For years, Jeff Foxworthy managed to create an entire career out of redneck jokes. Although many folks enjoyed his humor, I would never have considered being a redneck the cool thing to do. However, so many reality shows have popped up lately focusing on... well... less than classy southern behavior, I am starting to believe it is actually in style to be a redneck now.
If you don't believe me, let me give you an example of just some of the many shows that highlight southern living:
Duck Dynasty
Swamp People
Cajun Justice
Buckwild (cancelled due to death of cast member)
Deep South Paranormal
Myrtle Manor
This is a reasonably short list. There are shows one could argue are considered rather redneck, like Honey Boo Boo's show and even Teen Mom. Reality shows featuring southern life (often at its worst) are popping up all over the place.
So why is this happening? Are people in the south finally getting a chance to have their own television programs? Is it genuinely cool to be a redneck now? Is it really rednecks watching these shows, or are the viewers really people looking down upon the cast members and having a good laugh at their expense? My guess would be it is a combination of the two.
No matter what, the cast members in these shows are walking away with a lot of money. Most of them are doing better than the rest of us financially if their shows are a hit, so maybe they are really getting the last laugh.
