Religion
In reply to the discussion: Agree or Disagree - Atheists are a persecuted minority in 2014 America. [View all]cbayer
(146,218 posts)I think there are social ramifications in some areas of the country that may have an impact on career, social standing, etc. I think that some atheists must stay in the closet in order to get along in some communities.
There are still states that have long outdated statutes about having to be a believer to run for office. There are studies (though none very recent at this point) that show that there is a low level of trust in atheists by the general public.
But I think these things are changing and will continue to change as atheism becomes normalized.
OTOH, the demographics of the atheist population put them on a pretty high point of privilege - white, male, straight, educated, well employed. Part of those demographics may be a reflection of how those with the the most may have the least to loose by "coming out".
There is a very hostile sub-group within the atheist community that I think is going to slow the overall progress, though. There is a sub-group that wants to rid the world of religion and has no qualms about ridiculing religious believers or taking the position that all religious believers have psychiatric disorders.
I think it's highly unlikely that a community under that kind of attack is going to welcome atheists with open arms, but I also think this is a problem that atheist activists need to tackle from within.
But bullies, being bullies, are often difficult to confront.
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