What I'm about to tell you may shock you, and it may horrify you. I am an atheist. The reason I am an atheist is that I see no evidence for a higher being of any kind, be it Thor, Zeus or the God of Abraham. I also see the destruction that religion causes all over the world, from the recent attacks in France over a magazine depicting the prophet Muhammad, to Pope Benedict XVI condemning condoms in Africa in the face of rampant HIV/AIDS. I also find it odd that a group of totally celibate men feel entitled to tell women and gay people what is appropriate sexual behavior. I see the attack on stem cell research, and the attempt to force creationism into American public schools. I see the fight between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, over which version of their totally unprovable doctrine is true. The Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials, the Crusades. I could go on and on, but it would take all day.
My argument is this: before you pick up a Bible or a Qu'ran, or whatever, think. Why are so many people still insisting that we live our lives based on an ancient set of rules that do not work for the world we live in today? I think the world will a better place in a thousand years or so when, as a species, we've finally outgrown the need to live after we're dead, and have become content with living now, in this moment, in this life.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
The Woman in Red
A man once said not to judge a person by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. But does the same thinking apply to the color of your clothing?
According the the University of Rochester, it does.
Scientists wanted to see whether or not the colors you wear have any affect on the way people perceive you. The findings are surprising, especially with the color red.
They found that when the model was wearing red, she was more likely to be thought of negatively, especially by other women. The respondents thought of her as promiscuous and more likely to try to steal a man from another woman.
In contrast, the male respondents were actually more attracted to the woman in red because they thought she would be more interested in sex and easier to get into bed.
Of course, these presumptions are ridiculous, but it just goes to show you, the stigma of the woman in red is still alive and well.
According the the University of Rochester, it does.
Scientists wanted to see whether or not the colors you wear have any affect on the way people perceive you. The findings are surprising, especially with the color red.
They found that when the model was wearing red, she was more likely to be thought of negatively, especially by other women. The respondents thought of her as promiscuous and more likely to try to steal a man from another woman.
In contrast, the male respondents were actually more attracted to the woman in red because they thought she would be more interested in sex and easier to get into bed.
Of course, these presumptions are ridiculous, but it just goes to show you, the stigma of the woman in red is still alive and well.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Fundamental Sickness
Last week, a tragic terrorist attack rocked the city of Paris, France. The attack was over a popular satirical magazine in the country making fun of the Prophet Mohammed. The magazine had been known for it's pointed digs at religion and fundamentalism in particular.
The problem is not just with Islam, it is with all forms of fundamentalist religion. It is Jerry Falwell. It is Pat Robertson. It is attacks on abortion rights and gay rights. It is the Westboro Baptist Church and Scott Roder.
The point is, Islam is not the only religion that has problems with fundamentalists trying to force their beliefs down everybody's throat. We need to recognize religious fundamentalism for what it is; a sickness which keeps us in darkness and keeps us in chains.
The problem is not just with Islam, it is with all forms of fundamentalist religion. It is Jerry Falwell. It is Pat Robertson. It is attacks on abortion rights and gay rights. It is the Westboro Baptist Church and Scott Roder.
The point is, Islam is not the only religion that has problems with fundamentalists trying to force their beliefs down everybody's throat. We need to recognize religious fundamentalism for what it is; a sickness which keeps us in darkness and keeps us in chains.
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