Do atheists feel discriminated against because of their beliefs or lack of beliefs?

Question

I have heard of several instances of late that I find appalling and I am curious if it is widespread.

Answer 1

I've never felt that way.

Answer 2

Absolutely. I worked in public schools. I never told anyone I was an atheist. I did a good job and tended to be more honest than many of my more "religious" coworkers, but I could just imagine the parents screaming to get me out of there had they known.
I feel discriminated against when our currency has "God" on it, or when the President, who is supposed to be the President of everyone in the country, constantly says "God Bless You" or asks for prayers for one thing or another. It makes me feel that I'm somehow less a citizen than believers are--and if that's not discrimination, I don't know what is. Do you think an admitted atheist could ever be elected President--or even county clerk?

Answer 3

I identify myself as a Humanist, not an atheist, but there have been times when I felt skipped over or left out at work because of my belief system. I think it's unfortunate, but nothing really to complain about. If I felt my rights were being seriously curtailed, I'd stand up for myself.

We could all work a little harder at being less unfairly judgmental toward others. I can't always make others act as they should, but I can make certain I treat others with the respect they deserve.

Answer 4

I DID put a Darwin fish (the one with the little wrench--cute) on my car and lived in north Florida. After a few days, someone ripped it off my car, tearing holes in my trunk, and stomped it on the ground, left it behind my car in a Walmart parking lot.
I would never do that to a cross or statue of some god on any private or public place.
About the worst thing I do is tear up any flyers that are put out by churches, the "watchtower" and such. It is hideously dangerous stuff, and not fit for a child to get ahold of..

Answer 5

If anything, it's working the other way around.

Atheists have managed to infringe on the rights of the God-believing majority of our country. God's been taken out of the public schools, and the public square.

Kids get sent to the principal's office for wearing crucifixes on necklaces or for mentioning God in a homework assignment.

School valedictorians get the mike cut off during their commencement speech for mentioning the Lord.

And believers in Christ, especially Catholic ones, are automatically deemed unfit for public service by certain leftist secuarlists merely because of their religious beliefs.

Answer 6

I heard about a boyscout who was refused admittance and beaten up because he refused the religious oath. Also numerous cases where judges determined custody strictly in favor of the more religous parent, citing church attendance as a factor favoring a parent in their decision.

As for the responders comments on Christians being the more discriminated group, I have to disagree. Students are allowed to wear crosses, bring Bibles to school, make personal declarations of faith. If the school denies this right they can be sued. The ACLU recently helped a girl who was prevented from quoting the Bible in her yearbook bring a case against the school. What schools can not do is favor one set of beliefs over others since it is suppose to be neutral public space.

The girl making the graduation speech was turning it into a sermon, proselytising on how God's love was so great that he gave his only son to suffer an excruciated death in order to cover everyone's shortcomings and forge a path to heaven. This was in my opinion inappropriate in a graduation speech and inconsiderate of the diverse beliefs of others who might be present. The school acted as it did because the graduation is a school sponsered event which means it should not promote any one set of beliefs. She was told she could make a statement about her personal beliefs but that her speech was too much of a sermon and would be cut if she insisted on delivering it that way.

Finally, religious politicians being discriminated against!!! What country are you living in?? Our president claims to get messages from God. He just vetoed stem cell research although 72% of the public supports it based on religious beliefs. Do you think an atheist could even begin to get elected? I think declarations of belief in God are essential to be a politician in this country. Not that spouting off about your faith seems to make people particularly moral.

Answer 7

If by disseminated against you mean singled out because of your beliefs, and harassed by being told you are wrong, will burn in hell, etc, and a few that I can not say on the sit. Yes. But it does not bother me. It makes me feel prouder to be atheist.

Answer 8

Not really discriminated against. I just have to pretend to be religious in certain situations. The world is about playing the game and I will pretend to be something I am not to get what I want.

Answer 9

On the back of my vehicle I have a T-rex eating a Christian fish. Nobody has ever gotten in my face.

I am a leader and not a follower. My T-shirt reads, The only miracle of christianity is how people believe this bullshit.

Answer 10

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Answer 11

Yes. Try putting a Darwin fish on your car if you live in the South and see what happens.