One More Proposed
Symbol For Atheism
Sampo Syreeni
From: "Sampo Syreeni"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Sent: March 07, 2004 4:50 PM
Subject: Atheistic symbology
I've been an out-of-the-closet atheist for a few years now, but like you, I've mostly been quiet about it -- there's no need to make a big deal out of theism unless someone outright throws it in your face. Here in Finland that doesn't happen too often, either.
Still, my activist leanings have gotten the better of me lately, and I've gradually become an outspoken proponent of the non-believing viewpoint. A short while ago I came across the question about atheistic symbology, and I've drafted a page listing some of the better known atheist and humanist symbols, plus my own humble suggestion.
The page is at an early stage of development, but I was wondering, could you perhaps forward some further symbols that I can include, or perhaps link to the page?
"One More Symbol For Atheism"
Anyways, I love what you're doing with Positive Atheism. It's one of the top resources on my list, even if I don't agree with all of the underlying tenets.
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: "Sampo Syreeni"
Subject: Re: Atheistic symbology
Date: March 08, 2004 12:46 AM
Interestingly, your symbol page pretty much parallels mine, except that yours has a few mine doesn't and vice versa. I'll link to yours from mine and tack your letter onto the end of the chain of files.
The main page is called "Symbols, Acronyms, and Slogans." The others are linked from it (and each other).
"Do Atheists Have A Symbol?" is my rebuttal to the whole concept of symbolizing atheism.
The editorial column along the same lines, which eventually resulted from these discussions, is titled "To Symbolize That Which Is Not?"
In "A Symbol To Make My Own Voice Heard?" I mention, almost in passing, that the pansy is the symbol of Freethought, a close cousin to atheism.
This idea is best conveyed in the description of the dust jacket for Annie Laurie Gaylor's book, Women Without Superstition.
The one called "To Respond With That Unfazed 'No-I'm-Not' Look!" shows me in a more hopeful mood, certainly more open to the various suggestions that have come my way and even entertaining many of my own ideas (!).
Peter's "License Plate Holder: 'I Am Atheist / I Am America'" includes a little rant from me about combining patriotism with atheism.
"Any Symbol Must Be Given Its Meaning" is Randy's suggestion, donated to Positive Atheism's discussion by a close friend.
The beautiful part about this post is that Randy successfully refutes my main material objection by explaining that whatever we come up with will become learned by the public if we put forth an education effort regarding the symbol!
What I like about the image itself is that it can be done up as jewelry in just the shape of the head, with the eye and exclamation point either "hollowed out" (see-through) or in relief (or one of each).
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Eight-and-one-half years of service to
people with no reason to believe