OK I’m a few minutes late — it’s January 2.Today I went through a mall, a restaurant, and two airports wearing a “proud to be an American Atheist” shirt. Guess what — 100% positive reactions. No dirty looks, no remarks, and lots of smiles and nods.When was the last time you made sure everyone who walked by YOU knew you were an Atheist?
I go running in my Athiest t-shirts. I love running by the local churches and waving.
I take every opportunity I can to let people know I am an Atheist, either when they ask about me in general or if they start talking about religion, and when I remove the offensive words from my money. I will see what I can do about getting some shirts, that would help me.
What, have you had any indication that the christians are actually able to read the words on your t-shirt?
Rna2dna
A few deer-in-the-headlights stares but all in all it just makes me feel good to exercise my rights without fear.
I live in a country where most people are nonbelievers and where believers rather keep to themselves, so people would think I was quite odd for wearing such a t-shirt.
I have an american atheist bracelet, but it’s quite hard to instantly notice the words on it. I’m gonna buy this shirt soon: http://www.cafepress.com/atheistcloset.161691246
I bet it will bother my math teacher, who noticed my bracelet one day when she was talking to me (about god telling her I should get an extension on my notebook check due date no less! xD) When she was babbling on and on about god telling her to help me out I just blankly looked at her and the look on her face was perfect when she looked down at my wrist. Then I had to sit through all her impassioned pleas that there was a god, see he was helping me out, blah blah. I told her, “Thank you for giving me the extension. After having me in your classes for 3 years I know you understand my disorganization all too well. I’ll have it in completely done for you Monday.” Hey, really? It doesn’t matter how she rationalized it to herself, I ended up getting the best end of it!! =P
Every day for the past 5 years.
Naughtyniko
After having spent (wasted?) several years of my early life as a “Jesus-freak” trying to always “spread the Gospel” in both personal and impersonal ways, I’m not comfortable with the corrolary notion of wearing my atheism on my sleeve.
I prefer to let my actions speak louder than my words when possible. I try to live a life that includes public service volunteerism, productive work ethics, and other principles of positive secular morality. In short, I try to live a life as a positive role model.
In doing so, it then becomes all the more credible when an opportunity arises to discuss the bases of my moral philosophy with theists, that religious beliefs and behaviors (church attendance, for example) are not necessary for living a clean and moral life, and that atheism is demonstrable as a perfectly acceptable lifestyle. It often stuns people that I’ve known for years when they find out I’m a staunch non-believer; it really makes them question their faith-based notions of how religious belief is a necessary condition for leading a moral life. They see me leading a lifestyle they can respect, and yet at the same time it’s a lifestyle devoid of belief in the god idea. It can really set them to thinking, and isn’t that our goal in the first place?
But for those who do wish to boldly proclaim their atheism, you have my support. More power to you.
A little advertising now and then is a good thing…it reminds the unthinking religious sheep that we exist, are still here, and that there are actually quite a few of us. However, it is much more interesting and personally satisfying when those who have known and respected you and your opinions for some time, accidently “discover” that you are an atheist during a casual conversation.
I wear mine whenever I know that I’m going to be in a highly public place, the mall, downtown, etc. I haven’t had any reactions, yay or nay.
I do rock the “Smile: God is make believe” bumper sticker on my beater car. One woman behind me at the gas station complimented me. That’s all.
I wear my American Atheist jacket (from quite some years ago) whenever weather permits. I have several Atheist T-shirts that are part of my regular wear. I have the American Atheist logo patch on a cap. I have rarely gotten any rude remarks.
I agree with Celebrant Prince that actions speak louder than words. My first 20-years in my town were spent volunteering in community service programs, hand in hand with other community members who embrace a faith. It earned me respect in the community and set me up to proudly proclaim that I am an atheist. It made atheism more palatable. So my atheist tee shirts seem natural.
Naughtyniko
I remember a time when atheists, like existentialists, were all black wearing, fashionable mods and beats who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a slogan t-shirt.
These were people for whom fashion sense was just another realm of intelligence and sense. Good taste went hand in hand with good judgment.
I for one, will not be wearing and atheist t-shirts the the airport. (although I do work out in a FSM Pirate vs global average temp. shirt). Still, good for you for being loud and proud!