Atheists "live in isolation and secrecy?"

There is an interesting article in "Slate" today by Julian Baggini (reprinted from the "Financial Times"), wondering "Why won't the U.S. accept its atheists?"

Here's a link.  (Not sure how long it will be there.)

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/ft/2012/02/atheism_in_america_why_won_t_the_u_s_accept_its_atheists_.single.html#pagebreak_anchor_4


The point of the article is that atheists arouse more distrust here in America than other groups that are more or less widely reviled, including gays, Jews, and even Muslims.  Atheists are reluctant to tell their families, friends, or acquaintances about their unbelief.  The family of one woman in Texas don't want her babysitting their children; before they knew, she was welcome to do so, even though they knew she was a crack user at the time.


I had thought of this question only in the context of politics; that is, that an atheist has next to no chance of being elected president, for example.  But I hadn't considered myself to be discriminated against because of my unbelief.  In the light of Mr. Baggini's article, I realize that that's because I keep the fact to myself for the most part.  Being an atheist doesn't compel one to participate in any particular behavior that others might think sinful.  An atheist doesn't have to do anything at all, except to not believe in God.


So, as an aging white male who looks a lot like any other aging white male, I don't feel threatened.  As long as I keep my mouth shut.  I never told my own devout mother.  She must have noticed that I never went to church, and perhaps she never asked about my spiritual life in order to protect herself from worry.


I don't make a fuss about my atheism to my religious friends, but I've always told myself that that was out of politeness:  I didn't want to make them defend their belief to me.  If I came across as a scoffer (which I am, frankly), I might make them uncomfortable and lose their friendship.


In any case, although I don't feel isolated, I think the author has a point.  I live in an area of the country where atheism is a bit more common.  My wife is an atheist.  I have several atheist friends.  In short, I guess I have an adequate "support system."  But I imagine others may feel very alone.


When you're out driving, try counting the bumper stickers proudly proclaiming people's religious beliefs.  Lots of them, right?  One doesn't often see an atheist bumper sticker.  That would invite vandalism, after all.