Term Paper on "Redneck Stereotype"

Term Paper 17 pages (4773 words) Sources: 1+ Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Redneck Stereotypes

Rednecks and Television: A Qualitative Investigation of Popular Media's Habit of Promote Stereotypes of "Rednecks"

The researcher's goal is to explore stereotypes of classic "rednecks" or "hillbillies" on television. To achieve this goal the researcher proposes first devising a common and acceptable definition for "rednecks." The researcher then proposes engaging in a qualitative case study to explore the way people feel about rednecks on television. The author hypothesizes that uncertainty reduction method is a plausible tool for reducing or eliminating stereotypes of rednecks and other social groups commonly targeted for comedy. The results of this study will prove helpful to sociologists interested in understanding how social identity is formed and why people hold onto negative stereotypes in modern society.

Introduction

Problem Statement

Background to the Problem

Research Questions

Literature Review

Stereotypes Defined

Effects of Stereotypes/Why Popular

Stereotypes in Television

Methods

Population

Data Collection & Analysis

Instrument

Results

Limitations

Timeline

Conclusions/Discussion

APPENDIX I

Introduction

The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate stereotypes. Specifically the researcher proposes analyzing why certain individuals called "rednecks" in slang are stereotyped by the media on television. The researcher proposes that while the United States has cut down on racial slurs and epithets, the people within the United States silently agree that stereotyping of certain groups that fall under the category of "rednecks" is still acceptable.

This is because all groups currently residing within the United States subscribe to beliefs that they regard as their own culture's norms and therefore engage in ethnocentric behaviors (Sumner, 1906), which often leads to the false belief that one groups beliefs or "norms" are superior to another (Brislin, 1986). The goals of the researcher include to find out why people feel it is ok to stereotype one group but not another, and to develop a proposal for removing the prejudice and discriminatory programs on television that continually support this form of prejudiced behaviors.

To understand why this happens one must first understand what rednecks are according to modern sociological and psychological terms. The researcher hypothesizes that all groups are ethnocentric and subscribe to the ideal that their group is the "center" of the world as compared to other groups, and all other groups that do not fit within the primary ethnic group are to be scaled, compared or rated using the primary groups norms as the basis for judgment (Sumner, 1906).

Problem Statement

Despite knowledge that stereotypes in the media leave negative and lasting imprints on the minds of viewers, there is much evidence suggesting blatant misuse of stereotyping in the media. While the media is no longer allowed to support comments or television programs supportive of bigotry or prejudice, there seems to be a consensus that stereotyping of the population labeled "rednecks" is acceptable even if it is derogatory in nature (Booker, 2002). This paper will attempt to discern why stereotyping of this sub-population remains commonplace and acceptable in the media. The objective of the researcher is to find out if any new paradigms may be provided to eliminate the use of redneck stereotyping in the media.

Background to the Problem

Throughout history the problem of stereotyping has existed, and is often portrayed in the media through film and television (Booker, 2002). Thanks to the advent of multiple laws including the Civil Rights Act, many people in the media now refrain from promoting stereotypical images of ethnicities or cultures (Booker, 2002). For one reason or another however their remains an informal acceptance by viewers and the media of the stereotypical "hillbilly" "poor white trash" or "redneck" as one may label these slang terms.

This may result from ethnocentrism, or the idea that one person or ethnic group is superior to others. One "consequence or result of ethnocentrism" is people base experiences and expectations they have regarding "cross-cultural interactions" using their personal cultural norms and rules regarding social interactions (Brislin, 1986). Another consequence of ethnocentrism is that one's own group's norms, values and behaviors are seen as moral and proper whereas those of groups that differ from their own are viewed as immoral or improper Levine & Cambell, 1982).

Research Questions

The foundation for this research is based on the following questions: (1) how are rednecks stereotyped in television? (2) how are other ethnicities stereotyped (or not) in television? (3) what constitutes a "stereotype" as defined by television? (4) how do stereotypes impact the working class citizens labeled as stereotypes in television? (5) why are stereotypes used as part of American slang?

Literature Review

The literature review will further define the redneck and explain the utility and roles typically assigned the redneck. Additionally the literature review will analyze how television stereotypes this type of personality. Why and how the redneck is stereotyped are of utmost importance to the researcher in the literature review.

A are immoral or improper (Levine & Cambell, 1972).

Stereotypes Defined

Stereotypes are often defined as overly general, inaccurate and negative in nature (Hamilton & Sherman, 1996). Stereotypes are false beliefs held by one or more members of a group regarding the rules, roles and ethical standards held by another group. They also relate to a culture's behaviors and actions (Hamilton & Sherman, 1996). It is important to consider the terms "slang" and "slurs" when exploring stereotypes. Slang often refers to informal speech or "jargon, can't and regionalisms" referring to language certain ethnic groups may use casually to describe people, objects, or activities native to their own culture (Allen, 1990). Slurs are a form of stereotyping, typically involving the use of derogatory name calling or invented terms to "produce a rhetorical effect" and demonstrate "ephemeral, flippant, piquant, and outlaw qualities" which can make them "slang" if used often enough (Allen, p.4). Thus, the term stereotype is a slur that has become "slang" among American people to refer to a particular socio-economic status and work status of people living in modern society.

Stereotypical language "is fraught with words that reach for meanings beyond the locutions of standard language" thus fails to meet the emotional needs those using such terms may have (Allen, p.4). Allen (1990) suggests that stereotypes are an attempt by one group to prove they are more powerful or dominate over another group because of certain characteristics associated with the stereotyped class.

Effects of Stereotypes/Why Popular

Stereotypes that are negative have many effects on the people that are stereotyped against. The communication accommodation theory suggests that language and speech, dress, house, artifacts, tattoos and other communicative markers are important components of one's personal and social identity (Giles & Noels). Allen (1990) notes ethnic slurs in American speech began appearing during the late 1600s, when British people settling in the United States deemed the native Indians living there "Redskins" an epithet reflecting the color of their skin, meant as a derogatory term that should be insulting to the culture assigned the name (Allen, 3).

Giles & Noels are correct in assuming such stereotypes or slurs can affect a group's or an individual's social identity. Allen (1990) notes slurs often result "in response to social and economic conflict during historical periods of rapid social change" (p.3). Slurs often grow from social history during times of intense immigration or after wars or turmoil, following depressions, massive migrations or as a result of "urbanization" (Allen, 4). They form during these times in part because these times reflect periods of chaos, especially in American history. Chaos involves periods where massive change occurs and people look to something familiar for security. This often results in their turning to their native culture. Dominant groups have a tendency to undermine others which can lead to bigotry, prejudice and stereotyping of certain ethnicities, as is the case with "rednecks" (Allen, 1990).

Allen (1990) suggests the "profusion" of stereotypes aligns with the history of "ethnic conflict" in societies (p.4). Many stereotypes were in fact initially coined within the United States during its early years of colonization, and spread from there to encompass world societies (Allen, 1990). Stereotypes are popular because they reduce stress for some or cultural anxiety members of one class in society may have about another group of society (Allen, 1990:4). Slang often correlates to ethnicity but also one's social habits. Stereotyped slang is often used by members of one group to control the social reality in which a majority group lives (Allen, 1990). In this context it is just as likely that stereotyped rednecks would also use slang and slurs to describe the rest of the population.

People also use stereotypes to express their anxiousness, or "jealousies, envies, resentments and anger" of groups they may be in conflict with (Allen, 4). Studies suggest men are more likely than women to stereotype others when anxious or when they feel their manhood of livelihood is threatened by another group, or when they have anxiety about their own status in society (Allen, 1990).

Uncertainty Reduction Method

To resolve stereotyping one may apply the uncertainty reduction method. Mullin & Hogg (1999) suggest uncertainty reduction theory can reduce stereotyping by using communication consciously and unconsciously… READ MORE

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