Go to The Reverend Kooka Speaks About Religious Bulls#!t
- Add a comment
- Go to GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT!
kooka_lives - I understand all of that but I am looking at it pragmaticly
There are two things that separate atheists from all other groups of people when attempting to compare their getting together to any other type of annual gathering. The first and most obvious is that there is no associative bond amongst them, in that they do not normally form groups based on their beliefs. They are not Trekkies or Astronomy enthusiasts, this cannot be viewed as a gathering of people of common interests.
Then there is the reality of what I have referred to in the past as the "Christian Bogeyman", the fictitious stereotype that some religious folks proliferate towards non believers. There is an "outing" reality, though ever diminishing over time, it is still enough of a negative influence to affect participation. Both are realities and inevitably become hurdles to overcome. The former speaking directly to the chances of success of such an event and its continuance in the future. What reasons are there compelling enough to motivate otherwise non associated individuals to become involved together as a group and then on an ongoing basis?
In the latter, where it would be nice to live in a world where we truly are free from the religious persecutions of others, the reality is quite different. When considering what would motivate someone to become involved, this reality begins to give us a list of reason why not to become involved. On the other hand if the reason for the gathering is as you say to raise awareness, then this and all of the concerns, as well as the motivation of individuals can be enveloped within a benevolent cause.
For example; "Atheists for Africa" has a nice ring to it. No bible thumper could argue with a cause like that and this route also accellerates the awareness aspect by encouraging persons of all beliefs to get involved.
posted by
gomedome
on November 2, 2007 at 10:53 PM
| link to this | reply
Gomedome
Many recognized annual gatherings of noticeable level have started out their first few years as nothing more than a gathering of people at a bar or the equivalent. If they really do hold this annually and it grows like many such things do, it will not be long before it is a significant event every year.
The bar itself is already rented from the sounds of things, and so is not going to make any more money the more people show up. After all it is an open bar if you pay for your ticket to go. All of what I am reading about it sounds the usual for such events
All money collected goes to paying for the event itself and to be used to make the event bigger next year.
I think they are in the right track with this event. And your suggestion seems like the kind of thing they are actually trying to promote. Basically they are tying to raise awareness that those of us who do not believers are good people and have morals and live joy-filled lives. Look over the questions that I put up.
posted by
kooka_lives
on November 2, 2007 at 2:08 PM
| link to this | reply
kooka_lives - who just fell off a turnip truck here?
A public celebration premised upon what is being declared as a social movement headquartered in a privately owned bar? I'd love to be that bar owner. Unless we hear a declaration that proceeds from what will surely be increased receipts on that day are being donated to charity, the organizers have to a certain extent sabatoged the credibility of their own idea. With a clear path to the commercial beneficiaries of this "event", it can only be viewed as a bar promotion.
I have a better idea for a day that recognizes that a large portion of society does not sunscribe to religious beliefs. Make it a day of social benevolence calling on all citizens to participate. There is a public relations war to be waged, non believers have to initiate efforts that are beyond reproach and universally beneficial to society, if such an idea is ever going to be taken seriously.
posted by
gomedome
on November 2, 2007 at 12:12 PM
| link to this | reply