Homo Redneckus

Sound Bite

Homo Redneckus is a critical reflection on the cultural experience of being a different type of "other" in America -- specifically, a redneck, white-trash, hillbilly cracker. An academic treatise and a good story at the same time, the book traces the plight of those who are "Not Qwhite" through history, popular culture, and personal experience.

About the Book

Discussing questions of race and class in America, we often skip those who are white but are treated as a different kind of "other." A professor of English and literature, Dr. William Matthew McCarter explores the realities of being "Not Qwhite in America" from a historical and literary perspective. He interweaves colloquial storytelling with advanced critical strategies in a unique and entertaining fashion.

This in-depth analysis is perfect for scholars and laypersons interested in the questions of race and class in the American experience. Starting with his own experience of prejudice and discrimination, and tracing that experience through his own family history, the author provides a framework for others who want to understand the experience of being "othered."

The breadth of knowledge he relies on reflects his education in cultural studies, literature, and theory. This book is perfect as a text in college courses, supplementary reading for scholars, or people wanting to dip their toes into a topic that has thus far not gotten much attention. Dr. McCarter welcomes readers to learn more about the cultural studies perspective on race and see how it can be applied to examining their own experiences.

Introduction

In 1994, filmmaker John Waters wrote, 'in six months, no one will say white trash—it is the last racist thing you can say and get away with it' (Wray 3). Waters' prophecy has still not come to pass; instead, race specific and class specific terms like redneck, white trash, hillbilly, peckerwood, and cracker are arguably more often used in contemporary discourse than they were in 1994.

Co-opted and commodified representations of rednecks and white trash proliferate on cable television. Shows like 'The Naked Trucker and T-Bone Show' and 'Blue Collar TV' could be described as nothing more than 'working class Samboism.' These television shows help the hegemony to 'Other' the Southern poor white working classes in America. And if the rhetoric of humor isn't enough to drive the point home about us rednecks, the cable networks show dramatic films like 'Deliverance' that portray us Southern country folk as monstrous grotesques that should be feared and not just laughed at.

This visual rhetoric and the speech acts that accompany it help to reinforce the hegemony's idea of the merits of capitalism and the myth that if citizens work hard every day, then they can achieve the American Dream. In other words, we don't HAVE to be indolent, lazy, xenophobic redneck crackers, we CHOOSE to be. Therefore, we don't deserve to feed at the trough of the new economy with all of Robert Reich's 'knowledge workers.' We deserve our lot in life because we are rednecks and there is no room in the global economy for us backward hillbilly crackers. We are just anachronisms that refuse to adapt to globalization and therefore, deserve to be ground into the economic dirt because of our conscious aversion to economic progress. Each time a textile mill closes in the South, I can almost hear the faint whisper of a CEO saying, 'Let them eat SPAM' —They probably do anyway.' ...

Information

In Homo Redneckus: On Being Not Qwhite in America, Dr. William Matthew McCarter examines the sore spot where race, class, and identity meet in the American experience. His insightful work sheds light on the complexities of being “othered” as a white individual who does not conform to societal expectations of privilege or cultural norms. Blending historical analysis, literary critique, and personal storytelling, McCarter invites readers to explore the nuanced realities of race and class in America.

Exploring the Concept of “Not Qwhite”:
Dr. McCarter introduces the idea of “Not Qwhite” as a critical lens for understanding how race and class intersect to create a unique form of discrimination. Drawing from his own life experiences and family history, he provides an intimate perspective on what it means to be marginalized within a system that traditionally privileges whiteness. This fresh approach challenges preconceived notions of privilege and encourages readers to rethink the narratives surrounding race and class.

A Blend of Storytelling and Critical Analysis:
The book’s strength lies in its ability to weave personal anecdotes with advanced critical theories. McCarter uses colloquial storytelling to engage readers while simultaneously employing scholarly techniques to unpack complex ideas. This dual approach makes the book accessible to both academic audiences and general readers interested in cultural studies and social justice.

Historical and Literary Perspectives:
McCarter delves into the historical and literary roots of racial and class-based discrimination, using his expertise in English and literature to analyze how these themes have evolved over time. By connecting past and present, he offers readers a deeper understanding of how systemic inequalities persist and how they affect those who exist outside traditional racial and class categorizations.

A Framework for Understanding Otherness:
The book provides a comprehensive framework for readers to examine their own experiences and societal structures through the lens of “otherness.” McCarter’s analysis is not just an academic exercise—it is an invitation for introspection and dialogue. His insights encourage readers to critically engage with the ways race and class shape their own identities and perceptions of others.

A Resource for Scholars and Students:
Homo Redneckus is an essential text for college courses on cultural studies, sociology, and American literature. Its blend of personal narrative and scholarly rigor makes it an invaluable resource for students and scholars exploring the intersection of race, class, and identity. Additionally, it serves as an accessible introduction for laypersons seeking to understand these complex topics.

Dr. William Matthew McCarter’s Homo Redneckus: On Being Not Qwhite in America is a compelling exploration of race and class in the United States. By combining personal experience, historical context, and literary critique, McCarter challenges readers to rethink conventional narratives about privilege and marginalization. This book is for anyone interested in cultural studies, social justice, or the intricacies of American identity.