I originally came across this particular post on Tumblr. I think it is really insightful, but
NSFW language is contained. I think the author makes good points and I wonder what do other atheists think of what she has to say. I've got my own opinions. First here is what the author wrote:
- Being an atheist does not erase privilege.
- This includes white privilege.
- This also includes cis privilege, CNDP privilege, and het privilege.
- Seriously, being an atheist does not erase your white privilege.
- Criticizing exclusively (majority) non-white religions is racist.
- This includes Islam.
- The existence of white Muslims does not invalidate this point.
- Black Christianity is not always hetereosexist.
- Black people are not the most heterosexist heterosexists that ever heterosexisted.
- Black queer/gay/lesbian/non-straight/pansexual/asexual people exist too.
- Mestiz@s are not the root cause of sexism.
- Neither is Latin American Christianity.
- You do realize Christianity was imported, right?
- Atheists are not the only oppressed religious group.
- Muslims are oppressed too.
- Often by white atheists.
- Islam is not evil.
- Neither are hijabs or niqabs.
- Neither is Vodun/voodoo/hoodoo.
- Neither is any other religion…
- …unless it’s World Church of the Creator / The Creativity Movement…
- Which is white supremacist.
- …or the Westboro Baptist Church.
- Who even the KKK hates.
- Evolutionary psychology is sexist, racist, cissexist, ableist, and heterosexist.
- This includes evolutionary psychology that (supposedly) supports atheism.
- Supporting evo-psych means
- You have not done your homework, or
- You are prejudiced.
- Other people’s clothing is not your business.
- Including religious articles of clothing.
- Including hijabs, headwraps, niqabs, burkas, crosses, crucifixes, pentacles, and other symbols.
- Even if you really don’t like it.
- Even if it’s really religious.
- Acknowledge other people’s identities.
- Even if you’re uncomfortable with them.
- Especially if you’re uncomfortable,
- Because they have racial, sexual, cultural, or disabled identity
- Paganism is not ‘atheism-lite’.
- Neither is agnosticism.
- Neither are indigenous religions.
- There is no such thing as ‘ironic’ bigotry.
- Unless it’s atheists whining about Christmas.
- Seriously, I thought only evangelicals did that.
- Trans people are not your special little puzzles.
- Neither are autistic / disabled people.
- I don’t care if you’re a scientist. We’re still not your Rubik’s Cubes.
- Not everything should be about science.
- There. I said it.
- PoC are not the reason why a lot of people are wary of atheists.
- It’s because of white/het/cis/CND atheists.
- Yes, including you.
- Demanding people educate you is oppressive.
- Even if you’re ‘being really nice about it’.
- Nice =/= good.
- Religions are not inherently oppressive.
- Did you know that hijabs and niqabs are cultural?
- And that many women find them liberating?
- Using emotion in writing, reasoning, the internet, or decision-making does not mean one is stupid/dumb/monkey-like/less-evolved/other ableist, racist, eugenicist terms.
- It means one is a fucking human being.
- Disability is not a flaw in evolution.
- Disabled people will not die out with evolution.
- Fuck you.
- Being atheist does not mean you are automatically not allistic.
- If you don’t know what that means, look it up.
- You can use Google.
- Being a queer atheist does not make you white.
- Seriously, enough with this racist bullshit.
- Cultural appropriation is also done by atheists.
- Deal with it.
- There are no purple people.
- You should know this.
- Making fun of ‘them crazy darkies doin’ their ridick voodoo’ is racist, ableist, and the reason why a LOT of black atheists will not have anything to do with you.
- Satire is a tool that works when aimed upwards, at the most powerful people.
- Black people are not the most powerful people.
- Especially black people practicing voodoo.
- No religion is more ridiculous than any other.
- Including Mormonism.
- …but some have more power, and are therefore better to make fun of.
- Like Mormonism.
- Being colorblind is only okay if you literally cannot see or distinguish colors.
- Otherwise, it’s racist.
- Religions derive strength and power from the social power of their followers.
- Which is why evangelical Christianity is a better target than Black Christianity.
- Being an agnostic (or bisexual) is not ‘taking the easy way out’.
- Really, now?
- Monosexism is real.
- How do I know?
- You’re doing it right now.
- And yes, queer can be a term for polysexual.
- If you think black people are mean to you,
- You’re probably white,
- And won’t say you are
- Because white people never say they’re white.
- The terms ‘hermophradite’ ‘third sex’ and ‘biological gender’ are
- Essentialist,
- Bigoted,
- Cissexist,
- Anti-intersex
- And not up for debate.
- If you refuse to identify your privileged identities,
- I’m going to assume you just think you’re ‘normal’
- And moderate you.
- Refusing to acknowledge the power of environment and social structure
- Is bigoted
- And means you’re a biological essentialist.
- Intersex people exist.
- Deal with it.
- And no, they are not ‘miracles of evolution’.
- I thought you didn’t believe in miracles.
- Freedom does not just mean ‘freedom to be an atheist and make the choices I would make’. It means freedom to make even choices I don’t like.
- Including religious choices.
- Social justice / social uprooting / anti-oppression is not about you and your feelings.
- Nobody cares about white guilt.
- Making everything about your feelings is oppressive.
- If you’re offended,
- Get over it.
- Realize that being offended is much better than being oppressed.
Find the original post here:
Just A Quick Note to Atheists (From an Atheist) | Machine Gun Bras
Here is my take (if I don't say otherwise, I'd have to agree)..
2. I think that it's short sighted to say white people can't criticize non-white religions because if a religion
is true, race does not matter.
7. Amen!!!
17.1 I agree with the sentiment, but I wouldn't write it like that.
18.2 I agree with the sentiment, but I wouldn't write it like that.
