The Forgotten People.

A few months ago I went on a day trip to Geelong with my girlfriend, that day we met up with her uncle, and his new wife at a nearby McDonalds. As this was the first time meeting them both, we began talking and the topic of my aspirations after University arose. After discussing my dreams to been involved in politics but unsure how to fulfil this aspiration, a woman who overheard our conversation approached us and said “The best way to do it is to get involved with the Christian Democrat Party,” and then proceeded to leave.  Thinking back on this day now It makes me think that atheists are a forgotten minority.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics in the 2006 census 70% of Australians said they had a religious affiliation, 63% of them belongs to the Christian denomination. Now the older lady that I previously mentioned had a 63% chance that what she said to me might have had some relevance to me, but in the end it didn’t, despite that did that lady just assume atheists just don’t exist?  Or that we identify ourselves by wearing T-shirts saying “Look at me I’m an Atheist!” Or we only exist on the Internet as angry trolls, frothing at the mouth with rage about “Flying Spaghetti Monsters.” Did Channel 9 make the same mistake on Christmas eve last year, believing that only Christians celebrated Christmas? Are we as a minority, and as data reports the equal second largest minority within Australia just forgotten?  When I watch the news about controversial issues such as gay marriage, or abortion, the news station will always show the reaction to the big news story from different religious groups, but never from the views of Atheists.  

But it’s not just news stories that Atheists are forgotten from. I remember in year 7 having a semester of classes that looked at all major religions celebrated in Australia, from the big 3 Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as well as a few more that don’t see much public recognition in Sikhism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. While I celebrate the initiative to attempt to break down the walls and misconceptions of others faiths, not one mention of the word Atheist even arose. It wasn’t until year 10 until my father explained to me what Atheism was and how he was an Atheist too that I was able to put a word to my belief.  But from my point of mind I feel that as a minority, and quiet a large one in that with over 18% of Australians being an atheist that we struggle to have our say, to have our voice. Why is the term Atheist only used by those whom are an Atheist or, sluttered as a dirty word but those whom are religious but can only see non-belief is something to be disgusted? How come my High School or Primary school (both public schools) never invited Atheist groups to come tell us that it’s okay not to believe, yet they countlessly invited religious groups to tell us how cool their faith is, and one time proceed to hand out bibles after the assembly.  

While I accept that Christianity does provide the largest cross section of Australia’s population, is it too much to ask to see the stand point of those that don’t believe? Is it wrong to want for the equal representation so I don’t get put in an awkward position by a random lady telling me which political party I should join? Shouldn’t other young Atheists know that they’re not the only ones who share a disbelief in a higher being?  I don’t know how it’s possible, but I long to see a day where my views are recognised as existing.

However on a much lighter note recently I had Jehovah’s Witness come to my house, while most find this annoying, I was kind of happy inside when the asked if my girlfriend and I believed in a god. These Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledging that those that don’t believe exist, and furthermore identified the fact that In death a lot of people that is it, and attempted to sway us with an explanation of what they believe happens when we die. For that I thank them, not for attempting to convert me and my girlfriend, but for at least acknowledging that I like many others exist.