Closeted Atheists

[pocaracas]

Also not an issue in Portugal.
It's well known that the younger generation (up to 35yo) is mostly atheist.

[Angrboda]

I think it depends on where in the States that you live. I have a Buddhist friend who grew up in Texas, and he assures me that things are different there. (In particular, even the Mexicans in Texas are racist. Da?) I live in the north in a fairly blue state, so atheism is a lot more open here. (Recently, a popular local minor league team changed their identity from the Saint Paul Saints, to the Mr. Paul Ain'ts for a night in an event hosted by the Minnesota Atheists.) That being said, the juggernaut that has been making the rounds of states in order to pass anti-gay marriage laws is in full force here, drumming up religious hatred and bigotry in support of adding a marriage amendment to the state constitution. (We don't hate "those kind of people," we just want to deny them basic human rights.) Anyway, from what I understand, the pro amendment folks were about 15 points up, now things are even. This is one election I will make a point of voting in.

I'm no longer an atheist, but I have experienced the same thing in reverse. I belong to a number of groups associated with the state chapter of American Atheists, and the state Humanist Assn. (and keep tabs on Americans United...). Up until about six months ago, I never introduced myself as Hindu. At the time, I was afraid to "come out" as a Hindu, as most of the people I spend time with are vocal atheists. Even having introduced myself as Hindu for many months, I still had to clarify that I am indeed a Hindu with a friend at a book club when I used my belief status as a counter-point.

I seem to recall some vaguely remembered bit from psychology about how there is always going to be that conflict between asserting one's identity, even if it has negative consequences for group acceptance and support, and suppressing one's identity in order to be a cohesive member of the group. (And this brings up questions of individualist ethics, such as those one is likely to find in the States, versus more community oriented ethics such as in China or Japan. )

I don't have a point to make, but it's an interesting question.

(I happen to be listening to the Selector song, "Bomb Scare," about how "you're not fighting for them, you're not fighting for me," social process and identity wrt terrorism? I don't know.

[frankiej]

I am completely open about it. If someone isn't cool with it then fuck them.

Some of my family members have confronted me about it before, but they didn't last long when it came to defending their religion. My Aunt seems to act kind of dodgy around me, kind of as if she is intimidated. She used to be all in you face about it, but I embarrassed her about it at a family dinner... it wasn't intentional, she just kept up with the bullshit, so I spoke out. She hasn't brought it up since. Fun times.

[Minimalist]

I find that the issue rarely comes up. I find in Arizona that crazy-assed fundies are outnumbered by mexican catholics and they hate each other more than me.

[Something completely different]

This entire concept of being a "closeted atheist" is so alien to me. I live in a sociaty in wich ones beliefs and nonbeliefs are as "importent" as ones music taste or favorite color.

[Jackalope]

I don't flaunt it, I don't hide it. If someone asks, I'll tell them, and be polite about it. It doesn't come up often.

[thesummerqueen]

We had a member on this board get kicked out by his parents because he outed himself as an atheist. It really depends on where you live in the USA. I live in one of the more liberal cities of North Carolina and my local atheist group is tolerated (sometimes barely, but still tolerated). I can't say it's the same across the rest of the South or mid-west. I'm quite sure we wouldn't gain as much acceptance if we weren't next to a larger center of learning (UNCC). People at my job know I'm an atheist, but they seem to also tolerate it, as we're a small office and my religious beliefs have fuck all to do with what we do, when we do it, and I don't hang out with anyone outside of work. Also, I was born and raised a Jew, so I was at odds with them to begin with, so it might have been easier for me than another Christian leaving the flock, so to speak.

It doesn't take much searching on the net to find people who have been ostracized, kicked out, dealt with violently, and publicly shamed for their lack of belief.

On the other hand, I've met some atheists who treat religious people in an absolutely appalling manner. It's my personal belief that assholery has nothing to do with religion.

[Creed of Heresy]

On the other hand, I've met some atheists who treat religious people in an absolutely appalling manner. It's my personal belief that assholery has nothing to do with religion.

Guilty of this. I'm not apologizing for it, either, not with the STELLAR [/sarcasm] record involved with people who are religious treating when me they find out I'm an atheist.

Some occasionally prove me wrong. And I am polite and nice to them and I completely disregard their beliefs as being a factor in anything in our interactions. But this is one out of every ten at best. I'm not going to waste my time and energy being polite to people who will turn out to be completely undeserving of it. And if someone proves me wrong then I will gladly rectify my mistake.

[thesummerqueen]

I received worst treatment as a Jew kid from Christians than I have from Christians as an atheist.

I'm a humanist and approach people with a fairly friendly demeanor from the start and that tends to disarm them. On the other hand, I have tits - that usually stifles any impolite comments.

J/k. Maybe.

[Tea Earl Grey Hot]

Well, in my case, I come from a very conservative fundamentalist family. I've only been an atheist for at most 4 months and coming out as an atheist could also hurt my employment opportunities in my line of work.