South Carolina Pride

Ever since we moved here two years ago, I've noticed a great deal of South Carolina pride. It's like nothing I've ever seen before.

The symbol from the South Carolina flag is found everywhere. In on format or another, it's probably on 50% of the cars here. It's on shirts, belts, ties, and shoes. Even purses. People really seem to love their South Carolina palmetto tree and crescent moon.

Then there is school pride. There are two major factions in South Carolina -- those who support Clemson and those who support University of South Carolina (otherwise known as USC -- and no, there is no confusion with that school in California around here!). You should see it on game day! The orange and crimson are everywhere. Flags flying from cars and houses. Everyone knows what "The Game" means. (Clemson vs. USC.)

Although the schools are smaller, there is equal pride amongst the alumni of Furman, Wofford, College of Charleston, The Citadel, and all the other South Carolina schools.

So why does this amaze me? Because I'd never experienced such pride around the DC area. I grew up in Maryland. Went to University of Maryland. There was never the same pride in either the state or the university. I lived in Virginia for many years too. Same thing there. Little pride.

I'm sure that the lack of outward pride around DC is due in part to the extremely transient population. But still... there are lots of people who have lived there for many years. And even I as someone who lived up there for 37 years and in South Carolina for only 2, I already feel more pride as a South Carolinian than I ever did as a Marylander or a Virginian.

But I think the slogan on the South Carolina license plate explains it all. "Smiling faces, beautiful places." It is so true. This is a beautiful state. From the shore to the mountains. But more than anything, the people make it amazing. Smiling faces everywhere. People who are "glad to know you" (not just "glad to meet you"). Really good people.

So I guess it struck me pretty quickly. As soon as we bought our minivan less than 6 months after moving here, I too immediately wanted a South Carolina flag plate on my car too.