To Shell B.
I disagree with the idea that, as atheists, we are not part of a group. We share this lack of belief and that is enough to make us a group, we do not need any other common factors to be a group. This board is a good example of that.
Any action made by any member of a group reflects on how public opinion considers the other members of that group. This goes for any ideology or, in our case, lack of ideology. This is why we need to be civil, and have a reasonable discourse: the public opinion's eyes, how people see atheists, is a vital element: as long as that condescending douchebag stereotype stays, people are less likely to listen to our views.
Now, i do think the "politically correct" mindset is wrong as well, and even if it is offensive to them, we need to focus our efforts of attacking their beliefs...but not the theists themselves. Again, if you look at what i quoted in the first post you will see what i mean when i say some kinds of insulting, childish behavior are harmful. Same goes for generalizations like Minimalist's recent "fuck all catholics". Any generalization, of any group, is unhelpful and only helps antagonizing the other side, makeing dialogue impossible.
I disagree with the idea that, as atheists, we are not part of a group. We share this lack of belief and that is enough to make us a group, we do not need any other common factors to be a group. This board is a good example of that.
Any action made by any member of a group reflects on how public opinion considers the other members of that group. This goes for any ideology or, in our case, lack of ideology. This is why we need to be civil, and have a reasonable discourse: the public opinion's eyes, how people see atheists, is a vital element: as long as that condescending douchebag stereotype stays, people are less likely to listen to our views.
Now, i do think the "politically correct" mindset is wrong as well, and even if it is offensive to them, we need to focus our efforts of attacking their beliefs...but not the theists themselves. Again, if you look at what i quoted in the first post you will see what i mean when i say some kinds of insulting, childish behavior are harmful. Same goes for generalizations like Minimalist's recent "fuck all catholics". Any generalization, of any group, is unhelpful and only helps antagonizing the other side, makeing dialogue impossible.
