A problem with the word "atheist"

[AFTT47]

No, there are a lot of people who couldn't properly define the word.

But I hate the idea of abandoning a word because of uninformed or willfully ignorant people.

This.

Listen, we are atheists. I wish none of us would pussy-foot around it. I know there are young people dependent on fundy parents or work for fundies but for the most part, we shouldn't shy away from the word. A-Theist = Not a Theist. That's us.

Aside from people in vulnerable situations, I believe there is no excuse for shirking away from self-identifying as an atheist. We aren't going to gain mainstream acceptance by cowering in a closet. Unless you are in a very vulnerable situation, grow a pair and let the world know. Stand up and be counted.

The homosexual community didn't make the progress it did by being timid. They boldly asserted their existence and their rights. We should be doing exactly the same thing.