atheist bus

I was talking to a religious friend about the atheist bus ads. She thought it was strange that atheists would feel the need to do something like that. I gave her my thoughts on it, and I do welcome comments on this if you think otherwise:

For almost the entire history of humanity, it has been unacceptable to express these thoughts, and still is unacceptable in many parts of the world to the extent that it is punishable by death. In much of the rest of the world, your best hope is to be ostracised and disowned by your family, friends, and community for expressing doubt about the existence of whichever God they happen to believe in.

The atheist bus ads are an effort, not to convert, but to let people know that these thoughts are acceptable. If you have these thoughts, it is okay to express them openly without fear. The buses advertise the fact that we are not alone, there is a growing community of us and we don't have to feel socially isolated. Consider gay pride parades. I've heard many heterosexuals ask why "those people" have to flaunt it out on the street. It is about advertising the fact that despite both groups having been historically marginalized, we're here, we're out in the open, and we're not going away. The strengthening of the gay community has served many positive ends, including the protection of rights. That's something that many religious people don't think about. When someone is fired from their job for being homosexual or atheist, it is something we must stop. When people are discriminated against, it must be fought. We are fighting to bring our group to the forefront of the mainstream for our social wellbeing as well as for our protection.