User:Waitingforgodot/Atheism and sexism

(Alternative titles "women and atheism", or Atheism, racism and sexism.) Essay/article.

"Atheism" in its most formal definition is simply the disbelief or lack of a belief in gods. However, the late 20th century has seen it become a strong, well informed, well publicized organized movement expressing any of a variety of goals from simply supporting other atheists, to supporting the separation of church and state, to proselytizing -- convincing theists to lacher their need for god and "think rationally". To achieve these ends, a variety of origizations like (here, here, here and here), blogs, and noted speakers and formal events to welcome and support Atheists and their 'causes' have sprung up like morning glorys. Weeds to some who would rather believe that atheists are few and far between, and fully amoral at all times; beautiful garden flowers to individuals who felt they had no one like them, and no real voice in the Christian dominated world of media, politics and (in threes, really?).

However, as Atheism became an "in-group", they initially and fully unintentionally marginalized "Others", specifically including women and (people of color) who found themselves fighting for any voice in this new society. This article will highlight some of the larger struggles and issues of women in the Atheist Movement, as well as some specific (and yes, overblown) examples. It will also highlight women who's voices have become (or should be) mainstream voices of the Atheist movement.