As I've mentioned in these virtual pages before, I'm in the process of getting a freethought group together. It's not the easiest thing to do, but I suppose I can't complain about the progress (or lack thereof) at such an early stage in the group's development.
One of the problems I'm encountering is people who are more talk than action. Okay, this is a problem for any organization, I'm sure. But when it comes to freethought issues… I dunno. I guess I just feel that they're more vital than many other subjects.
I've met many people who obviously care about how freethinkers are maligned and made outcast by the religious society around us. But when it comes to actually doing something about it, they make excuses. Granted, some of the excuses are pretty valid. For example, Utah is a very religious state. And it takes its religion seriously. One of my recent contacts, upon learning that I was a real estate agent in my non-web life, was astounded at my tenacity. She was amazed that I'd have my name out there in the real estate world (where name recognition is vital), while simultaneously having it out there as founder of a local group devoted to fighting religious encroachment. And she makes a good point. When FSNU gets going, my credibility could be tarnished and my real estate career could falter.
I guess when it comes down to it, though… I just don't care. To me, supporting freethought and fighting the lies of the religious right is far more important than being a successful real estate agent.
Sometimes, I'm just not sure why some freethinkers aren't activists. Maybe they really don't know how bad the situation is out there. Maybe they don't realize that we're up against people who will blatantly lie about even the most ridiculous things in order to advance their cause.
For example, did you know that the Teletubbies' Tinky Winky is going to "come out" as gay on the show? You didn't? Me, neither. I didn't know this for two reasons: 1) I'm not exactly "in the know" about the Teletubbies, and 2) it isn't true. But Falwell and his cronies would have you believe that it is. They'd have you believe that a show geared toward kids too young for Sesame Street is going to present them with a gay role model.
They're stating that Sarah McLachlan's immensely successful and cool concert tour, Lilith Fair, is "dangerous." The biblical Lilith, it seems, wasn't very nice. (Wonder if that's because she refused to let Adam boss her around.) I assume this means that the thousands of devoted fans of McLachlan and her guest artists will become possessed or something.
Please.
I think it says a lot about the stupidity of these people that they can actually believe such things.
But they'll lie about things that really sound true. For example, I read on some website or other that the Falwell clan is preaching about how our country's founders meant for our society to be religious. And religious in a Judeo-Christian sense. This sounds good. Heck, the Declaration of Independence even talks of a Creator, so it must be true, right? See, most people don't know squat about our founders or their intentions. They don't realize that most of the founders were Deists, who believed in a god, but not the Judeo-Christian version. In fact, many of them were quick to point out the lunacy of Christianity. But try telling this to a fundie.
Maybe these non-activist freethinkers have just never felt the urge to become active. Maybe they've never experienced blatant discrimination or outright hostility because of their views. And you know what? I'm glad they haven't. I'd rather they be non-active because they've never had such experiences than be active because they have. I'm happy for them. But it would be nice if they could open their eyes and see that many freethinkers do experience the discrimination and hostility. And it would be nice if these people would do something to help their fellows.
We have to remember that supporting a cause isn't just some vague support of an idea. It is a literal support of those human beings who are suffering.
