Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Oresta · 05-29-2002, 02:09 PM

Buffman:

Quote:

I share this story only to point out that the effectiveness of dissent can be very dependent on the where, when and with whom that dissent is displayed. If I had to do it all over again, the only thing that I would do that was different is warn any invited date about the potential consequences of my actions...allowing that other person to decide whether they wished to attend or not.

I agree that the setting is crucial to what is appropriate. During the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, I attended a state-wide Social Studies conference held on a state universary campus. Before lunch, we were asked to rise while some reverend said grace. I remained seated, but as soon as grace was over and everyone else sat down, I rose and asked the head of the Speakers' Table what a Christian prayer to a hostage gathering was doing in a tax-supported building. Well, I had 'em there, and the amen corner among the crowd was with me. However, you would never hear a peep out of me at a high school graduation. I would silently "witness"; but I confess I would really love to hand out flyers at such events that proclaimed, "God doesn't answer prayers that are petitioned in buildings supported with tax-payers' money."

{Sigh. Edited again for more typos}

[ May 29, 2002: Message edited by: Oresta ]

[ May 29, 2002: Message edited by: Oresta ]

crazyfingers · 05-29-2002, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oresta:
A Swift

reply to your "Modest Proposal":

I simply remain seated and also look around for similar behavior.

I think that's what I would do. But I have yet to be put in such a position.

funydirector · 05-30-2002, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toto:


It's a question of political effectiveness. When you are disrespectful, you allow them to change to subject from their irrational beliefs to your lack of civility. Why give ammunition to the enemy?

Your point is well taken. Now the question is how to best to point out their lack of civility by making everyone participate in their personal religious exercises?

Perhaps the best thing to do would be a pre-emptive letter to the appropriate school authorities - something along these lines:

Quote:

Dear Principle/School Board President/whomever:

I am an (atheist/agnostic/freethinker), and I will be attending this year's graduation ceremonies at your school. If there is to be any form of prayer that will occur during the graduation proceedings, I think it only fair for me to have equal time to make a polite non-theistic statement immediately following said prayer. Let me know your intentions immediately so that I can have time to prepare my statement.

Cc: ACLU
Cc: attorney Joe Blow, esq.

[ May 30, 2002: Message edited by: funydirector ]

DieToDeath · 05-30-2002, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Toto:
That's why you have to work hard to maintain civility but avoid participation.

If you want to be loud and in-your-face, you have to be much more outrageous that just facing the back or laughing in their faces. You have to demand equal time to sacrifice a puppy and stage a fertility rite with the entire cheerleading squad (especially if there are both males and females).

Bitchin'! Good idea!

Also, funydirector, despite that I'm not going to have a difficulty of that sort due to my going to a Quaker school, which never forces religion onto us more than is usual, I'm agreein'. I oughta send them such a thing. Because why should we have their moment of silence but not my moment of loudness?

Oresta · 05-30-2002, 04:00 AM

Another "yarn": During the Reagan administration, friends of mine attended their son's graduation from Georgetown U. Jean Kilpatrick (she, the defender of our egregious support of the Contras) was the speaker. The event was outdoors, and the seats were folding chairs. When Jean came to the podium, protesters in the senior class and audience, turned their chairs around. My friend told me that the people sitting behind her didn't appreciate what she did, but she said it felt pretty good to be able to make a non-disruptive, public protest against the administration's foreign policy in Central America. I'd have to agree. Once again, the venue should determine the appropriate act.

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05-30-2002, 04:00 AM	#15
Oresta Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 1,107	Another "yarn": During the Reagan administration, friends of mine attended their son's graduation from Georgetown U. Jean Kilpatrick (she, the defender of our egregious support of the Contras) was the speaker. The event was outdoors, and the seats were folding chairs. When Jean came to the podium, protesters in the senior class and audience, turned their chairs around. My friend told me that the people sitting behind her didn't appreciate what she did, but she said it felt pretty good to be able to make a non-disruptive, public protest against the administration's foreign policy in Central America. I'd have to agree. Once again, the venue should determine the appropriate act.

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