Are Atheists Really Hated in the US?

[thesummerqueen]

We, as non-theists, have to remember to give respect to those who don't hold the same beliefs as us. I see all over these forums words thrown around which only conjure distaste and anger for ourselves by theists. If we want to be given respect and actually be heard then we must change our attitude towards those who don't believe the same things we do. We cannot return hate with hate or mistrust with mistrust. Everyone has a reason for their belief, the best we can do is use reason and rational thought to help those who choose the alternative path realize their wrong choice.

And as I told another member, I actually wrote an open letter to the forum a couple months ago about some of the hostility going around.

But I'd like to be clear that the hostility was mostly towards new members who might not have met with atheists or had a chance to get their feet wet in other perspectives. Everyone deserves a chance.

In general the so-called 'hostility' of this forum is because we've had to deal with BS time and again with people who AREN'T new but don't bother researching anything, don't want to ask politely, or are here to deliberately troll. In that case, I don't care if this was a BDSM site, a fly fishing forum, or a knitting club - that sort of behavior is worthy of people being hostile back. We made this forum open to all different groups for a reason, but it's our sandbox and our sanctuary because a good many of us, especially living in the Bible Belt, have experienced annoyance, discomfort or all out wrath from theists - particularly Christians.

Most of the people on this forum conduct themselves in a rational, if passionate, and debate oriented manner. If the theists don't like it, it's for one of two reasons: 1) they don't like the language it was couched in (because they have lost the argument and are picking on something irrelevant) or 2) they don't like their philosophies being picked apart period. Neither of those is our problem.

There are plenty of theists who have no problem with atheists. These are the people who are not tied down with "in group" mentalities. It's the "in-group" mentality that causes the fear and hatred - that an ignorance.

No atheist here attacks for no reason, and there's usually a nice respectful build up before we do.

Also, atheists aren't under one umbrella. They're humans - they just don't believe in god. Kinda like all the humans who do. It's not our fault that theists can't grasp that there are bad theists and good atheists.