Precisely and well put but somewhat narrow to the core point of what is said.
Absolutely correct that the meaning of things changes over time. Just as the philosopher Heraclitus stressed that change is central to the universe. But also on the same side of the coin and as someone who subscribes to the Epicurean school of thought, i would challenge the path of evolution of the term.
So with that, I do understand where you see the term "redneck" as having negative conations associated to under-educated farmers of yesteryear. however I would like to believe that the term is evolving into a better and uniting term with the current generation.
The Freudian view would suggest that the modern "redneck" lives a dual life of being ingrained in the predecessor generations yet at the same time evolving into what some would call a more "sophisticated" variety via luxuries and inherent societal education advances namely the internet.
One could also argue that the modern "redneck" has a touch of darwinistic evolution because how many of the new generation of "rednecks" actually work in the fields anymore to get the requisite red neck?
One key point I like about quote modern "redneck" is they vastly lack a pompous attitude that is inherit in others who believe they are of an artificial pedigree.
So in short, I would like to part of the evolution of the term into a positive and uniting connotation as defining someone who enjoys the simple things of the current American society.(an old dodge) However this evolution may be long coming due to the human nature of perception lagging behind reality.
Jus sayin. :D