Originally Posted by JJs

Misconception: everybody in Alabama is uneducated and "red-neck" (whatever that's supposed to mean)


The term red-neck was first coined when miners from other states went to West Virginia (I think it was) to help the coal miners that were being treated so badly there. They drove or rode trains as far as they could and then ended up having to walk for miles. They tied red handkerchief around their necks to show solidarity and to easily recognise each other--hence the term "Redneck". So I guess it means honest, hardworking men that care enough about others to do something about injustice.
Unfortunately the red kerchiefs made them "spottable" to others too and many were killed in an ambush in a narrow mountain pass by the mining companies hired guns.

Just a little trivia so that you'll know to walk tall and be proud the next time someone refers to you or your state's people as rednecks.