Study says coming out as atheist can help reduce prejudice towards atheists

[Violet]

"coming out" suggests a release from something oppressive. Always a good idea.

The atheists that openly declare themselves I find to be Dick's of Dawkian proportion.

Pussies can't be like that

Yeah, but those people don't speak for me... it's the mostly-quiet farting type that stays in the shadows that speaks for me by default

[Nine]

"coming out" suggests a release from something oppressive. Always a good idea.

The atheists that openly declare themselves I find to be Dick's of Dawkian proportion.

Pussies can't be like that

Depends where you live. I never even realized people had a problem with atheists until Christians started telling me I was going to hell.

I've never had to fear anything in telling people. Its just not important where I live. Well other than to the one or two that like to make it their problem.

[Creed of Heresy]

I am actually reserved about being an atheist except in the company of other atheists. For the most part I don't see it mattering all that much.

The problem is, as I have mentioned at least a thousand times now, is that while I don't shove my atheism in peoples' faces, religions are more than happy to shove their beliefs into mine, in dozens of forms; giant fucking crosses, huge buildings on the side of the road with roadside signs proclaiming worship or biblical phrases or threats, songs on the radio at my work constantly talking about Jesus and God all the fucking time and how belief in them automatically equals good, silently suggesting that otherwise is to be considered bad. Oh and let's not forget the scores of legislators constantly droning the words "god," "bible," and "Jesus Christ" in debates.

See, Fr0d0, with all this in mind, it's why so many openly atheistic individuals tend to be dicks; they have to compensate for the 100:1 ratio of in-your-face attitude that Christians have to atheists.

I've said it a thousand times and I suspect I'll say it a thousand times more before I will ever have to stop dragging the point up: When "houses of atheism" start cropping up and symbols of atheism are proudly on display all over the place and 99% of all the legislators in control over our lives are talking about how we need to insert more atheism into our schools and society, THEN the Christians can actually bitch, but until then, they can kindly drink a cup of shut the fuck up.

[Violet]

See, Fr0d0, with all this in mind, it's why so many openly atheistic individuals tend to be dicks; they have to compensate for the 100:1 ratio of in-your-face attitude that Christians have to atheists.

I think it has more to do with the type of person more likely to be an atheist... distrustful, likely to feel oppressed, demanding, upset, angry, condescending, wronged, critical thinkers, unwilling to compromise, and willing to stand alone against a tidal wave of stupidity.

No, they aren't compensating... just being themselves. I don't need to justify dickish behavior among the 'paragons of my people'.

[TaraJo]

http://www.examiner.com/article/science-...r-own-good

It looks like prejudices people have towards atheists stems from lack of trust. As they start to find out that more and more people around them are atheist, the prejudical attitudes seem to decrease.

Although I think "coming out" is a good thing for atheists to do, it can also have some rather serious consequences for the atheist, especially depending on locale. Here in central Florida, the VAST majority of the population is christian fundamentalist (think: Drich), and they view atheists with extreme contempt and prejudice; I speak from experience.

I think we are decades away from any sort of "acceptance" by the ignorant christian community.

Oh, I whole heartedly agree! There's something similar going on in the GLBT community: your coming out is good for the community as a whole because it challenges the stereotypes of the people around you, but on a personal level, you have to deal with hate and discrimination you didn't have to face before.

Me, I say choose your battles. Being 'out' doesn't have to mean you walk around with a big, neon sign over your head saying "I'm an atheist!" Know your situation, understand what people' negative stereotypes and beliefs and discrimination can do and understand that helping the whole will indirectly help you as well. Make your choices based on that information.

[fr0d0]

Depends where you live. I never even realized people had a problem with atheists until Christians started telling me I was going to hell.

I've never had to fear anything in telling people. Its just not important where I live. Well other than to the one or two that like to make it their problem.

My locale too. You can tell the zealots though... they volunteer the information when it isn't asked for, and are so keen to educate you.

I don't have a problem with them, I just ignore them.

Now for me to announce my faith would be a problem most places. Disbelief is the radical idea held by the majority.

[Creed of Heresy]

See, Fr0d0, with all this in mind, it's why so many openly atheistic individuals tend to be dicks; they have to compensate for the 100:1 ratio of in-your-face attitude that Christians have to atheists.

I think it has more to do with the type of person more likely to be an atheist... distrustful, likely to feel oppressed, demanding, upset, angry, condescending, wronged, critical thinkers, unwilling to compromise, and willing to stand alone against a tidal wave of stupidity.

No, they aren't compensating... just being themselves. I don't need to justify dickish behavior among the 'paragons of my people'.

See when you put it like that I have a hard time arguing.

[Violet]

See when you put it like that I have a hard time arguing.

I like to insult every group, and then watch as every group scrambles over each other to agree with me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JzLWajkjqM

[Mister Agenda]

I live in SC, but in the capital, which is a college town. I don't have trouble being open here, although I don't go too far out of my way to call attention to myself. Starting about 20 miles outside of town, I'd be careful of my surrounding before I admit to being an atheist.

[Zone]

I don't think I've ever had to admitt to be anything, no-one seems to care what I believe. What is good I suppose, I think.