30 Hate Groups Have Been Tracked To South Carolina

If you've watched the news in recent years you've likely heard a lot on the topic of hate groups. Exactly what qualifies as a hate group can be up for debate. In some cases that term is probably used loosely when a group doesn't agree with another. But I get it. I know extremist and hate groups exist. I'm certainly not trying to discount their existence. But I've always believed this was narrative enhanced by the media to seem as though it is a bigger problem than it really is. And I still feel like that is true in some cases. But I recently came across some data, that definitely made me think. The data comes from an organization I was unfamiliar with until now- the SPLC. According to the organization's website, the "SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people." An integral part of what SPLC does documenting is hate and antigovernment extremist groups across the United States. And in the data collected representing 2023 South Carolina has 30 confirmed (by the SPLC) hate groups.

The SPLC was founded in 1971 by civil rights lawyers Morris Dees and Joseph Levin Jr. They have been a part of many civil rights lawsuits throughout the group's existence. And their work in documenting and recognizing hate groups is a part of the Intelligence Project. The ongoing project is "internationally known for tracking and exposing the activities of hate groups and other domestic extremists."

The groups they have traced to South Carolina include names you're probably familiar with like The Proud Boys. Other organizations the SPLC claims are hate groups including Mom's of Liberty (multiple chapters), South Carolina Parents Involved In Education, and the Southern Sons Active Club. I'm not here to convince you that all these groups are hate groups in the true sense of the word. Some undoubtedly are. Others I suspect may just have differing perhaps slightly extreme political views.

Full disclosure I am simply reporting the data I came across. I have not researched these groups, and do not know enough to offer my opinion. Nor is, or should, my opinion be of any concern to anyone. I also cannot confirm or deny the existence of these groups within the state. And while I believe there are certainly people with hateful opinions, in the words of Luke Bryan "I believe most people are good". I believe you should be kind to everyone you meet. Whether you agree with them on every issue or not. It shouldn't matter. All that matters is we are all human. We all deserve love and respect. And the best way to get that in return is to show it to those around you.

So while this data may show that South Carolina has 30 hate groups, I don't believe that represents the Palmetto state. If you're interested in where this data came from or want to read more you can find it here.

There is nothing more important than personal safety. Especially as a woman. Like it or not there are just certain things I won't do. Things like pumping gas at night, rolling my window down in my car for any reason other than a drive-thru, or engaging with anyone I don't know who approaches me in places like a parking lot. Most apartment complexes won't rent first-floor apartments to women either. These are just some things guys don't have to worry about. And I wish I didn't either. But unfortunately, the world we live in makes women have to be super vigilant and aware of our surroundings. My personal safety just takes priority. Even though most of the Carolinas are fairly safe, bad things can happen anywhere. But there are some places where crime is more common than others. So what are the most dangerous cities in South Carolina?

NeighborhoodScout conducted the research to answer that question. And it may not be the answer you are expecting. Their research highlighted the 100 most dangerous cities in America. These are cities with a population of 25,000 or more people. The rankings are based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents.  For the purpose of this list, Neighborhood Scout considers violent crimes to be rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.  According to their methodology, "the data used for this research are the number of violent crimes reported to have occurred in each city, and the population of each city."

A total of 9 Carolina cities made this list. 4 of the most dangerous cities were in South Carolina, while 5 were in North Carolina. The most dangerous city in the US overall? That was Bessemer Alabama, followed by Monroe, Louisiana. You can read the full list via Neighborhood Scout here or keep reading to see the South Carolina cities that made the list.

The most dangerous city in either Carolina? Spartanburg. This South Carolina city has a violent crime rate of 15.2 and a 1 in 65 chance of being a victim.

Coming in at number 36 on this list is Florence. This town, which you drive through to get to the next city on our list, gives you a 1 in 75 chance of being a victim and a 13.1 rate of violent crime.

If you've been to downtown Myrtle Beach, are you surprised? There are great areas of this vacation destination, but also some not so great. The "Dirty Myrtle" boasts a 12.1 violent crime rate and a 1 in 82 chance of being a victim.

It's North Charleston which is our last SC city on this list. Not to be confused with Charleston proper, North Charleston has a 1 in 95 chance of being a victim and a violent crime rate of 10.4.