Bigotry & Discrimination Against Atheists, Godless, Nonreligious
Critics pretend that godless Americans are part of a massive conspiracy to deny Christians their religious liberties. The truth is that the godless are a small minority in America with relatively little influence or power. Godless atheists are the most despised and distrusted minority in the nation. Circumstances for them can be difficult enough that they have to stay in the closet and hide their atheism from friends and family. When was the last time a Christian in America had to do that?
Is Your Politician a Bigot? Discover if Your Representatives …
It's unlikely that any of the politicians who represent you or political candidates who want to represent you are atheists. Most of the people they do represent are also not atheists, so it's understandable if they frequently pander to religious beliefs and especially to Christianity, but none of that is an excuse or justification for anti-atheist bigotry. If you object to voting for people who o…
It's unlikely that any of the politicians who represent you or political candidates who want to represent you are atheists. Most of the people they do represent are also not atheists, so it's understandable if they frequently pander to religious beliefs and especially to Christianity, but none of that is an excuse or justification for anti-atheist bigotry. If you object to voting for people who o…
Avoiding Uncle Tom Atheism & Dealing with Uncle Tom Atheists
I've explained some of the signs and behaviors which might indicate that a person is falling into the trap of Uncle Tom Atheism, which means making it easier for atheists to be discriminated against, hated, and otherwise oppressed in the name of Christian Supremacism. Avoiding the trap of Uncle Tom Atheism isn't just a matter of…
Religious Privilege & Anti-Atheist Bigotry are Two Sides of the Same Coin
Bigotry isn't just a matter of treating one group as inferior, but also of treating another group as superior. Anti-atheist bigotry can be expressed by telling atheists that they aren't moral enough for politics as well as by telling Christians or religious believers that they are needed in politics because the government has need of their moral values. Bigotry and privilege are two sides of the same coin whether the issue is race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or belief in gods.
Bigotry isn't just a matter of treating one group as inferior, but also of treating another group as superior. Anti-atheist bigotry can be expressed by telling atheists that they aren't moral enough for politics as well as by telling Christians or religious believers that they are needed in politics because the government has need of their moral values. Bigotry and privilege are two sides of the same coin whether the issue is race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or belief in gods.
No Tolerance for Bigots! Atheists Shouldn't Tolerate anti-Atheist Bigotry
If you are an atheist, an agnostic, a humanist, or secularist of any sort, then you have a problem in America because there is a significant number of people in this nation who don't believe that you can be as moral, as good, or as trustworthy as religious believers. They don't have to know you in oder to arrive at such a conclusion; they believe this based solely on the fact that you don't believe in any god and/or don't have a religion like they do. Most people regard you as inferior.
If you are an atheist, an agnostic, a humanist, or secularist of any sort, then you have a problem in America because there is a significant number of people in this nation who don't believe that you can be as moral, as good, or as trustworthy as religious believers. They don't have to know you in oder to arrive at such a conclusion; they believe this based solely on the fact that you don't believe in any god and/or don't have a religion like they do. Most people regard you as inferior.
Malicious Claims About Atheists: A Sign of Just How Despised Atheists Are?
There is some debate over just how despised and hated atheists really are in America. Surveys reveal more distrust and animus towards atheists than towards almost any other group, but at the same time atheists don't appear to be routinely victimized by hate crimes. Given the ambiguous nature of "hate" and "animus," we'll never have a truly objective and scientific test but we can look at behavioral indicators. One such test is how willing people are to believe outrageous lies about atheists.
There is some debate over just how despised and hated atheists really are in America. Surveys reveal more distrust and animus towards atheists than towards almost any other group, but at the same time atheists don't appear to be routinely victimized by hate crimes. Given the ambiguous nature of "hate" and "animus," we'll never have a truly objective and scientific test but we can look at behavioral indicators. One such test is how willing people are to believe outrageous lies about atheists.
You Might Be an Uncle Tom Atheist If...
Are you truly committed to equality, liberty, and liberation for all atheists or are you more of an "Uncle Tom" atheist? Would you turn your back on working for real equality in exchange for a few scraps from the tables of religious theists so you can pretend you're being treated as an equal? Would you support increased privileges for Christians in the hope that a few of those privileges might…
Is Godless a Slur? Is it Slander, Libel to Accuse One of Godlessness, Atheism?
Who is more of an immoral bigot, the person who uses 'Jew' as a slur or the person who files a lawsuit against having that label applied to them? Is it the person who uses "homosexual" as a slur or the person who goes to court over it? That's a hard question to answer, and the same is true when comparing someone who uses 'godless' or 'atheist' as a slur and the person so offended by the label that they file suit in court for damages when the godless label is applied to them.
Who is more of an immoral bigot, the person who uses 'Jew' as a slur or the person who files a lawsuit against having that label applied to them? Is it the person who uses "homosexual" as a slur or the person who goes to court over it? That's a hard question to answer, and the same is true when comparing someone who uses 'godless' or 'atheist' as a slur and the person so offended by the label that they file suit in court for damages when the godless label is applied to them.
Atheism & American Anti-Communism
The extreme hostility towards atheists in America can probably be traced to two related factors: America's view of itself as a religious nation entrusted with a special mission from God and America's fight against communism in the Cold War. These two combined to portray atheists as a godless enemy, a fifth column either for Satan or for totalitarian communism.
The extreme hostility towards atheists in America can probably be traced to two related factors: America's view of itself as a religious nation entrusted with a special mission from God and America's fight against communism in the Cold War. These two combined to portray atheists as a godless enemy, a fifth column either for Satan or for totalitarian communism.
Justifying Anti-Atheist Bigotry: Excusing & Dismissing Anti-Atheist Bigotry
Anti-atheist bigotry appears in many contexts and occurs in many formats. Its widespread prevalence, often as an unspoken assumption that's simply taken for granted, seems almost impossible to deny. Some do try to deny it, however, and insist that despite all the evidence to the contrary, atheists aren't even very generally despised. Arguments against the existence of anti-Atheist bigotry range from the merely ignorant to the outlandishly hostile.
Anti-atheist bigotry appears in many contexts and occurs in many formats. Its widespread prevalence, often as an unspoken assumption that's simply taken for granted, seems almost impossible to deny. Some do try to deny it, however, and insist that despite all the evidence to the contrary, atheists aren't even very generally despised. Arguments against the existence of anti-Atheist bigotry range from the merely ignorant to the outlandishly hostile.
10 Steps for Responding to Anti-Atheist Bigotry in the Media
The growing attention to atheism and atheists has given rise to increased anti-atheist bigotry in the mainstream media. This will likely continue unless and until atheists can make people understand that anti-atheist bigotry is wrong, unjustified, and undeserving of their promotion. What steps can an atheist take that will be effective, though?
The growing attention to atheism and atheists has given rise to increased anti-atheist bigotry in the mainstream media. This will likely continue unless and until atheists can make people understand that anti-atheist bigotry is wrong, unjustified, and undeserving of their promotion. What steps can an atheist take that will be effective, though?
Myth: Atheists Aren't so Hated Because They Don't Experience Hate Crimes
We probably can't know for sure how many hate crimes atheists might experience because of the consequences which people might suffer from admitting their atheism — atheists are in the same position as gays not too long ago. That said, however, it is likely that atheists don't experience as many hate crimes as Jews, blacks, and other minorities. Doesn't this mean that atheists aren't as disliked? No, because it misrepresents what is being stated in saying that atheists are the most hated.
We probably can't know for sure how many hate crimes atheists might experience because of the consequences which people might suffer from admitting their atheism — atheists are in the same position as gays not too long ago. That said, however, it is likely that atheists don't experience as many hate crimes as Jews, blacks, and other minorities. Doesn't this mean that atheists aren't as disliked? No, because it misrepresents what is being stated in saying that atheists are the most hated.
American Prejudice & Bigotry Towards Atheism, Atheists, and the Non-Religious
Atheists are the most despised and distrusted minority in the United States. Americans are more prejudiced and bigoted against atheists than any other group. This isn't a subjective perception of atheists, it's a fact that is reinforced by every study done on the subject. The reasons given for this bigotry are varied, but they are all also generally incorrect in their portrayal of atheists. Atheists are thus hated more for what people attribute to them than for what they really are.
Atheists are the most despised and distrusted minority in the United States. Americans are more prejudiced and bigoted against atheists than any other group. This isn't a subjective perception of atheists, it's a fact that is reinforced by every study done on the subject. The reasons given for this bigotry are varied, but they are all also generally incorrect in their portrayal of atheists. Atheists are thus hated more for what people attribute to them than for what they really are.
University of Minnesota Study on American Attitudes Towards Atheists & Atheism
Every single study that has ever looked at the issue has revealed massive amounts of bigotry and prejudice against atheists in America. The most recent data shows that atheists are more distrusted and despised than any other minority and that an atheist is the least likely person that Americans would vote for in a presidential election. It's not just that atheists are hated, though, but also that atheists seem to represent everything about modernity which Americans dislike or fear.
Every single study that has ever looked at the issue has revealed massive amounts of bigotry and prejudice against atheists in America. The most recent data shows that atheists are more distrusted and despised than any other minority and that an atheist is the least likely person that Americans would vote for in a presidential election. It's not just that atheists are hated, though, but also that atheists seem to represent everything about modernity which Americans dislike or fear.
Gallup Polls & Other Surveys on American Attitudes Towards Atheists
The 2006 University of Minnesota study made a lot news about its revelation of how atheists are the most despised minority in America, but this wasn't news to atheists — it was just the most recent in a long series of surveys showing that Americas are very bigoted and prejudiced against atheists. For as long as organizations have been asking Americans about atheists, Americans have been responding that they wouldn't treat atheists as equals to theists and Christians.
The 2006 University of Minnesota study made a lot news about its revelation of how atheists are the most despised minority in America, but this wasn't news to atheists — it was just the most recent in a long series of surveys showing that Americas are very bigoted and prejudiced against atheists. For as long as organizations have been asking Americans about atheists, Americans have been responding that they wouldn't treat atheists as equals to theists and Christians.
Why Are Atheists Disliked, Distrusted, and Discriminated Against?
Atheists in modern America have more freedom and can be more open about their atheism than at any time in history. Paradoxically, this openness has led to more direct and public bigotry towards atheists than at just about any other time in history as well. Thus while there are more open atheists than ever before, there are also significant pressures on atheists to stay in the closet. Why is there so much bigotry and hatred directed at them, and why is most of it based upon misconceptions?
Atheists in modern America have more freedom and can be more open about their atheism than at any time in history. Paradoxically, this openness has led to more direct and public bigotry towards atheists than at just about any other time in history as well. Thus while there are more open atheists than ever before, there are also significant pressures on atheists to stay in the closet. Why is there so much bigotry and hatred directed at them, and why is most of it based upon misconceptions?
How Are Atheists Discriminated Against? Expressions of of Anti-Atheist Bigotry
Bigotry against atheists is not limited to theory and harsh language - anti-atheist bigotry can also lead to anti-atheist discrimination. After all, if bigots are convinced that atheists are immoral, untrustworthy, and perhaps even evil on some level, then it's only to be expected that they will treat atheists unequally and as inferiors. Unfortunately, the reasons behind anti-atheist discrimination are no better than discrimination against Jews and racial minorities in the past.
Bigotry against atheists is not limited to theory and harsh language - anti-atheist bigotry can also lead to anti-atheist discrimination. After all, if bigots are convinced that atheists are immoral, untrustworthy, and perhaps even evil on some level, then it's only to be expected that they will treat atheists unequally and as inferiors. Unfortunately, the reasons behind anti-atheist discrimination are no better than discrimination against Jews and racial minorities in the past.
Liberal & Progressive Attacks on Atheists: Marginalizing Atheists
Conservative attacks on liberalism for being 'godless liberalism' has some liberals and progressives running scared. Rather than standing firm in their defense of liberal atheists who themselves stand firm in defensive of basic progressive values, some liberals are ready to toss them overboard. Atheists are told to sit down and shut up rather than speak out...
Conservative attacks on liberalism for being 'godless liberalism' has some liberals and progressives running scared. Rather than standing firm in their defense of liberal atheists who themselves stand firm in defensive of basic progressive values, some liberals are ready to toss them overboard. Atheists are told to sit down and shut up rather than speak out...
Christian Right v Godless Liberalism: Why Do Christians Attack Godless Liberals?
The nature of godless liberalism can be difficult to understand because of the misuse of the label by the Christian Right. According to them, all liberals are godless because they don't adhere to conservative evangelical or fundamentalist Christianity. Only conservative political policies are seen as compatible with Christianity; therefore, all other policies are anti-Christian, anti-religious, and anti-God. Advocates are all thus godless liberals, but that misrepresents the nature of atheism.
The nature of godless liberalism can be difficult to understand because of the misuse of the label by the Christian Right. According to them, all liberals are godless because they don't adhere to conservative evangelical or fundamentalist Christianity. Only conservative political policies are seen as compatible with Christianity; therefore, all other policies are anti-Christian, anti-religious, and anti-God. Advocates are all thus godless liberals, but that misrepresents the nature of atheism.
Conspiracy of Godless Atheists Against America: Undermining American Values?
Christian Right attacks on atheists have helped ensure that atheists remain the most despised minority in America. These attacks are not a series of isolated criticisms; instead, they are integrated and coordinated. Taken together these attacks effectively portray godless atheists as involved in a conspiracy against America, American values, and Christianity. Atheists have no respect for traditions, for values, for religion, or for anything that makes America what it is.
Christian Right attacks on atheists have helped ensure that atheists remain the most despised minority in America. These attacks are not a series of isolated criticisms; instead, they are integrated and coordinated. Taken together these attacks effectively portray godless atheists as involved in a conspiracy against America, American values, and Christianity. Atheists have no respect for traditions, for values, for religion, or for anything that makes America what it is.
Godless Atheists as Scapegoats: Atheists are Scapegoats for the Christian Right
Attacks on minorities are frequently not about minorities themselves, but something else: they are scapegoats for something larger, usually something perceived to be a conspiracy against all that is right and proper. Jews and gays, for example, have been scapegoats for reactionary hatred of modernity. Atheists can be scapegoats for fear of modernity as well, but more specifically for a fear of the loss of religious traditions and religious privilege.
Attacks on minorities are frequently not about minorities themselves, but something else: they are scapegoats for something larger, usually something perceived to be a conspiracy against all that is right and proper. Jews and gays, for example, have been scapegoats for reactionary hatred of modernity. Atheists can be scapegoats for fear of modernity as well, but more specifically for a fear of the loss of religious traditions and religious privilege.
Adversaries of Godless: Who's Opposed to Godless Atheists, Freethinkers?
Sometimes, America almost seems to be a land of gullibility and credulity: those who seek to introduce a bit of skepticism, dissent, and disagreement are looked down upon as if there were something unseemly about 'rocking the boat.' The godless are treated like some of the worst offenders for daring to question, challenge, or even just ignore claims about the existence of a god or what an alleged god wants of people. People don't respect those who are skeptical of traditional religion.
Sometimes, America almost seems to be a land of gullibility and credulity: those who seek to introduce a bit of skepticism, dissent, and disagreement are looked down upon as if there were something unseemly about 'rocking the boat.' The godless are treated like some of the worst offenders for daring to question, challenge, or even just ignore claims about the existence of a god or what an alleged god wants of people. People don't respect those who are skeptical of traditional religion.