Posted by Hemant Mehta on: 03.29.2006 /
Many of you have visited (and commented) on my blog, and I thank you for it. However, as of today, I’m going to be discontinuing my postings there. Instead, a new website will contain my comments and other information.
That website is www.friendlyatheist.com.
Why that name? I think it’s important that people associate those two terms. Normally, when Atheists are thought of in our society, they’re synonymous with evil, anti-religious, Communists, etc. Even in interviews, I’m often referred to as an “avowed Atheist”… no one can seem to believe I’d actually, openly be one!
Since people have responded to this journey so positively, I figured why not put the name out there and see if it can change anything.
For the record, I will still be posting my church experiences here, at www.Off-the-Map.org.
I’d appreciate any thoughts about the site. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them as well.
Thanks!
– Hemant
Comment by: Marty
1Hemant - I believe that any of us who have had the priveleg of getting to know you through this board would agree that “Friendly Atheist” is an accurate title for you and that you, and several others on this board are doing a fabulous job in overcoming the prejudices relative to Atheists that we had before you and Jim got together and gave us a new view.
As you no doubt know (my guess is that you personally know her) - but others on this board may not yet be familiar, there is a Atheist Lobbyist in Washington DC that is also doing a great job in changing people’s views of Atheists. She is Lori Lipman Brown. Lots of information on her for those who Google her. She came to Santa Barbara - but I regretably missed her.
Comment by: Hemant
2Marty– Thank you for the kind words. And not only do I know Lori, I work with her on the Secular Coalition of America. The Secular Student Alliance (my group) is one of the coalition members. I agree that she has done a marvelous job of conveying positive Atheism all around (even Bill O’Reilly agreed with what she had to say). The SCA’s website is http://www.secular.org. For what it’s worth, the SCA is also a group that depends on, and would truly put to good use, anyone’s donations.
– Hemant
Comment by: Ir
3The new website looks great, Hemant! And I like the title “Friendly Atheist”. As best I can tell it seems to fit you :)
I couldn’t listen to your interview this evening - I hope it went well. I’m planning to listen to it once a recording of it is available on the Internet.
Comment by: Peter in Pennsylvania
4friendly atheist! I love it. so appropo!
Comment by: Rick
5For the long time many of the freethought organizations have relied on shock value names. Come to think of it, Internet Infidels, Infidelguy, Faithless community, etc. Rather than make people welcome, such names have been a big PR mistake. All the freethinkers I know are extremely friendly, and its about time they start associating themselves with organizational names that are more positive and welcoming.
I really like the ring of friendlyatheist. Sounds just like our Freethought Fellowship (a forum I operate). Little things do count, and name is one of them :)
Comment by: HumanistEditor
6Nice job with the site, Hemant. It’s a good start. I’m looking forward to watching the Friendly Atheist website grow.
You are the friendliest friendly atheist I know.
Will you add a blog feature to the friendly atheist site?
I’m glad you are announcing your speaking engagements on the site. I hope that you get a chance to tour the country speaking about this experience. That will also give people the chance to meet you in person.
The new Humanist Network News podcast is available and features listener comments about Hemant’s developing story.
One comment comes from this blog’s very own TXatheist. Another comment comes from a young woman who is an atheist and has also visited some churches to see what they’re all about. She is a little critical of Hemant’s motives for all this.
The comments start around 33 mins into the show. The rest of the show features some other very friendly young freethinkers.
Comment by: Ir
7Hemant, the comment
on your new home page has generated a discussion here on the OTM discussion board:
thoughts vs prayers
Not that it’s a highly confrontational or provocative comment, but in my opinion it would be a little more friendly not to point out to Christians that the SSA doesn’t appreciate prayers. They can probably figure that out for themselves…
Comment by: Julie C.
8I liked your reading list. :)
Comment by: Tom in Sacramento
9Rick, as someone who’s studied marketing, I think your observation is right on spot. I had never given much thought to those web names. But I think you are exactly right. So, way to go Hemant! This might be a “butterfly effect”.
Tom
Comment by: Jim Henderson
10Names need to make people “feel” something. Hemant has done that with his new name
Comment by: Rick
11Oh yes. Names have a tremendous impact on the psyche of individuals. The freethought groups have long adapted to titles which even make the non-believers think twice. The tough guy image doesn’t work all the time.
On the flip side I have even seen Christian group with pretty goofy names. One such name is Campus Crusade for Christ. Crusade makes it sound a bit brutal. Apart from forming a cool acronym [CCC], it accomplishes little.
Comment by: Peter in Pennsylvania
12First he’s “soft”, now he’s “friendly”. Next he’ll be “cuddly.”
:-)
Comment by: Ir
13His girlfriend probably thinks he is already :)
Comment by: Rick
14I see a chick flick in the making ;) I suck at script writing. Someone with a vision and lots of talent can make this into a storyline and then get someone to direct a movie on this topic.
Now someone should add this point to the post about “Why I like friendly atheists” - They have cool ideas!