Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum

http://machineslikeus.com/news/atheists-...-chill-out

EXCERPT: [...] We examined the prevalence and accuracy of an angry-atheist stereotype in seven studies. We found that people believe atheists are angrier than believers, people in general, and another minority group, both explicitly and implicitly. However, none of our studies supported the idea that atheists are angrier than other individuals. Our work, in sum, suggests that the angry-atheist stereotype exists, but that it does not match reality. Dissemination of the present results may be useful in correcting misperceptions while averting potential unwarranted and harmful consequences....

The impression of angry atheists probably comes from the most vocal and activist ones who oppose violations to basic freedoms. Most activists seem angry though. That's their mode. They are fighting oppression and intolerance at high levels. A realistic tally of ALL atheists quickly reveals the predominance of the apathetic atheist who simply is non-religious and secular and quietly lives and let's live.