Atheist Privilege: Behind the Myths and Realities

The concept of privilege in the context of atheism often differs from the traditional discussions surrounding privilege in social and political arenas. This article aims to dissect the nuances of atheist privilege, examining the differences between atheism and other religions, the effects of religious privilege, and the unique circumstances found in specific communities.

Why Isn't There an 'Atheist Privilege'?

The assertion that atheists have privilege may seem paradoxical, given that it is a position that can be converted into a religion. However, the reality is more complex than it initially appears. The argument often starts with an experiment—approaching people and declaring one's faith or non-faith, and observing the reactions. If we start by declaring ourselves atheists, we will likely observe varying levels of response, including some that may be negative. However, if we were to declare our adherence to the most prevalent local religion, or even a less dominant but still recognized faith like Islam, the reactions might be more favorable.

This disparity suggests that while atheism itself may not be a blanket privilege, there are certainly contexts where certain religious affiliations offer more social advantages. Furthermore, in some regions or countries, the label of atheism can come with severe repercussions. In the U.S., there are laws in seven states prohibiting atheists from holding public office, and in some countries, atheism can lead to persecution or even death. This reality underscores the fact that the privilege associated with religious beliefs can vary greatly.

The Bigger Picture: Everyone Starts as an Atheist

A key distinction between atheism and other religions is that every human being is born without belief. The transition to religious belief often occurs through education or personal choice. Therefore, the idea of atheist privilege, if one exists, is the most universal form of privilege—every individual is born with it. Many people may lose this privilege as they are educated about religious beliefs or decide to reject them voluntarily. However, the initial state of non-belief is not typically seen as a privilege.

The term 'privilege' itself can be controversial, often attached to negative connotations due to its usage. However, if we define privilege as a set of advantages received within a community due to a demographic trait, then atheists do have privilege in certain contexts, particularly in regions where freethought and secularism thrive.

Perspective and Context: Urban West Coast vs. Bible Belt

The perception of privilege among atheists can significantly vary based on location and context. In the United States, for example, the experience of being an atheist can differ greatly depending on the region. A person living in the Bible Belt may encounter more backlash, while those in urban western coastal areas, especially within academic circles, may experience more privilege.

In academia and the urban west coast, atheists often find that their non-religious perspective is taken for granted. People assume that everyone around them shares their views, leading to microaggressions when religious people or Christians encounter these communities. Common scenarios include:

Stupid questions like, "How can you believe in God? Don't you know all the evidence for evolution?" Well-meaning but invalidating statements such as, "You're not like other Christians. You're actually really smart." Assumptions based on faith, like, "Oh you're Christian so you must do things that way."

These behaviors, while perhaps not violent, can create a hostile environment for religious individuals. Similarly, many white people may be confused when the concept of "white privilege" is brought up, mainstream atheist communities can be similarly oblivious to the privilege they enjoy.

Conclusion: Understanding the Complexities

The discourse on atheist privilege is nuanced and multifaceted. While atheists may not enjoy a blanket 'privileged' status, they do benefit from certain privilege contexts. Understanding these contexts can help address misconceptions and foster a more inclusive dialogue about the roles of belief and non-belief in society.