If I were an Atheist

[Hatshepsut]

Apparently you don't find our claims, opinions, and thought processes as individuals interesting enough to ask about...

I've found them interesting enough to visit this site, which otherwise I wouldn't do, and to have read a fair amount (though not exhaustively) on humanism, freethinking, atheism and their histories. I do not feel that any of these intellectual systems are evil; much of the progress we've enjoyed in this world has been influenced by their tutelages.

Sometimes people don't make distinctions that they should. How does that kind of sterotyping work out when you do it to their face?

This isn't a face-to-face conversation, nor have I ever addressed you personally except in response to your questions. Meanwhile, I think that anything posted here by one member can be discussed or argued pro or con by any other member, by mutual agreement. Selecting a post to quote on a forum doesn't constitute a personal attack.

...the latter grant is the more charitable and the one I prefer.

Similar to the grant that one can expect from African Americans regarding their dietary preferences?

I said that I made the most charitable guess regarding the intentions of my debating opponents. African-Americans, racism, and bigotry are new topics you introduced beginning in post #531 and then gently moved toward ascribing to me, as here...

You are apparently under the impression that the reason people don't like to be stereotyped is something other than the obvious fact that people in general don't like being stereotyped and the reason they consider the people who insist on doing so as bigots is because that's pretty much what makes someone a bigot. Some bigots like to pretend they're warriors against political correctness when they're really warriors against the idea that they can't express their bigotry...like they were able to in the good old days.

...alongside your opinion that I'm an asshole, as here...  

Only when your response to it smacks of assholery.

I don't stereotype people, especially whom I don't know. It's fair in a debating arena to "stereotype" political, religious, or philosophical positions and platforms for the purposes of conducting a debate of finite length. Apparently I don't take the issues raised here as personally as your last two posts tell me you might be doing right now. I've basically been coming for entertainment. Our interchange began at post #496 when I thanked you for sharing a psychological study. It's devolved into a shouting contest which I decline to pursue further. If you feel that I'm breaking this forum's standards of decorum, that's a matter you'll need to take up in PM with the moderators. If you need validation or supportive discussion from someone who will treat you as an individual regarding emotionally charged issues, then as you've been here 3 years, you may wish to seek it from other longtime members and I won't dissuade you. But I'm not the best source for that.