Alex Rants: It’s Not Easy Being Atheist
Sometimes it isn’t easy being an atheist, in fact a lot of the time. The very notion of difference can fall onto shocked ears and wide eyes. Raise your hand if you’ve heard in reference to your identity “Oh, well that’s not good.” Is it now? Shucks, that sure is news that isn’t shiny, happy and full of smiles. There are two choices here; repent all transgressions and become instantly religious or keep on being comfortable with your self-identity.
Let’s go with the latter. However in a city that puts its faith constantly on its sleeve, it doesn’t always come easy. It’s no knock against those of faith; by all means ‘do you’, just let us have this to ourselves in the meantime. We don’t always need reminding of the constant and endless march that we are currently undertaking to the depths of hell, or how the devil creeps upon us at all times; our lack of belief a portal to the darker angels of our nature.
It seems that Nairobi hasn’t come close to accepting that there is an extreme amount of diversity living in her embrace. There are all kinds of extremes in this town, the whole spectrum is covered. So why is the tiny little minority that are atheists prone to getting more flack about their beliefs (or lack of) than everyone else?
The constant looks of disapproval, snide comments and general disdain truly does get old; and quick. Now years in, it’s ancient.
Look, all too many times people view those of a different persuasion as a threat to their “way of life, values or scruples”, go ahead and pick your bull sh*t politically correct term and plug in where needed. Who is threatening your values and how?
If atheists were this creeping presence; wouldn’t one stand up every time some street preacher worms his way onto a crowded bus to prostrate himself over the “sin of us all” and start scream singing death-metal? How about every time a pastor is found to be fondling the assets of his more voluptuous parishioners, a crew of atheists would be standing outside with pamphlets urging church goers to “Give Up and Start Drugs”?
Funny, there have been no real cases of such maliciously under-mining non-religious activity. We sit back and let everyone do as they will. This isn’t to say there aren’t atheist dicks. Not only do we have dicks, but douche bags, assh*les and total complete tools! The point is we’re human, just as is everyone else. No better and no worse. So maybe it’s time we got left alone for our beliefs as we do for you. It’s a neighborly courtesy thing.
After all those in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks.
