Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about

[MellowDem]

86. Let me make it crystal clear...

Anyone who says "atheism has a race problem" fundamentally doesn't understand what atheism is, and in fact, plays into a well-worn caricature that has been pushed by conservative theists for a long time. That atheism is somehow a belief system, or even an organization. That's part of the process of demonization, and an important one.

There wasn't one description of "white atheists" the author used in the article that couldn't have been simply replaced with "white people" and hold true. In fact, more true, as white atheists tend to be much more progressive on the issues the author was discussing. So I'm wondering what race problem atheism has? The author sure doesn't explain.

The author does explain that if various specific organizations want to proselytize atheism, they should show they care about black issues to gain converts. Well, which specific organization has that as their goal? To proselytize atheism? And if there are some, then that's a problem with those specific groups, not "atheism". Such lazy, careless use of an already heavily demonized and caricatured word is irresponsible.

The author's complaint that many organizations focus on separation of church and state and not issues in the black community comes across as arrogant and presumptuous. Just like it would be if an atheist complained that the NACCP doesn't concentrate enough on the separation of church and state. There is a lot of of religious privilege in this country, and having organizations that focus specifically on addressing that issue is no more wrong than groups that focus on racial disparity and white privilege. Maybe she'll get mad that LGBT groups focus on LGBT discrimination and issues next?

Black atheists have to form their own group for the same reason they have to form their own churches and many other organizations. Racial disparity and privilege, history and segregation. Asking "atheism" to address that is non-sensical. Atheism doesn't address that. Various progressive ideologies strive to.

As a progressive, I want all the issues the author talks about addressed as well, and if I had my way, every secular, Hispanic, LGBT, Asian, etc. organization would. But it has nothing to do with atheism.

The fact that you call the author "an accomplished woman of color" comes across as creepy paternalism. I don't really care what your opinion of the author is, maybe you think she's very articulate as well, but it's noticeable how you use it as a point.

The reason there aren't more black atheists isn't "atheism". It's a lot of things. It's white privilege, racist history, racial bigotry and discrimination, segregation, religious privilege that makes it tougher for those with less overall privilege to give up religion, a poor social safety net, a tax system that favors religion, etc. etc. I wish more people understood that, atheist or not, Asian, white or Hispanic. This author misses the point by saying this is a problem for atheism. How? She actually contributes to more misunderstanding of atheism. Does atheism say that we should convert all theists? Then it may be a problem of how to reach out to the black community, but it doesn't.

The author pointed out disparities among class, race, etc., then says it's a problem for atheism? Atheism isn't an ideology, it's not a belief system. It is just a lack of belief on one single issue. Trying to redefine atheism as an ideology that supports one's own worldview is arrogant and presumptuous, not to mention completely wrong. Conservative theists have portrayed atheism as an ideology long enough. This author plays right into their hands.