All my life, I’ve been surrounded by rednecks, both in my school and family. At a certain point, I tried being more of a redneck, and I somewhat succeeded, but I just didn’t have that redneck mindset (meaning that I actually like using my mind). Other than my Social Anxiety, the fact that basically everyone’s basic activities are hunting, fishing, chewing, drinking, mudding, and whose only political concerns are guns and skin color (sorry Obama) has made it hard for me to fit in. There’s one other rural activity I learned about a while back that can be added to the list, and it’s “Possum kicking”. I thought it was a joke when my friend told me about this idiotic and cruel game, but unfortunately, it is no joke. The way this game is played is that teams are split and people drive around a wooded area (likely drunk) looking for possums so they can run up to them and “kick the crap out of them”. Possums are worth one point, and raccoons are worth two; whoever has the most points wins. Personally, I’ve always hated living where I live and I hope to leave as soon as possible, but hearing about this display of cruelty just makes me more anxious to leave this place in my rear view.
I hunt and fish with a passion but I think so I don't consider myself a redneck. I don't chew because I like my gums and I don't want cancer. I drink but I'm a teenager so don't we all. Mudding is alright if you're on a four wheeler but not a truck because it's too much work to wash it. I am conservative but I don't care about skin color and I think about more than guns. I do agree with you though that opossum kicking is cruel and I don't like to see animals suffer I like to end them quickly. Not everyone who does these things are rednecks though. I actually want to go into marketing when I get out of college and get a business degree. Southern Illinois may be boring for you but some of us love it here and you will always have to deal with people you don't like but thats life. And yes there are Speedy's out in the real world too.
ReplyDeleteI've actually heard of that too! I agree i think it's very cruel and stupid. I don't think people should hurt animals in any way at all. Hunting them is one thing, if you shoot them they die and theres not as much suffering but if you actually just hurt the animal just for fun, i think thats retarted. I agree with trev92 too. I think no matter where you go theres always going to be a variety of different people with different cultures, beliefs, and hobbies in this case, etc..
ReplyDeleteI get what you're both saying, but after 18 years of being surrounded by stereotypical rednecks (minus the incest, as far as I know), I'm ready for a change of scenery. I believe that there is a place for me out there, as there is for everyone.
ReplyDeletedude i have not done it but i have heard my friends try it. i want to try it someday. i dont think the goal is to kill the animal. just have fun with it. my friends call it possum soccer. personally i have never heard of coons being kicked around. but i sure wouldnt want to kick one of those furry fellers. they get mean!
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