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Anfauglir:
--- Quote from: pianodwarf on May 03, 2012, 02:53:35 PM ---
--- Quote from: jeremy0 on May 03, 2012, 02:23:23 PM ---So I would say, would be best for people in the US to remain 'individually silent' as atheists, unless they are in a good position and choose otherwise, until atheism gains more acceptance in the US aside from 'damn you, burn you, demons, satan, etc.' that we'll get from the theists..
--- End quote ---
The thing is, though, atheism won't gain more acceptance until atheists have greater visibility, and that can't happen if we all remain "individually silent". The gay rights movement, in its early days, realized this, which is why they had events like parades that basically served only one purpose: to show the world that they existed. ("We're here, we're queer, get used to it.") The most basic element that must exist for civil rights and liberties to be granted to a minority is for the majority to have no choice but to face and accept the realization that that minority exists.
--- End quote ---
Indeedy. But there a big difference between being part of a crowd, and having your face and name individually and permanently displayed. There ARE nutters out there, let's face it, so I've got no issue with anyone who wants to keep any part of their life hidden. I applaud those who are ready and willing to put their face out there - but some of us don't just have our own selves to think about.
pianodwarf:
--- Quote from: Anfauglir on May 04, 2012, 02:50:02 AM ---
--- Quote from: pianodwarf on May 03, 2012, 02:53:35 PM ---
--- Quote from: jeremy0 on May 03, 2012, 02:23:23 PM ---So I would say, would be best for people in the US to remain 'individually silent' as atheists, unless they are in a good position and choose otherwise, until atheism gains more acceptance in the US aside from 'damn you, burn you, demons, satan, etc.' that we'll get from the theists..
--- End quote ---
The thing is, though, atheism won't gain more acceptance until atheists have greater visibility, and that can't happen if we all remain "individually silent". The gay rights movement, in its early days, realized this, which is why they had events like parades that basically served only one purpose: to show the world that they existed. ("We're here, we're queer, get used to it.") The most basic element that must exist for civil rights and liberties to be granted to a minority is for the majority to have no choice but to face and accept the realization that that minority exists.
--- End quote ---
Indeedy. But there a big difference between being part of a crowd, and having your face and name individually and permanently displayed. There ARE nutters out there, let's face it, so I've got no issue with anyone who wants to keep any part of their life hidden. I applaud those who are ready and willing to put their face out there - but some of us don't just have our own selves to think about.
--- End quote ---
Yes, I know that, and I agree -- that's what I said in the paragraph after the one you quoted above:
--- Quote from: pianodwarf on May 03, 2012, 02:53:35 PM ---All that being said, though, I still wouldn't say that all atheists have an obligation to be "out". For some, it can be dangerous, and in such cases, I can't sit in judgment on those who feel they need to remain closeted for their safety. For my own part, however, being out is pretty safe -- probably the only risk I take is job loss, but around here, that's probably unlikely -- so I wear my scarlet "A" pin every day, and when asked what it means, I explain it. Among other things, it's my own small contribution toward creating a society in which being openly atheist will be safe, or at least safer than it is now.
--- End quote ---
Anfauglir:
Dang. Cut the wrong paragraph - I DID register you'd said that, honest!
screwtape:
--- Quote from: pianodwarf on May 03, 2012, 02:53:35 PM ---All that being said, though, I still wouldn't say that all atheists have an obligation to be "out".
--- End quote ---
I think as long as it is safe, it is an obligation. If it is unsafe, then said atheist should have a plan for making himself or herself safe and then put that plan into action.
joebbowers:
--- Quote from: screwtape on May 04, 2012, 09:15:39 AM ---I think as long as it is safe, it is an obligation. If it is unsafe, then said atheist should have a plan for making himself or herself safe and then put that plan into action.
--- End quote ---
Exactly. Unless there is a clear and present physical danger in revealing yourself, I think you owe it to yourself and the community to do so. Why live a lie that only serves to delay our acceptance? The only reason it's dangerous to be an atheist is because the theists think there are so few of us. They must be shown that they are wrong. There are far more of us than they think.
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