In order to be “hillbillies,” they have to not only be rural, but also somewhat cut off from more urbane culture, and somewhat primitive, poor, isolated and backward, living within a sort of self-reinforcing social feedback loop that is little influenced by “modern” society and technical and cultural advances in the “outside” world. They may also have a strong local sense of community and be suspicious of strangers and new people. The degrees of isolation and homogeneity may differ from one community to the next, but those and a backward culture are the hallmarks. As “civilization” encroaches more and more upon such hilly wooded backlands, these types of communities are increasingly absorbed into mainstream life. Further, technical forms of communication like cell phones, the internet and satellite TV also tend to make inroads. So does expanded access to public education. So this is a sort of unique tableau that we are beginning to lose, along with its unique music, traditions and lifestyle. I’m not sure that’s entirely a good thing. “Hillbilly” was a term that was invented as an insult and form of ridicule, but some of these communities have adopted it as a source of pride – a sign that their durable traditions and unique respect for (and knowledge of) nature are are worthy of respect and pride. Like gypsies, they have something to offer the world. It will be sad to see it fade over time.
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