The Duality Of The Hillbilly
Harkins (2005) suggests the lower income people of the rural southern Appalachian region find the “hillbilly” label an offensive slur, yet at the same time it embodies the spirit of their defiant individualism. Those who use the term offensively see it describing a rough, backwards, almost feral existence based in violence, feuds, ignorance, and an intolerable use of gender roles to oppress women into a submissive role. People labeled as “hillbillies” have celebrated the label to show the world they won’t conform to someone else’s idea of “progress.” Some are reclaiming the label. For them, it means being able to live with the resources they have, independence, and having the ability to take care of themselves. There is a keen sense of lineage and family, understanding of gender roles, and a close bond with the land. It’s a lifestyle of “rugged landscape and unwavering authenticity.”