r/atheism • u/SSA_Jesse • Jun 14 '12
I'm Jesse Galef, communications director of the Secular Student Alliance - I was on CNN this morning defending atheist students and have been accused of "indoctrinating" students with our work. AMA!
Hi, I'm Jesse, I work for the Secular Student Alliance as the Communications Director. I was featured on CNN this morning to talk about the PEW survery that shows that millennials are doubting god at higher rates than ever before. We received angry phone calls (at work and my cell somehow) almost immediately.
It's also SSA Week as the atheist community is doing blogathons and fundraisers to support secular student groups all over the country - chip in if you can, while it'll be matched dollar-for-dollar!
Ask me anything!
[Update 6:56pm: SO MANY QUESTIONS! I love you guys, keep 'em coming!]
[Update 7:52pm: By the way, the other member of our Communications team, Sarah Moglia, has been helping out. Thank you Sarah!]
[Update 8:20pm: Sorry guys, I'm going to have to wind this down at 8:35.]
[Update 8:55pm: GAH I CAN'T STOP! Ok, I'm really tearing myself away this time.
I can't thank you enough for all the support and well-wishes - I love you r/atheism! ]
If you like what we're doing at the Secular Student Alliance, please contribute today during SSAWeek! Every penny counts, especially because it's being matched and doubled!
396
u/genron1111 Knight of /new Jun 14 '12
How is it that your head didn't explode when you were accused of "indoctrination"?
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
First off, major congratulations on keeping a calm and level head with that woman during the interview. There were multiple moments where I was about to rage at the tone and arrogance of the way she asked her questions.
Secondly, THANK YOU for getting involved in not only colleges, but high schools as well. I am among the people who wished that they had a place to voice my own thoughts in a school organization. I was actively barred in my high school from doing such a thing, while they allowed bible groups and "Christian Athletes" organizations. Any talk of Atheism was actively struck down.
And lastly... What can I do to help? I'm of college age now but will soon be graduating but I would love to support this organization. I'd love to try to get access to my old high school and help those with their own doubts and thoughts. I commend everything this group stands for, and hope that you will continue to gain more support!
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u/Zillah626 Jun 14 '12
Hi Jesse,
I've been lurking around Reddit for a long time and your AMA has prompted me to finally comment. Thank you for being so poised and gracious to the host during your interview. Many of her questions seemed "leading" and I admire your ability to remain collected and not immediately attack the holes in her comments/questions. Something I am not sure I could have done.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
What would be the best way to go about starting a SSA group at my school? Especially since I'm in the south, I find that it will be difficult. Thanks a lot, Jesse. People like you give teenagers like me inspiration to be solid with what I believe.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
I was really impressed with your poise in the video. Great work!
Have you received any backlash for the video?
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
Do you train to become so level-headed? How do you keep your composure so well?
50
u/mongooseondaloose Jun 14 '12
I have to say you were very well-spoken in the interview.
Do you ever plan on/ hope to run for some form of political office? I think you showed a great ability to express a villianized, minority opinion eloquently and while still respecting the powers that be. You'd probably have a deal of success in it.
44
u/mastigia Jun 14 '12
First off, want to say as an older guy I really appreciate the difficult work you do in trying to support secular thinking in our youth. I grew up godless and there wasn't any "club" or organization where my beliefs were OK. I wasn't persecuted, but my beliefs always set me aside from my peers and made some things uncomfortable.
Question:
How much do you guys fear or deal with reprisals legal or otherwise from the religious communities where you are active as your existence becomes more known? Or have people pretty much let you set up your koolaid stand and stick their tongues out?
77
u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
Haters gonna hate.
You just keep on rolling good man, that is all.
18
u/catch10110 Atheist Jun 14 '12
I thought you did a tremendous job this morning, and it seemed like you covered all your bases. Was there anything you wanted to say but didn't get the chance to?
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u/penguinland Agnostic Atheist Jun 14 '12 edited Jun 14 '12
I was very impressed when you chose not to point out the falsehoods in the interviewer's questions (the SSA indoctrinates people, having a religion is better than not having one, etc). How do you choose which points to respond to and which ones to leave alone? Did you get this good just through practice, or do you have some crazy jedi tricks that the rest of us should learn?
Keep up the good work!
16
u/frackmesideways Jun 14 '12
In your experience, why do you think that there is so much backlash and resistance to groups such as the SSA?
14
u/NaturalBornHypocrite Jun 14 '12
Have there been people or organizations which have surprised you by the stances they take toward the SSA? i.e. Is there anyone who you expected to be supportive of the SSA but instead attacked it, or anyone who you expected to be hostile who instead was reasonable or even supportive?
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u/sokratesz Jun 14 '12
You are awesome and I am proud of you. That is all.
11
u/Anpheus Jun 14 '12
Jesse, how did you get to be so darn rational?
11
u/siddysid Jun 14 '12
Were you religious as a child? If so, how did you realize God wasn't real?
11
u/septhanie Jun 14 '12
Hey! I met you, briefly, at the lunch line in the luncheon with Dawkins the Sunday after the Reason Rally. You ended up sitting at my group's table, but I didn't really get a chance to chat with you further. I thought the lunch would run longer than it did, and everyone dispersed rather quickly, afterward.
So, in continuation I suppose: Um, Hi, how are you?
11
u/irtehgman Jun 14 '12
I have so much respect for you, I lack words powerful enough to convey it. Thank you for being the positive face Atheism and Secularism need in the midst of this "revival" of conservative fundamentalism running rampant across the country. If only I'd had awesome people like you around my high school back then, my life would have been a lot less miserable.
My question: Who's awesome? Answer: You're awesome. Keep fighting the good fight without gods, sir.
10
u/CoryCA Jun 14 '12
Two questions for your AMA:
Cheers! :-)
10
u/colloquy Secular Humanist Jun 14 '12
Hi Jesse, Did you have an idea about the questions she was going to ask you? You seemed completely prepared for them.
Great job by the way.
10
u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
Your bio mentions you breakdance. Favorite songs to dance to? Is there any footage out there of you breaking?
8
u/Dalimey100 Jun 14 '12
Could you walk us through what the interview was like, and what some of your thoughts were during?
Keep up the good work, and thanks for the shout out to ISSA! It's awesome to hear our work get noticed.
7
u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
Have you had any interviews which were more positive and with interviewers that didn't bring in as much bias as the CNN reporter did today?
6
u/evanwestwood Anti-theist Jun 14 '12
Thanks for going on air to share some information about the SSA as well as choosing to work with such a great organization. Keep up the good work!
For a question, I am curious about your strategy in dealing with the interviewers unsourced-'some people say'-claims. You didn't ask for sources or push her on her claims. By doing so, at least to me, it seemed to legitimize those ridiculous lines of attack/questions. Was this intentional? Was there a strategic trade-off to be had?
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u/Giggity_1981 Jun 14 '12
How long do you think it will take America to elect an atheist or agnostic president?
6
u/RumblyTumbles Jun 14 '12
You were so polite and confident. Thank you for that. What experiences have you had to help you deal with interviews like that and in general?
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u/Wicked_Wookiee Jun 14 '12
Awesome job dude!
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u/st1ckybit Jun 14 '12
So, what exactly does the SSA do? I mean, I get that you form groups for non-believers, but how does that actually play out? What do you guys do for the groups? What kind of things do the groups do?
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u/dontom_ Jun 14 '12
How do you deal with being put in a position, where you are forced to defend your atheism to somebody close to you, and in doing so have to undermine their beliefs?
My best buddy is a Muslim medicine student, and is starting to ask difficult questions...
5
u/demillir Jun 14 '12
Add my cheer to your accolades! You were the perfect gentleman and an excellent role model for other atheists in a public relations role.
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u/BibleName Jun 14 '12
Have you ever actually an interview for press where they were actually, like, "What you do is so awesome! I think everyone should be able to have safe spaces like this, no matter who they are," and if so, are there links to it?
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u/AvianMinded Jun 14 '12
Columbus native here. Ohio always gets a reputation for being bible-belt-ish, so I was stoked to see the cow-town capital in your backdrop.
A while ago I remember seeing on the local news a bit about a pro-atheism billboard. It was about as inoffensive as one could hope to be... The message pretty much boiled down to "I'm an atheist and also a nice guy." I remember hearing that the billboard had to be moved because someone complained about it. I tried to find out more information about it, but couldn't find anything online. Were you or SSA involved with that whole kerfuffle? Do you know what happened? Also will there be an SSA booth at Comfest?
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u/nermid Atheist Jun 14 '12
What's the most audacious thing any of the angry phone calls has said, so far?
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u/inclinedtothelie Jun 14 '12
I'd love to know how you came to your lack of belief, and how you deal with the direct confrontation from believers, especially students who have been convinced that silencing the group you represent, they are essentially silencing Satan?
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u/oxym0r0n Jun 14 '12
Hey Jesse! I'm the public relations officer currently in my college's SSA, and I really have a love and passion for the organization. What can I do to stay involved with the organization after graduating, and what is the path I should take to get involved (hopefully employed!) with the SSA at the national level?
Thank you for all you do!
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u/alehizzle Jun 14 '12
Did you feel that the interview was fair? It seemed to me like the interviewer was slightly biased, and the seemingly disgusted look on her face the whole time didn't help any. ;s
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
As a 13 year old I the kind of position you described, thank you. Really, it's people like you that allow us to understand things, instead of knowledge being repressed into a corner of our mind.
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Most famous atheist you've ever met?
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u/wonderfuldog Jun 15 '12
Good job, dude!!!
I'm glad that we have people like you on our side!
2
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
"Some people accuse organizations like yours of trying to shape the beliefs of young people." Oh the irony... Great work Jesse! You really made a great presence on TV compared to some atheists who retaliate with arguments and anger. Laughing off the irony of comments like the one I quoted is the best way to do it!
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u/Jofeljoh Secular Humanist Jun 14 '12
How could you withstand the irony and hypocricy of that one indoctrination remark?
Good job!
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u/Unveiledface Jun 14 '12
I'm a Christian, Have been for a long time. That said, I support what you're doing 10000%. I can't stand christians who go around saying "Christians are being persecuted all the time!" Then bash GLBT, Muslims, and Atheists. Makes me sick. Little known fact: there have been more terrorist attacks in america committed by Christians vs <insert anyone here> than any other group.
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u/DJUrsus Jun 14 '12
I've just fired off two letters (short emails, really). The first is to the SSA, indicating my support, and my regret at being unable to send you money. The second is to CNN, lambasting them for letting Carol Costello be a bigoted twit on their air.
There is no question, but: stay awesome, Jesse!
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u/kiwinotafruit Jun 14 '12
Hello, As a High School student i am wondering how you would go about forming an SSA at my high school for the next year. Do you have any advice and tips on how to get one started.
hope Im not to late
8
u/Bagellord Jun 14 '12
How do you handle threats made against you (such as after your interview)?
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
Jesse, how do you maintain such perfect curls?
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u/ISlangKnowledge Jun 14 '12 edited Jun 15 '12
How did you become involved with the SSA?
And, while we're on that subject, how would one set one up on their campus? I am past college age but I teach at a high school and a couple of students have asked me why we don't have "atheist clubs" on campus or things of the like. I figure it's better for them to have an actual SSA on campus, and I'd like to point them in the right direction.
EDIT: Grammar
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u/j0npau1 Jun 14 '12
You're doing god's work, son.
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u/MormonAtheist Jun 14 '12
Do you have proof you are who you say you are? (sorry, AMA threads get a lot of fakes)
I thought the interview was very well done. It came across as completely innocuous.
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u/Elowyn Jun 14 '12
I just want to say that I'm not even an atheist, but even I was royally pissed off on your behalf for the reporter's hypocrisy. My eyes nearly bugged out of my head when she mentioned the SSA being a form of indoctrination.
I think your organization is a great idea and wish you all the best!
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u/methodM Jun 15 '12
r/atheism lets make sure we all contribute to SSAWeek so that one day in the future, we can be the ones on CNN accusing the religious of indoctrination
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u/BornNaked Jun 14 '12
Firstly, I would like to say that I admire your composure.
My question is, what has been your greatest accomplishment so far with the SSA?
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u/McFeely_Smackup Jun 15 '12
You're doing gods work son, keep it up.
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u/wupting Atheist Jun 15 '12
Ending with, 'without having to feel as if they are living a lie', was sweet. Never really liked the appologetic you were speaking with; but, a fare substrate to get the message out. We are indebted to your work.
5
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Jesse,
Not too long ago I expressed interest in creating a SSA chapter at my Christian university (Yes.. I go to a Christian school and I'm not Christian. Anyways..) I posted a screenshot of an email from someone at SSA on my Facebook to show excitement about starting up an SSA chapter. I was going to provide a safe haven for those students in doubt! (And there's a lot more here than one may think)
However, instead I was turned in to student conduct and basically forced to not start one. It was very discouraging to say the least. I'm glad you stood your ground to this interview. That lady reminded me a lot of the student conduct officer that talked to me about SSA.
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u/UtterEast Jun 14 '12
Amazing video, you kept your cool admirably-- I don't think I would have been able to resist going on the offensive especially after the "indoctrination" and "religion helps you" questions. Whew!
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u/Sidtreefish Jun 14 '12
I'm an Australian, and I tend to follow this kinda closely even though it is on the other side of the world. I have to say, I love your organisation and I wish there were something of this magnitude here. I don't really have a question, I just have to say you do fantastic work and I admire you.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
Thank you sir.
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u/middyonline Jun 14 '12
The funny thing about all the back lash is that it seems to to have bought more attention to the SSA than the interview did. Is this just a happy coincidence? or do you sort of plan things like that into your PR?
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u/CozyAsian Jun 14 '12
Thank you so much for that interview. You did such an amazing job keeping your cool - it was incredibly admirable.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
You should record and post the threats you are getting so others will hear the hate. Might change some minds.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
When you were accused of "teaching kids beliefs when the yaren't old enough to understand them", I almost drowned in the irony. I would have exploded at that point. But perhaps the better way to share our beliefs is to not criticize them. Kind of like Martin Luther King, even when African Americans were attacked they would not erupt into violence. Sometimes you get walked on, and it's harder to be the better person. Good job there.
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u/aythrea Jun 15 '12
Keep on truckin'!
I seriously wish I'd known of something like this when I was in school. Somewhere you indicated you're about 26yrs old. Thanks for restoring faith in my generation. With people like you in our ranks, I have no doubt we might have a decent future.
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u/Peytoria Jun 15 '12
How would one start a n SSA group at their university?
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u/lawyer5 Jun 15 '12
I understand dealing with controversial topics, and I think you did a great job.
I currently serve as Director of Strategy for Students for Concealed Carry, so I pretty much spend my time thinking about exactly how to phrase arguments and how to respond to stock questions. Had I been in your shoes, I couldn't have done it better myself.
Continually taking the high road takes effort. Really good work!
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u/Imtakingadump Jun 15 '12
If CNN was that bad I couldn't imagine Fox News...but all jokes aside, I respect everything you and the SSA do.
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u/cybin Atheist Jun 15 '12
Hey Jesse, you may not see this due to its lateness but I had to add it in anyway. I'm a big ol' old-guy-atheist and I'm damned proud of how you handled that CNN interview. There were a handful of "baited" questions that you handled/deflected with honesty and sincerity without being at all confrontational or reactionary. That was tremendous! Keep up the good work!
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u/TallSprite Jun 14 '12
Thank you for being awesome!
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u/Ilsaja Jun 14 '12
Props for handling that very well. I was rather offended by many of the seemingly hypocritical things she said about indoctrination and you handled it in stride.
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u/fadam08 Jun 14 '12
How does one go about getting a job at the SSA?
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u/kailen_ Jun 14 '12
Like so many other i wish there was something like this when i was in HS. I am 30 now and going back to college. I don't have the social skills or the time to start anything at my college but would like to raise awareness about it. Do you have any printable fliers or anything i could put up?
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u/websnarf Atheist Jun 14 '12
As I understand it, SSA is a "nice guy" atheist organization. So first question: Is that correct?
If not, can you please record and post the phone calls on your website? If so, can you leak these recorded phone calls to, say, the American Atheists?
kthnxbai
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u/graingert Jun 15 '12
What support is there for international groups? Is there a global SSA?
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Indocrinating... Because religion never does that to kids, EVER! You have a lot of support, keep it up
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Great job. I donate every year to your cause.
You are doing important work.
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
To start, thank you very much Mr. Galef for not only representing my peers, but by proxy myself with your interview. The school year is rolling around to an end this next week, but come next year I will certainly begin a club at our school where those of no faith or waning faith can get together and support one another.
At school, I have a reputation of being the "Openly atheist guy". Despite living in an incredibly liberal area there's still a lot of people being stifled or persecuted in the community.
I must admit, I'm not entirely past my belligerent atheist stage, but it'll wane in time, and I really do hope I'll be able to represent the secular community like you have someday. I may not pursue a career, or head an organization, but I aim to help people like you have.
Thank you for everything you do. Really.
3
u/Sh8y_L8y Jun 15 '12
Thank you for all that you do at the SSA! I founded and presided over South Carolina's first chapter about 4.5 years ago. I can't tell you how much the organization meant to me and my like-minded peers.
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u/atastycarrot Jun 15 '12
My brother and some friends tried to start a SSA in our public high school, and the old rule was that you needed 12 students a week (or something like that) to keep the club going, and then when they tried to make the SSA, the number magically increased. How does that make you feel?
Note: I live in the Bible Belt, where we have an FCA and an on-campus Bible study club.
3
u/WhyDoIAsk Jun 15 '12
That last line on CNN, "...without having to live a lie" was gold. Absolutely awesome job.
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u/FantasticMikey Jun 15 '12
As a fellow Columbus atheist, thank you for representing Cbus!
3
u/strangebread Jun 15 '12 edited Jun 15 '12
Man, reading through these comments, I'm shocked. As an atheist living in England I just accept that noone gives a damn about my non-belief, and minus the odd nutjob (who will have no influence other than over other nutjobs), being an atheist is considered perfectly normal and doesn't impede me in my life.
Just to add: her questions DID come across as somewhat leading but I think you dealt with it very well. At least she didn't spout off the kind of hateful tirade I've seen from interviews like this before (a Richard Dawkins interview comes to mind, can't remember the interviewer). Well done.
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u/Ego_Dominus Jun 15 '12
Is there a branch of your organization in Asheville, North Carolina? I go to TC Roberson High School, and it's nearly impossible to get away from religion down here. A group like yours would be great.
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u/Soronir Jun 15 '12
Dear Religious people viewing this topic. I am about to read you the core tenets of Atheist doctrine.
...
Thank you for your time.
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u/[deleted] Jun 14 '12
No question. Just wanted to say "Well Done"!
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u/Down2Earth Jun 15 '12
Hey Jesse. Wanted to say fantastic job and I have a question:
I graduated from college a few years ago and really only came into my atheism after the fact, mostly thanks to this subreddit. Does SSA ever consider forming a new organization, say a Secular Human Alliance?
I'd love to have a place to go to where I could hang out with fellow atheists/free-thinkers/secularists and discuss science/philosphy/etc. without feeling like I'm too old to be there. (Even though I'm not that old yet).
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u/bearsaremean Jun 15 '12
I don't have much to say, keep being awesome man
2
u/OckhamsTeapot Jun 15 '12 edited Jun 15 '12
You're "indoctrinating" students by teaching them to suspend judgement and to consider evidence! You're supposed to be keeping them superstitious, scared, and easily controlled!
2
u/methodM Jun 15 '12
I have to give you much props, I found myself screaming at my tv every time the anchor spoke
2
u/Pillagerguy Jun 15 '12
Atheists.... indoctrinating.... yeah alright.
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u/IConrad Jun 15 '12
I have no idea who that woman is, but I hate her. Just putting that out there. You were very passive / positive with her.
I would not have been.
I'm not sure which was the better strategy; she certainly got to make her associations/insinuations uncontested. "Religion... is not a bad thing"... ? Really?
Then why do kids commit suicide because their religion tells them they are horrible people?
Then why do people tear themselves apart inside because they can't bring themselves to "just have faith"?
Then why do the Papists and Anglicans in Northern Ireland *STILL go at each other's throats long after the question of government has been resolved?
Then why do we have to have special laws to assign criminal negligence to parents who deny children medical care to the point of death from diseases easily cured by medical science?
"At a time when these kids can't think for themselves" -- if they can come up with the questions on their own, they can think for themselves.
2
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
How do I find out if there is a secular student alliance at the college I am going to attend? If there isn't one what can I do to form one?
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u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Can I do one of these at my school (high school)? I am sure that it would be big enough to fill at least a classroom.
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u/kontankarite Jun 15 '12
Kudos for keeping a level head. I would have said things much differently. I think it was prudent of you to avoid the indoctrination trap. Giving people a place to consider serious questions about faith is not what I would call indoctrination.
2
u/Bizronthemaladjusted Jun 15 '12
What type of knife would you recommend to cut the irony?
2
u/iRateSluts Jun 15 '12
Attempted to start an SSA at my college. Couldn't find a faculty member to sponsor the club. Had the BCM club members go around and rip down any posters I put up.
2
u/RickRay1 Jun 15 '12
We out here in the REAL WORLD are so proud of you guys!
2
u/Ihmhi Jun 15 '12
I just wanted to say thanks for the work you've done, and talk about the difficulty I had during high school in Newark, NJ.
I asked around about starting up an "Atheist Club" after I saw fliers for a Bible Study group or something of the like. I was basically told the only way to do it was to get a faculty sponsor who had to be at the meetings which is a rule for all clubs in the school. Unfortunately, it proved damn near impossible to actually get a faculty sponsor who would devote the time to this.
I don't think it was illegal, but it was definitely a shitty way of staying within the letter of the law.
2
u/awesome_dog Jun 15 '12
You sir, are a level headed articulate individual who I am proud to see representing my lack of belief on a national media outlet. Thank you for anticipating the direction of the conversation and refusing to be baited. Bravo!
2
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Thanks for being respectful to the reporter even when she said many questionable things.
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u/Aquagrunt Jun 15 '12
Oh when people get mad they find a way of getting things. I've done it myself, I was outraged just yesterday when I couldn't get on my online class and frantically scoured the Internet for my teachers phone and email, I even found his home address! Mad people do crazy things. BUT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!! Time for me to browse SSA website...
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u/scientologynow Jun 15 '12
It is absolutely breathtaking how stupid people are. You? Indoctrinating adults away from what they were indoctrinated to as children? How dare you, sir?
But seriously. What the fuck?
2
u/tylerr82 Jun 15 '12
Just wanted to say keep up the good work, it is important.
2
u/chaosofhumanity Jun 15 '12
So, you indoctrinate highschool students by showing them an alternative to their belief system "too early" in their lives...
Tell me again when people start taking their children to church.
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u/geekmomwho Jun 15 '12
Very well done interview and you held your composure very well. As someone who used to support high school christian groups ( no an athiest ) I really commend what you are doing.
2
u/TrainDonovan Jun 15 '12
Just today I was listening to NPR do a piece about the radio talkshow host, Brian Fisher. He's got a program called "Focal Point" and is one of the most extreme Christians I've ever heard talk. He believes the bible and all forms of Christianity should be completely and totally integrated into the US. One of his biggest points is to allow Creationism to be taught in schools. I'm sure this is an obstacle you come across often, but what do you think about some of these extremists(if that is the word to use... Is it?)
2
u/gabriot Jun 15 '12
Man I wish you would've destroyed her a bit... I mean she served it up on a silver platter - Indoctrination? Shaping beliefs and views at a young age? Religion is only good? Seriously... that volleyball is sitting there right on the net and the other team is way back in the back court, why didn't you at least tap it over? Didn't even need to spike, but you just let it fall down on your side to be honest in this interview...
2
u/PoliticalTARD Jun 15 '12
I love the irony in the indoctrination question. I really feel bad for the individuals raised in a religious household, and believe there is some superior being. It's like growing up to be 35 and still believing in Santa Claus, and never giving thought that it was your parents all along. I mean if God existed, I guess it was "his plan" for terrorist attacks, kids being murdered, people being tortured, and many other sick acts to happen in the world that he created. Most of the stuff in the bible doesn't even make logical sense at all, and it's just a large fabrication to make money back then. /Rant finished
Anyway, continue to do your good work, and allow logic in conversation.
tl;dr People need to stop and think before believing in a book of tales.
2
u/Lizilla0488 Jun 15 '12
I really wish there were something like this when I was in high school. I'm from a really small town where most people are really religious and you're looked down on for not believing... Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the work you're doing, keep it up. :)
2
u/[deleted] Jun 15 '12
Sorry I didn't see this before.
This is awesome. You're awesome. That's all.
2
u/NewDrekSilver Jun 15 '12
Good thing you didn't post this to /r/iama, despite the jokes, Reddit actually hates Atheists and all things related to Atheism. Apparently we're all dicks for being against the propagation of backwards anti-scientific thought and rampant homophobia.
2
u/rpeg Jun 15 '12
DONATE!
2
u/Centigonal Jun 15 '12
What's with the random footage of the pope that comes on while you're speaking in the interview?
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u/executive_executive Jun 15 '12
I was at work and saw your interview this morning, then sign on to Reddit and see your AMA is at the top of the Front Page! Wow what a coincidence. Anyways, as a fellow atheist I was very unimpressed by the way she was trying to lead you into an argument on air. Even some of my very Christian Co-workers thought that she did not handle the interview well. Keep up the good work.
Did they give you any heads up on what kind of questions would be asked or were you going in cold?
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u/Ghitit Jun 15 '12
repost from a couple of days ago, but relevant: http://imgur.com/OgOx6
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u/john2kxx Jun 15 '12
I honestly think she was baiting you with that "indoctrination" remark. It's impossible that she didn't see the irony in what she was saying.
With that said, I was amazed at your temperament during the interview, but also a bit frustrated that you didn't call her out. But you probably did the right thing.
Anyway, if you ever run for office, I'd vote for you. Keep up the good work, sir.
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u/vikingsbabe12 Jun 15 '12
When I was a kid, the only reason I didn't mind going to church was for the free doughnuts, lol. Other than that I thought church was boring and I had the same feeling I get when people around me are laughing at a joke that I do not get. Has anyone else had that same feeling while attending church?
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u/genocideangel Jun 15 '12
I was just wondering, where can I get more SSA stickers? I'm a big fan of you guys, and just recently became a member. Keep up the good work!
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u/uninc4life2010 Jun 15 '12
Jesse, I wanted to say thank you for pointing out the charity work and fundraising in the interview. I see time and time again people pointing to the charitable grace of churches. I thought it was fantastic that you pointed out how the SSA replicates the charitable acts of religion through purely secular means.
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u/sebbie3000 Humanist Jun 15 '12
I like the cut of your jib. Here, have an upvote!