Living in Tennessee as an atheist?

[Voltair]

Hey guys I am looking for some advice.

Currently I am a senior in college in TN and I will be graduating in May so the whole issue of jobs/living out on my own is soon coming to pass. I am going to be interning/volunteering for two companies in a marketing capacity next semester.

What I wanted to know is are there any of you that lived in TN as an atheist for any length of time? I wanted to know how difficult or easy that it was. My issue is from a practical standpoint this may end up being my best career opportunity which could be further complicated if I manage to find a young lady here as well.

Any advice or good resources that could help me find out what I am getting into more?

[Erinome]

I am also an atheist living in TN. Just don't be too flaunty about it with people you don't really know. When asked, say you're not religious.

[popeyespappy]

(7th December 2011 19:48)aleialoura Wrote:  I am also an atheist living in TN. Just don't be too flaunty about it with people you don't really know. When asked, say you're not religious.

This.

I’ve been living in Tennessee on and off for nearly 50 years now. The last time I was there was 02-08, and I spent 2 years in Memphis, 2 in Nashville and 3 in Knoxville. My faith, or lack thereof, was never an issue, but I didn’t discuss it with just anyone either.

[Voltair]

Alright, thanks for the advice ^_^

[Heather]

(7th December 2011 19:48)aleialoura Wrote:  I am also an atheist living in TN. Just don't be too flaunty about it with people you don't really know. When asked, say you're not religious.

Yes, this. That is exactly what I say when people ask me and I'm in South Carolina where it's 99% Christian (or seems that way). I always get the question, "what church do you go to?" And I reply, "oh we don't really go to church much." That seems to appease most people.

In everyday life, religion doesn't surface too much but when it does, just brush it off living in TN. You don't have to really confront it.

[Norfolk And Chance]

Wow, in England you'd just say "I'm an atheist".

It's sad that people in part of the USA can't just come out and say it because of the reaction they might get.

[Voltair]

Well... I usually tell people on an individual level that way I don't get someones predetermined list of what an atheist is etc. However I already know that while I won't scream it from the mountain-tops I am not going to be private about it either. That just isn't how I work.

I agree though I think it is sad that atheism is treated so negatively in the USA. Of course look at candidates like Rick Perry and that may explain part of the issue. The most ironic thing to me about people who treat atheists differently is supposedly conservatism is supposed to be all about preserving the constitution which would mean NOT mistreating atheists.

The reason I posted this was just to get further advice/other peoples experiences on living in the Bible belt as an atheist. Its always nice to get the views of people who have been dealing with it far longer than I have.

[AthiestAtheist]

(10th December 2011 20:35)Voltair Wrote:  The most ironic thing to me about people who treat atheists differently is supposedly conservatism is supposed to be all about preserving the constitution

Conservatism about preserving the constitution? Lol, no it's about taking away rights from people, and giving rights to corporations!

[Voltair]

Well the man with the biggest stick wins, true justice!