Answer 121

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Question 121

Do any of you actively try to dispel the stereotype that Christians have placed on atheists?

On the Internet, definitely. In real life, there are fewer opportunities. My friends and family all know that I am an atheist and don't care, so that leaves acquaintances and strangers. I have never had an opportunity to "come out" to a stranger although I have to a few classmates, professors, coworkers, etc.. No one's ever had a negative reaction, but I'm sure one or two of them might have had some stereotypes shattered. (Anna #1490)

I will answer questions if it comes up. I do get a bit weary of being accused of being a closet Christian when they find out I don't fit the stereotype of the wicked atheist. (atheist@home.com #1554)

Yup. Every single day I try to prove that what xtians think about atheist are wrong. At work, at home, in the community, every where. Most rabid fundies could not even identify an atheist if they were standing in front of one. It's not until they ask, "what do you believe about god" that they find out. (Rev. Karl E. Taylor #1143)

I don't proselytize. However, I do try - in how I live my life, in personal conversation and in whatever writing and speaking opportunities are open to me - to demonstrate that one can be an atheist and lead a happy, productive life. And I do try to explain just what atheism does and doesn't mean - when asked about it. I'm not particularly interested in winning converts. However, I demand the same respect for my right to hold my opinions that I extend to others to hold theirs.

Out here in the real world, away from the rarified air of newsgroups, it's amazing how seldom the subjects of god(s) and religion(s) come up. Preachers, politicians and professional athletes seem to be the only ones who keep injecting them into public discourse. And their motives are not just suspect, but also highly transparent. (George Ricker #146)

I think that by acting as I normally do, I am working to dispel the various stereotypes theists seem to apply to us. Of course, I also take some special efforts to make peole aware of this - by making sure they know I'm a heretic. I especially like helping people out and when they thank me, I tell them I'm atheist. The reactions are usually quite interesting! (Nemo #1331)

Hell yes! While I rebuke any attempts at proselytization, I'm careful to not come across as "hating God" or "worshipping Satan." I don't attack people's religions or beliefs (unless I'm invited to.) I'm also quick at pointing out how well I know the Bible.

All of my friends and co-workers know that I don't drink alcohol, use drugs, have casual sex, etc. Several people have remarked how I'm a "model Christian." (They were using it as a compliment. I just smile and quietly explain how I'm not a Christian, unless a friend who overhears the comment loudly laughs.)

Everybody who works with me consider me honest, caring, trustworthy. Just about all of them know that I'm an atheist, too. (Carl Funk #1229)

Which stereotype? There are many:

- We are Satanic.

- We are "in denial".

- We hate "God".

- We are dishonest.

- We have no morals.

- We seek to destroy religion by force (eg like Waco) - We are conspiritors against the American government (or Americans would have school prayer)

- We are communist sympathisers

- We are all white middle-class college students.

- We are part of a barbarian horde one step down from Ghengis Khan.

- We are all members of American Atheists.

- We are in cahoots with the "Evilutionists"... to corrupt the youth of America with a devilish cocktail of atheistic science, liberal education values and compulsory homosexuality. I like that one, its in the EAC charter, which does not exist of course.

- etc etc

Take your pick. I'm sure there are a lot more stereotypes than this.

Yes I do try and dispell them but only when the opportunity presents itself.

Anyone feel particularly victimized by a particular stereotype? (Paul Roberts #49)

Not really, beyond being open to my closest friends about my lack of belief. To that extent I am a sterling witness for atheism. (My best friend has a habit of introducing me to people as an atheist, I guess because the contrast between who I am and what they might expect is... interesting.)

I remember a conversation at the bridge where I was extremely patient with a (temporary) partner. This lead another player to later remark, "You are a better Christian than I am." In this sort of social situation the best I managed in response was "You don't know how wrong you are!'

More musing long this line of thought, though...

I guess I have an open/harmless/kind face and I'm often asked for directions, assistance, etc. I regularly help old ladies pump gas, reach items on the top shelf, or go out of my way to hunt down a specific type of marker in a bewildering array of office products and so on. Most of the time I am thanked, sometimes I get a "bless you." It's then that I toy with the idea of passing out little cards with "...by the way, I'm an atheist" printed on them. (It just seems a little too 'out there' to actually do this, though.)

I do take pot-shots at fundies and promote church and state separation at every reasonable opportunity. (Pat Kiewicz #1154)

Yes.

In the US, there are very often times when a "gentle reminder" can be applied. It's very common here for someone to say "bless you", or "have a blessed day" after having a pleasant encounter with a stranger ( examples: giving directions, sympathizing with the restaraunt's wait staff about rude patrons, sharing jokes about current events with banktellers, etc.).

When the dreaded "blezzya" finally comes, I change my expression from happy to dumbstruck, and then to sad. Now that the empathy has been built, they ask if I'm ok. I then say "Oh, I'm sorry...(big "pregnant" pause here, like you're afraid to tell a stranger such a "dirty" secret-Geez, I should be an actor! )..I understand you mean well. It just makes me sad sometimes that so many folks think I belive in god, just because I'm nice to people."

Often, I'm the first atheist they've ever met. Their minds race to solve the puzzle...here, finally is the demon atheist they've always heard about, but never seen!

And he's not some raging bastard trying to deliver their children to Satan, not trying to invoke "wun worl gubbmint", but just being a regular guy on a regular day..getting by the best way he can, just like they are.

Thinking more about #121, Mickey...perhaps the question should say "stereotypes"? All my lil' trick does is show folks we actually exist, and hopefully that we're not "bad people". Two down, how many to go? (Panama Floyd)

One part of me really doesn't care what people think, and another part wants to lead by example which is the opposite of not caring. Hmm...
My primary motivation in life is to have as much fun as I can without stepping on anyone's toes. If I could spend every waking moment laughing, I would indeed live a charmed life. If you want to know the truth, I usually come very close to my goal! I have great friends who love to laugh and we are all very funny people, so the chuckles come fast and furious. I think that one Atheist stereotype is that we are humorless, bland and all too scientific. NOT TRUE!
The only stereotype about Atheists that I think may be correct is that we're smarter than the average bear. Not that we're all geniuses, but on average we've got a slight edge over the bleating masses. That's one stereotype I DON'T want to dispel.
To answer your question, sure, why not improve our reputation with the general public. We get shit on from all directions in ways that's hard to imagine, (and these people "LOVE" us), so a little good publicity and a dispelling of the stereotypes couldn't hurt. Do we worship the Devil? No and people should know that. Are we trying to promote Communism? No and people should definitely know that! Too many myths to dispel and so little time. The list goes on and on.
Much like the apes reacting to the monolith in 2001, the Xians look at us without any way to understand what we are or what we want. If you remember, the monolith was attacked by the apes out of fear, so if dispelling the rumors about us helps to ease their fear, then it would be a good thing for everyone. (Uncle Rocco #1724)

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