Recent poll says 53% of Americans won't vote for an Atheist for Prez. How can we improve Atheists' standing?

Question

The Gallup Pole in February 2007 asked:

"If your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be _____, would you vote for that person?"

Here are the resulting percentages

Catholic: Yes-95%; No-4%

Black: Yes-94; No-5

Jewish: Yes-92; No-7

A Woman Yes-88; No-11

Hispanic: Yes-87; No-12

Mormon: Yes-72; No-24

Married for the third time: Yes-67; No-30

72 years of age: Yes-57; No-42

A homosexual: Yes-55; No-43

An atheist: Yes-45; No-53

(Here's the link to the poll report: http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=26611 )

Atheists remain the most distrusted minority in the US. How can we raise our approval ratings and perhaps gain more "out" atheists in public office?

Answer 1

By being good people. Show a good example. Go out there and improve the image of the irreligious. And wait for the day when true equality will be practiced.

Argue for atheism, but mainly argue for tolerance. And when arguing for either, be reasonable, patient, and open-minded. Consider opposing arguments, weigh them, and, if they are found wanting, explain in a calm and level manner why you disagree.

Avoid polemicism, hatred, or intolerance, and encourage a spirit of shared brotherhood and humanity, of open and friendly dialogue between the religious and the irreligious. Above all, disprove the common bigoted stereotypes of atheists as "angry", "hedonistic", "irrational", or "purposeless". It may take decades, but history tells us that overcoming such stereotypes is certainly possible; we just need to take it one day at a time, and one person at a time.

Answer 2

Somehow these polls don't seem accurate.

People may say they will nominate a black person but we all know that isn't the case especially with the right wing republicans. Second, a women would not have an 88% chance, Mormon 72% I don't think so.

Answer 3

people who reported the human beings want a president whose non secular concepts mirrors theirs have a competent factor. i think of there is likewise an apprehension that atheist = immoral, or a minimum of a loss of a ethical compass. to those that claimed that atheists have detrimental morals or a vulnerable character: our ethical code does not come from a holy e book. Christians are able to giant sins (some figures who rose to national prominence in modern-day weeks spring to concepts). each and every physique understand what's the superb suited difficulty to do, and whether or no longer we join a definite faith has no bearing on whether we act on our expertise of genuine and incorrect. relatively, i may be extra incllined to have confidence an atheist over a Christian because of the fact i understand the atheist isn't inspired by technique of the terror of God watching him and doubtless condemning him to hell.

Answer 4

If that poll is accurate I'm really out of touch with the country!

If you want to improve ATheist standings you need to just be an ATHEIST and stop being an ANTI-THEIST.

People like Dawkins are not going to endear you to anyone.

By being antitheists instead of atheist you show yourself as have an agenda. And it's a threatening agenda.

Answer 5

Since you didn't say "For Atheists Only", I'll speak. I don't think that Americans are brave enough, (even the ones who kind of think they are) to rely on someone leading the country who doesn't believe in God. No being rude here, it's just something most people wouldn't be willing to risk.

Answer 6

Perhaps if an organization of non-religious people were formed that was dedicated to doing good in the world, it would help people see that lack of religion does not mean lack of morals. Sadly, many very religious people have never met an openly Atheist person, so all they know is what biased sources tell them.

Answer 7

Well every politician is corrupt to a certain degree so its obvious that believing in god makes no difference to them. An atheist may or may not do a better job but at least they won't be using god as an excuse to further their own selfish agendas.

Answer 8

Just have paitiance and set a good example. As long as christians in this country are represented by people greedy egoists like Robertson, greedy hypocrites like swaggart, greedy fraudes like hinn, greedy morons like Tilden, ( is there a pattern emerging here?) the simple greedy that run McChurches, the not so greedy but pedophiliac catholics, and their greedy overlords that unfortunatly now run my political party, it won't be long until they have done themselves in.

Answer 9

Hmmm... well, I guess, according to this poll, that atheist should be a black woman who is a recent convert to Catholicism or Judaism. Atheism isn't the "logical choice" as some claim.

Answer 10

That's a real shame.
But I wouldn't put too much stock into poll's, they aren't greatly accurate.
If the canidate is qualified, they will get my vote, no matter race, gender, or religion.