White Trash

The term White Trash (English literally means " White Trash ", as: "White trash ") is a derogatory term for members of the white underclass in the USA, where this term was also marked. Due to the influence of the U.S. mass media it is occasionally also used in German-speaking countries, but usually only in the context of the American contemporary culture.

Word origin

The common use of the term can be detected from about 1830. Originally it was used by African-American slaves against poor European immigrants who, like they had to work in agriculture in the fields.

The low incidence of appropriate labels for other ethnic groups ( for example, "Latino Trash" ) suggests that belonging to a fringe group for whites was not normal and therefore should be specially emphasized. Other interpretations assume that the term is less racially motivated, but specific behaviors (eg, a certain lifestyle ) pathway. However, this is subject of an ongoing debate in the United States.

Related, but not necessarily congruent terms are " redneck" and " hillbilly " and " Trailer ( Park ) Trash", the latter being somewhat less targeted on the ethnicity.

Today's use

With White Trash is known in the U.S. primarily the white undercoat and one attributed to her lifestyle, which is mainly dominated by early marriage and alcohol problems. Characteristic of this stereotype are furthermore so-called trailer parks, some of them very large settlements, consisting instead of houses of Mobile Homes ( Trailers ), which are much cheaper than traditional homes, but also a correspondingly lower standard of living (in terms of space and privacy ) offer.

The American singer Willy DeVille has used the term on the album Loup Garou in the song White Trash Girl. In it, he describes the problematic circumstances of a girl who belongs to the " White Trash ". The, also from the USA singer Everlast deals with the subject in the 2004 published song White Trash Beautiful. Eminem took up the term in his single White Trash Party.