"Save the Rednecks" PSA Launched to Redefine the Often Derogatory Word and Celebrate Misunderstood Lifestyle

"Save the Rednecks" PSA Launched to Redefine the Often Derogatory Word and Celebrate Misunderstood Lifestyle

Experts Theorize Hillbilly Ingenuity, Which Gave Us the Pick-Up Truck Hot Tub, May Also Be Solution for What Ails U.S. Economy

National Geographic Channel Declares Mission to Bring This Smart, Hardworking and Self-Sufficient Community Out of the Shadows

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Common misconceptions, derogatory jokes and unfortunate images on the Internet have pushed many indigenous rednecks, commonly found throughout all regions of the United States, into the closet. Some experts have even theorized that driving this smart, hardworking and resourceful community underground has exacerbated the current economic malaise. Could redneck ingenuity restore America's competitive edge in the global market place? After all, it was the rednecks who quenched our thirst during Prohibition with backwoods moonshine; built the rockets that allowed the U.S. to land on the moon and win the space race; and even invented the pick-up truck hot tub. Not to mention, without their inspiration the world would have been deprived of some of our culture's most beloved celebrities, characters and acclaimed films, with an extensive catalogue including Toby Keith, the Duke Brothers, Ricky Bobby, "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Thelma and Louise"! The rednecks have done so much for our country, and with the potential to contribute so much more, isn't it time we give a little back?

The dire situation has prompted National Geographic Channel to take action, launching "Save the Rednecks," a PSA that calls for all Americans to don their work boots and coveralls and proudly proclaim themselves hardworkin' rednecks. Inspired by the network's popular "hillbilly ingenuity" series Rocket City Rednecks, the initiative aims to break down negative stereotypes. "Redneck" is not a four-letter word, as Travis Taylor, the series' host/rocket scientist/lead redneck explains, "There was a time when redneck was referred to hard-working, self-sufficient farmers whose necks would sunburn while working in the fields. Those farmers had to be smart and had to solve problems with just what they had on hand. That is what a redneck is! Being called 'redneck' ain't an insult, it's a compliment! Nothing says you can't have a Ph.D. and also be a redneck!"

The Charlie Daniels Band has never been more right: "What this world needs is a few more rednecks." Please do your part to support the cause. Log on to facebook.com/natgeotv because it's never too late to save a redneck.

National Geographic Channel

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels U.S. are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, Spanish language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation's major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in more than 71 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channels International is available in more than 380 million homes in 163 countries and 37 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

SOURCE National Geographic Channel

National Geographic Channel

CONTACT: Erin Griffin, NGC Communications, +1-202-912-6632; egriffin@natgeotv.com

Web Site: http://www.natgeotv.com

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