My sister is an atheist in Cary, NC, and she mentioned to me there is a billboard campaign promoting non-theism. I think this is great, but to be honest, I'm a bit of a coward and don't even have "athiest" on my Facebook account. I don't want to deal with prejudice or having arguments with people about why I don't beleive. The folks who put their faces on these billboards are very courageous. Any else as hesitant as I am to reveal my beliefs o (or lack of)?
I hope these billboards find their way to New Jersey.
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Permalink Reply by Melody Mitchell on April 24, 2011 at 10:04am I was hesitant for a while (especially after my daughter started school), but after a bit, I realized that I was actually showing my daughter that it is "taboo" or "wrong" to be of the mindset that we are (thankfully, my husband is also an avowed atheist). I then became more vocal about our lack of belief, and didn't try to skirt the issue when another parent would ask us what church we went to. Granted, it has lost us a few friends, but the friends who are worth a damn are the ones who know that our belief system (or lack of) isn't what make us good people. I decided to take it on the chin, as it were, for the sake of being a better role model for my daughter. I never want her to be afraid to be herself.
I would LOVE it if these billboards came to New Jersey. :) I'd sign up!
I'd probably be not brave enough but not because of being an atheist but for being too much of an introvert and not wanting to put myself center stage. I don't have a problem revealing my lack of belief in god when people bring up the topic. It hasn't cost me friends or family, still I have sometimes sensed a wariness about some people once they know, sort of like they don't know how to relate to me.
Where we live now in western MA it's really a non-issue though. I'd be surprised to see the billboards here.
Permalink Reply by skepticmom on August 21, 2011 at 9:12pm
booklover replied to James M. Martin's discussion Just Because You Are Not a Believer Doesn't Mean They Don't Pray For You© 2013 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Richard Haynes.

