> It's interesting that you brought up the 'n' word earlier. Fifty years ago, that word was not considered derogatory by members of any race, although I could be mistaken about that. The bigotry and ignorance of many who sought to use that word in the process of expressing their bigoted and ignorant ideas was what corrupted the word.
>
You are correct. I recall hearing in sociology class something to the effect that: As negative connotations are attached to a group's label, the group will eventualy chose a new label to influence fresh thinking/erase old stereotypes. Hence: n--r-->colored-->Negro-->black-->Afro-american
-->African American...I may have the order mixed up a bit, but each label was at one time considered acceptable to all. Sometimes the effort to change the labels are very conscious and overt ("Black is beautiful"); other times less directed and more subtle (I don't remember quite the same awareness when Afro- was out and African- was in, but maybe I missed something)

You see the same thing with:

suffragettes-->women's libbers-->feminists...
although it's not exactly analogous.
I believe this group is due for another label soon, any ideas?

Also, as far as people equating all southern accents with stupidity; well, if Southerners aren't noted for their subtle wit, who is. A Georgian can tell you to go to hell and you'll be halfway there and enjoying the trip before you realize where you're going.