Wrong. Redneck originated as a term to denigrate imigrant farm laborers. "Wetbacks" anyone? The fact that we often use it as a term of affection - just like Blacks who call each other nigger - doesn't change that.
To me, the fact that people get offended by a WORD when it's used affectionately is in itself offensive, however I get your point.
BTW, let's remember that word meanings or overtones sometimes change.