Why (some) atheists are angry
November 23rd, 2007 by Erich ViethAt least some atheists, some of the time. This is a long passionate piece by a woman who characterizes anger to to be a sign of health.
At least some atheists, some of the time. This is a long passionate piece by a woman who characterizes anger to to be a sign of health.
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:05 am
Not so much a sign of health, but rather akin to a fever. Excessive anger in a movement can cause permanent damage. But without any, the movement will languish, fester, and die. We are in for a long, slow burn on this issue.
I may not be in perfect accord with hardliners like Dawkins, but we need visible extremists to make the majority of more moderate disbelievers visible and emboldened.
The angry tactics of the Black Panthers made the peaceful civil rights movement a success. The burning of ROTC buildings and Kent State shooting let the quiet anti-war sit-ins appear to succeed.
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Great link.
Greta Christina is an extremely eloquent and talented writer, and I for one am glad she’s on our side.
Anger at those who oppress and harm others is natural, and it can be a powerful force for good in motivating others to correct those evils. It’s only anger without action, or misdirected anger, that becomes toxic and harmful.