DRAFT OUTLINE

-- SandorMarton - 03 Apr 2008

I. A despised Group

A. Atheists are one of the least well regarded groups in the country

"Once again, Atheists were at the apex of this negative-image cohort at 47.6%, followed by Muslims (33.5%); African Americans (27.2%); Asian Americans (18.5%); Hispanics (18.5%); Jews (11.8%); conservative Christians (6.9%) and Whites at 2.3%."

B. This general dislike/distrust is further demonstrated by laws which actually bar Atheists from holding office. While, court challenges have been successful, the following states still have such laws on the books:

Arkansas Texas Maryland North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Pennsylvania

No other group has such overt laws written to prevent them from holding office (one can certainly argue that other structures are in place to hold back other groups... but not actual laws barring office holders).

C. Even considering successful constitutional challenges to such laws, due to negative public image, many people would refuse to vote for an Atheist candidate.

Atheists were at the bottom of the cohort, however. Gallup research indicated that "close to half of Americans, 48%, (were) unwilling to support an atheist for president while 49% say they would."

II. Impact?

A. Scapegoats?

1. Some have argued that Atheists are the new target of scapegoating.

"Respondents used the Atheist "as a symbolic figure to represent their fears about ... trends in American life." These included crime, rampant self-interest, and an "unaccountable elite."

2. Can also find roots to that in the religious rhetoric of the current administration

3. Unlikely that Atheists will ever become an active target: (1) Very small group, so difficult to ascribe problems to them (2) Not a visible group (impossible to tell who is or isn't an atheist.) These same characteristics also make it more difficult for Atheists to gain further acceptance.

B. However still denied office. Voice is muted.

III. Acceptance?

A. Normal routes towards acceptance (ever increasing exposure to rest of public destroying stereotypes) more difficult due to small size.

B. Overt attacks on religion tend to galvanize the theists and give them target to rally against.