(October 27, 2015 at 11:18 pm)RationalAtheist Wrote: (I also found a video of when Oprah had atheists on her show way back in like the 80's or something & it's really weird to watch those now, because i know 6 months ago I would have thought the atheists were loony. I would have agreed with nearly everything said & questioned in the audience, but watching it now, nearly everyone in the audience sounds like they've had a 3rd grade education, and the atheists are the one's speaking reasonably.)
Never underestimate the power of confirmation bias.
(October 27, 2015 at 11:18 pm)RationalAtheist Wrote: Anyways, my point being, I think there is a general perception of us, that we are just "looking for a fight" and we talk down to those who haven't had the realization's we've had.
People brought up in religious households that are church going often have had the experience of not being heard. When that happens it can make one a little over eager to make a point. It is understandable.
(October 27, 2015 at 11:18 pm)RationalAtheist Wrote: (Ricky Gervais is another example for me, when I first heard him commenting on his atheist view's, he seemed to be doing so with a grin/smirk on his face, I'm sure this is mostly because he is a performer and that's his nature.
The man is a comedian. Everything he says and the manner in which he says it has been fine tuned by him for comedic effect.
(October 27, 2015 at 11:18 pm)RationalAtheist Wrote: If this assessment is accurate, then what do you guys think about the potential need for us to be especially sensitive of these misconceptions of us, and even potentially modify how we interact with non-atheists?
I think when we interact with theists for their benefit, it matters. When we do so for ours, it doesn't.
(October 27, 2015 at 11:18 pm)RationalAtheist Wrote: What do you guys think?
Is the general image of atheists one similar to what I've described here?
...
Is it an image that can be/should be adjusted just in how we interact with non-atheists?
Part of the beauty of atheism is its potential for the end of group think. We don't need a common approach. We aren't all on the same mission. Religion matters for some but not for others. Many here do want to save people from the mistake of their religion. I've always felt that was presumptuous in a way I find contemptuous in theists. I prefer to grant everyone the status of "peer". Believe in gods? More power to you. Don't believe in gods? No problem, me neither.
