Is Atheism truly frowned upon in America?

[TheMessiah]

I'm just asking this, I am truly intrigued by how Atheism is treated in America.

In England, Atheism is normal and mostly accepted. Judea-Christianity is almost non-existent in public life and the institution is seen as very boring by many. The leader of the Liberal-Democrats, Nick Clegg who runs the Coalition government with the Prime-Minister is an Atheist.

Now when it comes to America, forgive me if I am ignorant in regards to this, but I have watched interviews and documentaries which show that people believe Atheists are 'immoral', Atheists can't hold high-ranking governmental jobs and it's generally frowned upon?

I could be wrong, but that's the message I've gotten when watching such videos. If true, then has anyone experienced this? Amazing to see the difference in England..

---

Damn it. Made it in the wrong forum.

[Nope]

I think that it depends on where you live. People in the south east view atheism more negatively than other regions in the country

[FatAndFaithless]

Seeing that atheists are the most distrusted minority in pretty much every area that's been surveyed, yes.

[Exian]

Socially it may be looked down upon, but who gives a shit. That's just like their opinion. If you plan on holding office, you better start going to church, no matter the state or region.

[AFTT47]

Yes, the south east is the only area where I've encountered prejudice. I have never been shy about telling people I'm an atheist and have had few problems. I don't know if the people I've known would have voted for me for President though.

[404NotFound]

I've publicly come out as an atheist a few years past. Considering that I own a business in a small red-state town, I thought it was a risky move. It has not affected my business nor has it harmed any personal relationships. I can't speak for Americans who live in the south, where bible thumping takes on an entirely different level, but in my part of the country, people seem to have an indifferent attitude - at least to my face. It's been my experience that it's a lot to do about nothing.

[Jenny A]

The short answer is yes.

[Faith No More]

*deleted*

[SteelCurtain]

It's largely a phenomenon of public policy where we are "frowned upon." There are still states where there are laws that atheists cannot hold public office. We are less trusted than convicted felons in some areas. But does it effect our personal lives? Not really.

There are enough people without religion---or who don't take religion that seriously any more---that religious fundamentalists can't get away with all the things they want to get away with any longer. What used to be a sermon about failing morality is now being called what it is--bigotry and hate speech. They still have the same soapbox, however. Secular society is moving towards a place where religion is less visible, less of a daily thought. And religious people are kicking and screaming. This is why it seems like we are so discriminated.

We are the scapegoat. We godless few in America are the reason why gays are getting married, we are teaching children that they aren't Jesus' special idea, we are taking away their crosses, we are taking away their guns and at the same time shooting up their schools. And we put up billboards.

But they don't know who we are, really. The vast, overwhelming majority of atheists in America don't advertise their disbelief, don't harass people, limit their debating to the comments section of TheBlaze. So we don't actually experience much directed hate.

[bennyboy]

No, it's frowned upon by idiots. America just happens to have a lot of those, and especially confident, vocal ones at that.