On Topic Discussion Are you white trash?

[otters]

As far as I know, the «poor white trash» phenomenon is virtually unknown in Europe (apart from sociological literature of course).

But I guess MARX's term «Lumpenproletariat» defines quite the group?

I'd say since the persons in question apparently are not just poor, they're also very uneducated, and usually on the political extreme right wing: VERY VERY UNSEXY.

 

[rareboy]

White Trash does not only refer to southerners. Neither does Redneck.

We have 'em here in Canada.

I would also agree that it has nothing to do with morals necessarily. There are the very rich with no moral compass as well. It usually has to do with a multi-generational downward mobility fueled by disrespect for education, fear and loathing of government and often alcohol abuse. A perverse pride in laziness and a narrow minded, angry entitlement complex seem to also be hallmarks of the breed.

 

[peeonme]

White trash is a term generated by the wealthy (need I say that most of which are white?) to Identify the class that they have fucked over.

 

[Kabluey]

White trash is a term generated by the wealthy (need I say that most of which are white?) to Identify the class that they have fucked over.

Generated by the wealthy, or those who see themselves as culturally or intellectually elite?
Usually it's a cringe label from people who aren't really that far removed.

 

[Felixpot]

In Australia we like to say Bogan, though it does not really have the same stereotype as 'white trash', a combination of things can make you a bogan. Go here, http://thingsboganslike.com/about/ , for a better explanation. But Some one who has poor hygiene and health would be called a derro. I am definitely not a derro

 

[Kabluey]

^ I might have some bogan tendencies... but I'm no westie.

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

My moral standards are low enough, but my socio-economic situation precludes it.

 

[SaskGuy]

Someone mentioned southerners... it always irritates me that in TV shows, every rural area is populated solely by inbred hillbillies with thick southern accents... even on Canadian shows.

Another thing that irritates me is that farmers are always the butt of jokes; where do these ungreatful cunts think their food comes from? It's not like it magically materializes on the store shelves

 

[Alnitak]

Someone mentioned southerners... it always irritates me that in TV shows, every rural area is populated solely by inbred hillbillies with thick southern accents... even on Canadian shows.

Another thing that irritates me is that farmers are always the butt of jokes; where do these ungreatful cunts think their food comes from? It's not like it magically materializes on the store shelves

Why are farmers the butt of jokes? Anyway a lot more food now is big business. A majority of food grown in the US comes from 2% of farms.

 

[peeonme]

Generated by the wealthy, or those who see themselves as culturally or intellectually elite?
Usually it's a cringe label from people who aren't really that far removed.

Many are only a pay check away, the wealthy divide the workers with terms like "white trash" "red necks" "hillbillies" and such.
The true trash are those who exploit others, landlords who will not maintain property are a good example, people point at those who live there and say it's the tenants fault.
Most of these folks are the working poor and have no money to fix up another's home. Most can't afford a lawn mower.

 

[eddielee]

I do not drink beer from a crude can, nor do I "break wind" loudly in public. I am therefore, not white trash. I jest about the beer can although I'm serious about no rude public farting.

 

[Alnitak]

I do not drink beer from a crude can, nor do I "break wind" loudly in public. I am therefore, not white trash. I jest about the beer can although I'm serious about no rude public farting.

Malt liquor from the 40 oz bottle then? Moonshine from a jar?

 

[rareboy]

^ mmmm Malt likker sittin' on the porch on the couch that the dog sleeps on.......good times.

 

[MakeDigitalLove]

White trash is a term generated by the wealthy (need I say that most of which are white?) to Identify the class that they have fucked over.

I can assure you the op is not of what you are describing.

 

[G-Lexington]

I have aspects of my personality and life that are "white trash-y", sure. I like Hamburger Helper and spam casserole (separately), for instance. I like both old country music, and some hair metal. I like going to some sporting events that tend to attract the PBR crowd. I have a soft spot for corny jokes, although I'm not sure I could make it through an episode of Hee-Haw.

Lex

 

[Alnitak]

^ mmmm Malt likker sittin' on the porch on the couch that the dog sleeps on.......good times.

That's what I was going to add on but thought that would be laying it on a bit thick

The Walmart ashtray is also overflowing and full of brown water.

 

[otters]

White trash is a term generated by the wealthy (need I say that most of which are white?) to Identify the class that they have fucked over.

Dissenting opinion:

The term White trash first came into common use in the 1830s as a pejorative used by house slaves against poor whites. In 1833 Fanny Kemble, an English actress visiting Georgia, noted in her journal: "The slaves themselves entertain the very highest contempt for white servants, whom they designate as 'poor white trash'".[8][9]

 

[G-Lexington]

That's what I was going to add on but thought that would be laying it on a bit thick

The Walmart ashtray is also overflowing and full of brown water.

Ashtrays? Jesus, who won the lottery? What do you think the empty bottles are for?

Lex

 

[peeonme]

Dissenting opinion:

I am thinking of it's use in contemporary time, in either case it would seem that ones wealth (or lack thereof) seems to play in to the situation,
in the 1800's the slaves used the term, today the wealthy see those whom they exploit as white trash, people of no value because they were born in to the "wrong" family.

 

[otters]

As to identification with the extreme right wing, that is also an affect of cinema.

I'm quite sure it's well documented that most of them practically automatically become prey of right wing populist politicians, and it's not merely ‹also› a TV or Movie trope… even if they don't vote, and especially when they rate themselves «unpolitical», then this is in fact very political, IMHO.