gave them? To me that is what a forum is about. To just state opinions and not get feedback is what I would consider a blog.

Kristy was just posting what she found when she looked it up in Urban Dictionary. Is that what you are so upset about?

I dont think that all stereotypes are negative, so they don't particulary bother me. But then I also believe that there are no absolutes in life. It seems natural to me that people with similar opinions and interests would seek each other out, much like all of us here on YT. The age old adage has proven itself over and over... Birds of a feather flock together.

Again, I sincerely hope this doesn't upset you further...

[Rockster's Mom]

I am huge NASCAR fan and love going to the races. I am glad you enjoyed your first live race, and saw that TV just does not do it any justice. I only go to the races when I get ahold of pit/infield passes, that way I can get out of my seat for awhile. When you have pit pass, you get to walk down in the pits before/after the race where you get to meet and talk to the teams and sometimes the drivers. During the race you need to have a garage pass which are very hard to get if you don't know someone that knows someone. Also I have noticed that the NASCAR tickets run about the same price as the NFL, NBA, Baseball tickets, but once in the race, food and drinks are whole lot cheaper IMO.

[Jenn218]

Hi, no.....that isn't it. I was trying to get a point across about classifying a person as something without knowing them just because they like a certain thing or go somewhere that you may not agree with. That is why I gave so many examples and how by the way the thread was going, it sounded like anyone who had ever watched a race or supported it, etc would therefore be classified as such a person as a redneck by some of the posts on here. Does that make sense?

It's just beyond me that a person who doesn't like the sport or may have never been will glady defend their soapboxes about the type of people that do go to this event or likes something other than what they like - that is what I am trying to clear up and what I don't understand. AND by saying that, I not directing that directly at anyone here....we were just bombarded with the redneck comments by lots of people - just because we got free tickets to go and check it out for the first times in our lives.

Believe me......my family and I are so laid back and easy going and yes, we have laughed at some blue collar comedy jokes...that doesn't offend me. I was just brought up (and I am trying to raise my daughter the same) to never judge a person by where they have been or what they have done. AND it just seems that many people seem to think that anyone associated with Nascar or an auto race is considered redneck - I just do not see the logic behind their thinking. Does that make sense?

I do want honest opinions and that is why I posted here....I think I mentioned that somewhere on this thread. I did see lots of opinions and that is what I wanted to see (I didn't want this to turn into a big mess like it has with people being offended or afraid to speak up) - Everyone is different, we all have different opinons and that is why I think this world is a great place - imagine a world where we all feel the same, look the same, like the same things - wouldn't that be horrible? I'm not getting "worked up" over this, as Nascar just wasn't my thing. It is just the fact that people just assume a person is considered something (like a redneck) just for going, liking, or mentioning a race. I'm sorry but that is just crazy to me!

I haven't researched the history of Nascar, but I do know that from those that have posted, it was started in the south by good ol boys who didn't have much money BUT my how it has changed. There are so many diverse people that enjoy it, sponsor it, race in it, etc. and so much money is involved - I just don't see it has being redneck - that is my opinion.

I just wanted to try to clarify what I am thinking and trying to understand. I know we were all brought up differently and have different views and I know that Nascar is all over the world, not just in the south. I was more upset with trying to explain to my daughter (or why she was called a redneck and what it means) the reason why some people automatically judge and assume something about someone they don't really know just because they don't like or agree with what that person likes or watches, etc.

Well, I hope that makes sense and I didn't ramble on too much. I do appreciate everyone on here and I definitely do not want to offend anyone. I value everyone's opinions and thoughts and their different backgrounds and beliefs - we are all made different for a reason. I just see things through rose colored glasses and just hope that people do not judge others for something that person might like that you may not.

[OLIVIA_KARHIS]

My dad and his family watched it and there Mexican.. I think eveyone listens to that Jeff Foxworthy guy to much. Yes is it $$, but red neck or should I say farmers who like this sport can afforded it... Also if some one calls you a red neck and you FREAK out about it, there going to keep calling you that. Just say so who care and go on about what you are doing... I am from Texas, You cant Beleve how mean people try to start $hit with me here BC I am from Texas. They think that I am a red neck.. Well I dont care and I tell them that. I am not going to stop doing or going somewhere BC DUMB people want to think its a "red neck" thing!
I say if you like doing something who cares what people thing about it!

[Jenn218]

Originally Posted by Rockster's Mom

I am huge NASCAR fan and love going to the races. I am glad you enjoyed your first live race, and saw that TV just does not do it any justice. I only go to the races when I get ahold of pit/infield passes, that way I can get out of my seat for awhile. When you have pit pass, you get to walk down in the pits before/after the race where you get to meet and talk to the teams and sometimes the drivers. During the race you need to have a garage pass which are very hard to get if you don't know someone that knows someone. Also I have noticed that the NASCAR tickets run about the same price as the NFL, NBA, Baseball tickets, but once in the race, food and drinks are whole lot cheaper IMO.

Hi, we had free tickets, but we didn't have any other passes. We were told to bring a small ice chest with a few snacks and drinks, as things were expensive. I have to say, I think I would have enjoyed it more if we did have passes that allowed us to walk around and see other things - although, there were tons to see and do as soon as you walked through the gates. I didn't realize what all a race consisted of and all the different people they get to come out and join in on the action. I think, too, we would have liked it better if we knew the people racing. We didn't really know who to cheer on because we hadn't followed Nascar. We picked the Chevy cars out, just because we both own a Chevy - crazy, huh? But hey, that is all we had to go on!

[magnolia]

We attended our first ever Busch and Cup race in 2001, unfortunately, they were both after Earnhardt's tragic accident. A local Chevy dealer and I are absolutely the best of buds. He got free tickets to the Busch race in Memphis and offered them to me, hubby, and our 2 boys. We had a BLAST!! He even "hooked" us up with the gang from RCR and we got to go to their hospitality tent, down to the pits, and the garage. What a great experience for the boys and they had so much fun!!! The next week-end, hubby and I attended the Talladega race with my dealer friend and his wife. Although these are the only 2 races we've attended, we had an absolute blast. Would I go again? Absolutely And the only time I have a red-neck is the beginning of baseball season before my tan developes

On a serious note, I did not get offended by anyone's post here. To each his own, either love the sport or you don't, have your opinions about who attends a NASCAR event, etc. We each have the right, as Americans, to speak freely. So to each of you, regardless of your opinion on NASCAR or the whole redneck issue, thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions

[yokie]

Originally Posted by fasteddie

Hi, the NASCAR event is at Chicagoland Raceway (see: http://www.nascarracetickets.com/chi..._speedway.htm). Chicagoland Speedway is located in Joliet, IL just outside Chicago. I'm sorry if Chicago-ans are offended, but I didn't pick the name of the race track and could only assume Chicagoland meant Chicago.

Also, I never said redneck is the same as blue collar and I don't think badly of either. There are many proud rednecks, and there's some funny redneck comics (they call themselves that, and I laugh at their jokes, thus I think they are quite funny).

NASCAR sponsorship is BIG business. I found the below:



http://www.nascar.com/2004/kyn/nasca...20/team_costs/

dear stewiesmom,
looks as though fast eddie pointed out that you have no clue to another PASSION that another human may have. people do what they love and thats exactly what those REDNECKS are doing. kind of like all of us are on this forum because of our love of yorkies. personaly i dont think that those REDNECKS would trash you because of your passion for yorkies. may i suggest you wear some type of net atleast over your nose to keep it a little cleaner.

[rrosenberry]

I have been to two races, Martinsville, and The Rock in NC. It was a group thing and my bf wanted to go,, and I will say,, it was a blast, I am no way a redneck,and it was an experience. SO many people, having fun.
It's kind of like Jamboree in the Hills, which is pretty huge w/ country music, I'm not a huge Country music fan, but I went to that for 3 years in a row, It's a party its fun,, Expensive fun, but fun. Kind of fun you need to recooperate for days after... It the kind of thing everyone should experience once, if ya can.

[nifer]

i'm not sure why this has turned into such a heated topic. there were things that have been said in jest, light-heartedly, not intending for anyone to take offense to. being a public forum, there will always be views and opinions expressed that not everyone agrees with. everyone has preconceived notions of groups of people they are not associated with. we can either take offense to those stereotypes, or we can try to educate others without silly name calling and hurt egos.

[CacLeigh]

Originally Posted by rrosenberry

I have been to two races, Martinsville, and The Rock in NC. It was a group thing and my bf wanted to go,, and I will say,, it was a blast, I am no way a redneck,and it was an experience. SO many people, having fun.
It's kind of like Jamboree in the Hills, which is pretty huge w/ country music, I'm not a huge Country music fan, but I went to that for 3 years in a row, It's a party its fun,, Expensive fun, but fun. Kind of fun you need to recooperate for days after... It the kind of thing everyone should experience once, if ya can.

I've been to several Nascar races at The Rock! and ATL and Daytona.
I've had pit passes at the Rock, which was really cool and I would love to be able to stay down there when the race was going on. We've also been given suite box tickets a couple of times which were really nice to watch the race in.

So I would consider myself a huge Nascar fan, along with my whole family. As for the redneck thing, we are farmers. .we have chicken houses & beef cattle, & we barrel race. I think this is a funny topic, & several of ya'll really would be confused about your idea of what a 'redneck' is if you met my family...

But i will say that I'm definitely not offended by some of the opinions people have as to what makes a person a redneck and nascar being a 'redneck sport'. I just think they might not know much about what they are saying.

[StewiesMom]

Originally Posted by yokie

dear stewiesmom,
looks as though fast eddie pointed out that you have no clue to another PASSION that another human may have. people do what they love and thats exactly what those REDNECKS are doing. kind of like all of us are on this forum because of our love of yorkies. personaly i dont think that those REDNECKS would trash you because of your passion for yorkies. may i suggest you wear some type of net atleast over your nose to keep it a little cleaner.

Joliet is not Chicago - not only is it geographically far, but it's far in a lot of other ways from Chicago. I am not trashing "rednecks". As I have previously stated, that word is not even in my vocabulary. You obviously don't know me so I suggest you don't imply that I"m a snob. Thanks

edited to add that I posted the definition from Urban Dictionary to prove that I don't think that redneck should even be taken seriously. It's a stereotype - just like snobs.

[LaviniaHyacynth]

Wow...I can't believe this Thread turned into this...I really don't think anyone was calling Jenn218 a redneck...but that said I was born and raised in the South, my entire family is still living there...we are about as Southern as a family can be and because of that I have had to listen to jokes, stereotypes, accusations,racial slurs, and many other wrong observations about the South my entire life...redneck is just one of them. I have learned to let these comments role off my back.I have no opinion at all about Nasgar and any post that I posted was in regards to the definition of redneck. I am guilty of going off topic and for this I will apologize.As far as mullets are concerned I don't think the hairstyle has anything to do with being a redneck ; I personally do not think this is a flattering haircut but that is merely my opinion. If I offended anyone I am sorry but you probably don't like my haircut either. I won't let that bother me because you are entitled to your opinion and style choice as well.I spend an enormous amount of time working on race issues as an antiracism activist.Stereotypes are just one of the issues that we deal with.I think the important thing is to acknowledge all the people that live in this country...rednecks and all.By the way...there are many self-acclaimed rednecks that work with me on antiracist issues so not all rednecks are racist.

[StewiesMom]

I feel like I am being made out to be a racist even though I honestly answered the question posed in the original post. I am against all barbaric seemingly-pointless sports that put lives on the line.

As for mullet photos, I was trying to bring a light-hearted photo to a conversation that was already taken off topic and when fingers were being pointed.

I am intrigued by the "south" because I feel like there is so much that goes on that I will never be able to understand. I consider Nascar more of a southern thing. I dont' think anyone can really argue with that. I consider baseball to be more of a New England thing because tons of the biggest die hards are Red Sox and Yankee fans. Not too long ago, I posted a thread on YT about the confederate flag; my neighbor has one that he flies. He is a racist - a huge racist that I do not even associate with. I associate the confed flag w/ racism and slavery. I asked if I was wrong and got a ton of responses. You would never see a black person from the south displaying the confederate flag because of the meaning behind it.

I think the same goes for this issue. I am not exposed to Nascar. I think of it as a good ol' boys place to hang out. Furthermore, if minorities are not participating in the sport and are not seen frequenting races, what am I supposed to think? I assume that they are not welcome. 2 days ago the U.S. Congress took it upon themselves to pass a resolution to promote diversity in Nascar racing. It's a little scary that steps like that had to be made IMO.

[Carolina girl]

Well no one else said it so I will " I AM A REDNECK AND DAMN PROUD OF IT".
but I don't enjoy Nascar.