Now, being from the South, I just don't see any basis for the redneck stereotype. I have NEVER met scummier people than the dirtbags I came in contact with in Mass. Not all, mind you, but the average individual is rude, short tempered, selfish, impatient, unfriendly, doesn't like to smile, and many were not at all bright. Common courtesy isn't common at all in the northeast.
Please, if you're from there, don't flame me. If you're a Freeper, you are an obvious exception.
I lived in MA last few years but grew up in VA. I saw it differently. I found the people generally very polite and intelligent BUT very passive and docile particularly the Men, The women were generally bold and aggressive (if you like that type). Unlike most other places if you saw a confused idiot who could not make up their mind on the road, (to my surprise) it usually turned out to be a man. Their talk radio hosts e.g. Howie Carr and Jay Severin were very good however.
Rudeness/impatience/racism/short-temperedness/intolerance is far more prevalent in the North.
Southerners (on the whole) just seem more congenial.
I lived in Mass. for a year and a half, and I concur with everything you say.
There's a reason people from the Commonwealth (Freepers excepted) have the nickname "Massholes."