Is It Cool to be a Redneck?

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.

Too Much Towing?

Source: TruTV.com - Operation Repo

I know what you probably lie awake asking yourself at night: How many reality TV shows can actually be about tow trucks and tow truck adventures?  Apparently, you can have at least 4 reality shows that completely revolve around the concept of repossessing or towing vehicles.  Amazing, isn't it?  How?  Why?  Can it really be that interesting?  Furthermore, one channel, TruTV, is the source for all these shows.  Is there really that much of an audience for this?  Obviously they must be getting ratings or these shows could not exist.

The 4 reality TV shows on the air about towing companies are now:

• Operation Repo
• Lizard Lick Towing
• South Beach Tow
• Bear Swamp Recovery

Each show claims to be totally unique.  For instance, it appears each person starring in Bear Swamp Recovery is overweight.  Stop laughing... really, this is how the commercial makes it seem.  I am not sure how America can possibly be ready for 4 tow truck shows, but TruTV thinks we are.  So if you are really into seeing people have their cars repossessed, this is a great time for television programming for you. 



Guilty Pleasures: VH1 Reality Shows

Much to my delight, I have just learned Celebrity Rehab is returning to VH1 tonight.  Now, I know, it is not the happiest show on the planet.  I am sure I could watch something else, but it is one of my guilty pleasures; I cannot stop watching this show.  It is just fascinating.  I like watching the first episode of each season to see which celebrities are going into rehab this time.  Then I follow the show as if I know the people in it.  Obviously, I do not hang out with celebrities.  I have no reason to care if they get better, except that they are people and I hope nothing but the best for them.  No doubt, I will be watching each week and crying along with them. 

If crying along with celebrities in rehab is not your thing, the season finale of Mob Wives is also on tonight.  I will admit, I do like this show.  I would not watch it at first, but it does grow on you.  I have a feeling a major catfight is going to break out tonight, so if catfights are your guilty pleasure, you might want to catch it.  Apparently, a big secret is coming out tonight. 

Reality TV and How to be a Star

I have to admit it, as much as I will make fun of reality TV, I sit there and watch it just like anyone else.  I watch reality shows all the time.  Usually the worst shows are the most entertaining to watch.

Since I watch these shows all the time, I thought it would be fun to create a "How to" guide on Hubpages about becoming a reality show star.  Now, obviously I am not a reality show star or I would not have time to constantly write blog posts and write articles.  I just thought it would be funny.

Enjoy! How to Become a Reality Show Star in 10 Easy Steps

Photo source: www.mtv.com