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

[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.