How do Southern Baptists differ from regular Baptists?

I was raised Independent Baptist. When I was in the 10th grade, we joined a Southern Baptist church and have been with this denomination ever since. For the most part, as far as theology, the two are similar. Doctrinal issues such as salvation, baptism, spiritual gifts, end times, etc, they are the same. However, on everyday living, the Independent Baptist teach more things as being sinful. For instance, most Independent Baptist believe it is a sin for women to wear pants, for people to get tattoos, for unmarried couples to hold hands or sit too close to each other. They also strictly adhere to reading the KJV only. The other difference is in governing. Both are autonomous. However, as far as missions-Independent Baptist missionaries are on their own. They have to travel on furlough and raise their support. Southern Baptist have what is called the co-operative program. Twice a year they have a big offering day to raise money for missionaries. In the spring, it is the Annie Armstrong offering which funds home missions. Around Christmas, it is the Lottie Moon offering which funds foreign missions. Also, larger churches donate from their regular offering to the cooperative program. This is so the missionaries can focus on their mission field and not have to use time and resources raising money. Both choose their own pastors, both elect their own deacons, and each individual church decides on its by-laws. There is actually somewhere between 60 and 70 Baptist denominations just in America. Some are not as similar as Independent and Southern. For instance, Reformed Baptist adhere to Calvinism and the TULIP. There are others Baptist Denominations that believe in work salvation. Hope this was not too confusing.

I was hoping someone had replied with the info! - I'm thinking the Southern Baptists are a little less strict.. but, I'm not sure if that's right or not! I think there's lots of different Baptist groups..