How can the negative Atheist stereotype be changed?

Question

What would it take?

Answer 1

For more and more of the very decent, 'normal' people who are atheist to make the fact that they are atheist known. Because of the level of prejudice and stereotyping around (atheists are the only minority which are still 'okay to hate' for the most part in this country), many people are reluctant to 'come out' as being atheist.

But we've got to. The more people realize that we don't fit those idiotic stereotypes, the more their eyes will be opened, and the more their consciousness will be raised.

Atheists are going to have to travel the same road that blacks, women, and homosexuals, just to name a few examples, have had to (and in many cases still are), to be treated equally, as they should be.

For every atheist who doesn't fit the stereotype who 'comes out,' the battle comes that much closer to be won. I know we can do it.

Answer 2

Well no matter how hard you try, there will always be people there who will be opposed to an ideal, belief, etc.

But I would say.... quit calling Jesus a myth, don't say you burn Bibles, don't talk about God unless you are respectful and reverent, and do not condemn someone (i.e. a Christian) before you even know what they stand for. You wouldn't believe how many people think just because I am a Christian I am a firm Republican, want Creationism taught in schools, want to outlaw homosexuality, and think the Founding Fathers were all orthodox Christians. No doubt there are some Christians who may think those things, but I am not one of them. I like many Atheists and I love reading non-Christian essays. Age of Reason by Thomas Paine is one of my favorite books although I disagree with about half of it. But the main thing is to be respectful. If I am around a Hindu, I am not going to squash a bug right in front of them. If I see a Muslim praying in a public park, I will not even give them a "look" if you know what I mean. If they say As-Salāmu `Alaykum to me I'll say Alaykum As-Salām back. Not because I agree with their beliefs, but if I expect to be respected I should respect them back.

If you respect people, you should be respected back. And if not, then those people are obviously just mistaking you for "other Atheists".

Just for instance.... Shut up about the Flying Spagetti Monster. That 'deity' was used to make a point that you cannot prove or disprove a deity, so do not go a step further and use mockery by pretending to pray to it, that it blesses you, and such. A Christians believes in Christ with all their heart, a Muslim is devoted to Muhammad, a Buddhist struggles to become awakened like the Buddha..... But the FSM mocks the entire faith and devotion many people have. I would rather there be 2 billion people earnestly loving a God that I think is false rather than two hundred thousand people pretending to love a God they know is self-created in their own mind.

Answer 3

i do no longer think of you could. maximum persons in no way hassle to even lookup the definition of atheist. they only assume you worship devil, and sacrifice animals and childrens. I additionally won't be in a position to understand why, in a Christian's techniques, having no ideals leaves you and not using a ethical compass. you do no longer might desire to believe to appreciate you won't be in a position to lie, cheat, scouse borrow, or kill. How unhappy of a individual might desire to you be to make your techniques up on God to maintain you from murdering somebody. What you're able to do in my view is prepare people to alter their adverse concept of atheism. Believing once you die there's no longer the rest available, is an truly own determination. I wish people might a minimum of understand what there persecuting earlier they damn your soul. My prominent element is how many times Christians bypass judgment on different peoples souls. once you come back with a reaction they pull out the bible card with the oldy yet goody, decide no longer lest ye be judged by using God. Even Jesus pronounced, " permit he who's without sin solid the 1st stone."

Answer 4

More out atheists.

I've found that a lot of people of my acquaintance had a problem with gay people until they actually met one. My own mother was fairly homophobic until she had to work with a gay man (who now has a standing invitation to every Christmas, Easter, and any other celebration at her house).

I think the same sort of thing would happen if more atheists were out - people would see that we're actually pretty ordinary.

Answer 5

What negative atheist stereotype?
Atheists are great people.
Society owes a lot to atheists.

Answer 6

Bah, why bother? I think most atheists like the stereotype of being surly. Keeps the door-knockers to a minimum.

And I gotta say it does thrill the ladies. ;)

Answer 7

1) Education on what it is. Atheists need to be good and kind people in society thats all.

Answer 8

I don't mind an intelligent atheist or agnostic who has valid reasons for their views and can argue with civility and purpose.

Arrogant ad hominem and self righteousness makes them no better than the religious they haughtily think they are better than.

Ath

Answer 9

You should reasons with them through logic. They don't believe in books. Should you reason with them using your book, you will fail because they won't listen. Should they believe in your books, they won't be an Atheist. Should they didn't buy logic, just ignore them. It is God who choose us.

Answer 10

By being as open-minded as you tell Thiests to be.