Are "Hillbilly" & "Redneck" Nation's Last Acceptable Stereotypes?

[xocet]

4. That was not my point. It seemed odd to me to choose one's being barefoot as an indicator of

intelligence, background, etc.

What all fits in the "constellation" of traits that define the stereotype of "hillbilly"? What are the so-called characteristics of a "redneck"? Do the two sets overlap? Are these traits seen to be quite acceptable in other groups - i.e., being barefoot in Hawaii, etc - but have negative connotations in relation to the region and/or group discussed in the article to which you linked?

If you want to invalidate a stereotype, why not define it and simply show that all the traits that make up its definition are accepted in the context of other groups? If these traits are acceptable in the case of the other groups, then why are they also not acceptable in the case of the groups that are ostensibly being unfairly labeled and demeaned?

Would that not illustrate that the labeling of said group is merely a latent form of prejudice, and thus would that not provide an answer to your OP's opening question?