The Beverly Hillbillies had its defenders. To the creator of the show, “our hillbillies” were clean and wholesome, and the network was actually doing a service in uplifting the image of rural Americans. “The word hillbilly,” he insisted, “will ultimately have a new meaning in the United States as a result of our show.” His optimism proved to be misplaced.10
*laughs uproariously* As if! You can't mock a strawman and then gaslight people into thinking you're doing the people that stereotype represents a favor!
Though, to be fair, actual hillbillies have done themselves no favors either.
