It turns out that the # of hate groups per county is related to a complex set of stuff, and not neceswsarily related to how most residents think of themselves politically. Changing demographics plays a role, as does availability of resources for movement activists.
The map is produced by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and despite some criticisms of the SPLC methodology, it is actually used by some sociologists for a study base of data. The SPLC doesn't list one-person groups and phantom internet groups. They actually look for activity and some participation.
For more fun facts on hate groups:
http://www.publiceye.org/hate/Hate99ASA_toc.html
Chip Berlet Senior Analyst
Political Research Associates 1310 Broadway, Suite 201 Somerville, MA 02144-1731
617.666.5300 voice 617.666.6622 fax http://www.publiceye.org
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org
> [mailto:lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org] On Behalf Of snitsnat
> Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2005 1:42 PM
> To: Lame Brained Onanists
> Subject: [lbo-talk] Tampa Bay: hotbed of hate groups
>
>
> ugh.
>
> I just heard on WMNF.org that PIE-nellas county has the most
> hate groups in
> FL. FL has, for its population, the most hate groups,
> according to this map
> of 2001.
>
> http://www.tolerance.org/maps/hate/index.html
>
> This particular map doesn't explain how PIEnellas co. has the
> most hate
> groups, so I don't know where this caller got the info.
>
> I'm wondering if Chip has more info. Also, I'd characterize
> this county has
> pretty PMC -- by contrast to, say, Lakeland and Central FL.
> Indeed, people
> on the coast tend to characterize themselves as progressives
> by comparison
> to the "rednecks" who, ostensibly, live in C. Florida -- the
> Bible Best
> runs mostly in C. FL.
>
> k
>
> "We live under the Confederacy.
> We're a podunk bunch of swaggering
> pious hicks."
>
> --Bruce Sterling
>
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>