Atheist Bus Ads Go Up in Fort Worth!

This is one of the best ads yet from a marketing standpoint.

1. Direct, positive (but uncompromising) message.
2. Well-designed (both attractive and easy to read).
3. Humanizes nonbelievers.
4. Advertises availability of organizations.

Kudos, DFWCOR!

I wonder if this will get the same kind of press American Atheists is getting right now with their billboard.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/11/30/2669603/atheist-themed-ads-appear-on-fort.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/01/good-without-god-fort-worth-texas-atheism-ads-_n_790275.html

FYI, the photos in the advertisement are of some of the people who make up the Dallas/Fort Worth Coalition of Reason. Most of us had our pictures taken during the Texas Freethought Convention – it was a great experience!

(I’m at the lower left corner, second row across and second column up, right next to DFWCoR Coordinator Terry McDonald)

-Z

Very nice! I like this one a lot. Small nitpick: I wish they said “gods” instead of “God,” but I realize that the target audience only thinks about their particular deity. Still, I would love for some of these billboards to nudge theists into thinking outside the culture box.

If it doesn’t, I suspect you may soon be seeing more aggressive forms of advertising — with messages directly criticizing religion instead of reaching out to closeted atheists. It’s not that the “happy Humanist” messages aren’t important, but when you’re paying this much for billboards, publicity means everything.

Thank you. Now can everyone quit pretending that the New York billboard wasn’t meant to be offensive.

Darn nice bus ads! All this speaking out in public via paid advertising seems to be paying off, at least in the way of media attention. Sweet!

Someone’s always going to be bothered by the message, no matter how carefully we word it. I say let’s focus our critiques of pushy and insensitive messages on the advertising we see Christians coming up with. We can be a really aggressive movement when we get riled up and ready to react. I think it’s in our best interest to make sure that we reserve our “fight” for the opposition.

The comments on that Star-Telegram piece nearly made my poor head explode. People won’t take the bus because of those ads? Yeesh, they’re SO offensive!

Honestly, the people who assume atheists can’t be good are the scary ones.

The people who find these ads “offensive” must not have any skin at all.

Oooh, people exist who don’t believe what I can just barely keep myself believing! Oooh that is so scary! Make it go away!

Oooh, those people are good people! Nooo! Nooo! Say it isn’t sooo! Aieeee! (dissolving into a blob of thumb sucking, rocking-back-and-forth catatonia)

What a bunch of pathetic spoiled brats. If the fact that good atheists exist and don’t need their Policeman to behave themselves is so deeply threatening, then their decrepit, held-together-with-string-and-chewing-gum faith should be tossed in the trash.

So, has DART’s ad policy been permanently changed, or will they change back as soon as the local COR stops putting up ads? I wouldn’t be surprised if they start advertising religion in 3-6 months. Would such policy flipflopping be enough for a lawsuit?

Jeff,
Thanks for your encouragement. I put up the whole comment on the Star Telegram site. Five “likes” in the first ten minutes.

Makenzie, we haven’t “written god off.” That’s like saying we have “written off” pink unicorns and the Tooth Fairy.

Do you believe in either of those things? No? Then would you say you’d “written them off”?

We. simply. do .not. believe. in. god(s).

I am, in general, a very “live and let live” kind of person. I really am. But yeah, many atheists are getting angrier and angrier, and we are to the point where we aren’t going to take it anymore.

(Of course, when atheists get angry and decide we aren’t going to take it anymore, we write letters and blogs and billboards. We rarely use violence or destroy property like angry religionists do. I’m just sayin’.)

How ridiculous is it that believers spread stories that have never been substantiated as truth, expect everyone to live by those stories, rail against those who don’t and condemn us to hell, and then have the audacity to wonder why we are upset?

not all that you say about Christianity is true

Not MOST of what Xtians say about atheism is true. When you and other Xtian leaders start admitting that, I’ll calm down and stop making generalizations about your religion. Thanks.

when we approached DART, they chose to stop running all religiously-related ads rather than include ours.

If I believed they’d keep it that, I’d be cheering. I think that’s actually the right stance. Public transit shouldn’t either promote or discourage religion. I only support our ads on buses because the religious ones are already allowed.

However, they’d be wise to follow JSug’s suggestion and monitor it because somehow I doubt that it’s sincere.

Makenzie,
I appreciate your spirit of fairness, equal rights and mutually respectful treatment. Yes, untrue things are said about Christians, just like the stuff we get.

I want to refrain from saying that crap, just like I want to not have it said about me. We can all practice giving gentle answers to turn away wrath, and avoid harsh words that stir up anger. I’m willing to go first. I’m going to tell you my thoughts and feelings gently and politely, but truthfully as best I can. You tell me if I have somehow said something untrue, unfair, or uncivil.

What often frustrates me is the difference in the threshold that must be reached to stir up anger.

When Christians attack atheists, the atheists call it an attack.

When atheists publicly say hello to each other and give contact information, Christians call that an attack on them. When atheists publicly assert that atheists are decent, good people, Christians call that an attack on them. When atheists call themselves something like “the Coalition of Reason,” Christians say that the use of the word “Reason” is an attack on them. When atheists want to celebrate science and rational thinking on Darwin’s birthday, Christians call that an attack on them. When atheists show support for GLBT people who want to be treated decently and fairly, Christians call that an attack on them. When atheists make their presence known in public by the most innocuous means possible, even if it’s “Pssst. Hey other atheists, we’re over here,” if it’s between November 1 and December 31, Christians call that an attack on Christmas. When atheists express that they are simply not convinced of a Christian claim, Christians call that an attack on them.

Yes, atheists sometimes actually attack Christians. but for the most part, atheists don’t have to work very hard at all to “stir up anger” in Christians and be called attackers. All it seems to take is for an atheist to inhale and exhale.

I like this much better than the earlier billboard. Though atheists believe there isn’t a god and theists cannot prove otherwise, it is also true that atheists cannot prove the statement that god is a myth (can’t prove a negative, especially when the myth in question is so all-powerful that he could manipulate reality and exist without evidence). So I hear the points made in support of the billboard and think, “yeah, but that is deliberately insulting to believers, for no good reason.” Many have denied it and, I suspect, many more will, but I think they are either kidding themselves or attempting to kid the rest of us (hey, kinda like the god folks!).

This banner, on the other hand, allows theists to continue believing any nonsense that gets them through the day, but points out that those who disagree are still sometimes good people. It’s a much better approach, I think.

Incidentally, to the comment about Texas, yes, the dominant paradigm here is pretty, um, let’s just say status quo, but plenty of Texans support free thinking and alternate views. It just so happens that, frequently, people who write in to the Startlegram are morons (you should see their weekly “Cheers and Jeers” column). Idiocy is everywhere–don’t blame Texas.

Makenzie, get to know your Bible.

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. — Lev.20:13

Here’s a handy cheat-sheet for your edification.
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/

Yes i do realize that God says that he will punish sexual sin. the point of my last post was saying that Christians are not commanded or allowed to persecute or kill homosexuals. God punishes all sin regardless of the nature but it is not up to humans to decide. We are to show love to everyone regardless of whether they are homosexual or not.

Here’s some coverage on the local Fox channel. http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/120210-ministers-threaten-boycott-over-atheist-ad

I just saw another one live with an interview of the VP for the Transit authority. The reporter was crazy to watch.. incredible disdain and completely unprofessional IMO.

Anon,

Take your judgmental crap and shove it where the sun don’t shine. Sin doesn’t exist; it’s a religious construct meant to keep people in line and fearful of god.

If you are going to start a discussion on Christian theology regarding sin it would be helpful if you understood it correctly. your statement regarding sin is cynical and wrong.

Makenzie,
First and foremost I appreciate your diplomatic approach on this site. Yes, I too am an atheist, and will attempt to afford you the same level of courtesy and sincerity with my answer as you have done. My experience with “believers” is that they place all atheists into a negative category. Be that category what it may. I consider myself a passive individual who is tolerant and accepting of your beliefs, and will not attempt to sway you from your belief system. I will tell you up front that I do not believe in the existence of a God(s) and will go as far as to point out facts which fortify my position and or contradict what you may be telling me. I will not get upset, and will continue the discourse until it becomes hostile and personal. From previous encounters, this point is reached in just a few minutes. Many “believers” have the need to push their belief system onto me. Being completely intolerant and non-accepting of what I chose to believe, peppered with the constant reminder of being offended, along with the aggressive and sometimes violent gestures and mannerisms. For example, one of the tenets of a fable is that animals talk. In the story of Adam and Eve, the snake spoke to Eve. This simple fact that a snake spoke makes the bible a fable. No one has yet to convince me otherwise, and letting me know that I am going to burn in hell for questioning the word of God doesn’t work. Most of your fellow “believers” then begin with the rhetoric and attempt to talk over me and or get louder. Yet, at no time is there and concern that I may be offended by the sheer stupidity, and it is stupidity, of their arguments. As to the sign, if you find it offensive, do what I do when I see, hear or read the myriad of religious ads…Roll your eyes, think about whether or not it has any REAL affect on your life – adjust (or do what we do here…write), and move on….No hate, no violence… It is my opinion, that if it was open season on atheists, we would all die by the hand of “believers”.. (insert eye roll here)…. I am now moving on..

@ Makenzie

Kamaka, I am sorry that you are offended by my comment as that was not my intent. However, i do not regret saying it and i meant it.

I did not say I was offended.

I asked if you knew you were being verbally abusive.

Wow. I guess I’m a strange sort of Christian. @ Makenzie, I don’t know you but I am proud of you for showing the peace and love side of Christianity that seems so often to be forgotten.
First, let me start by saying this. The advertisement is 100% accurate. You do not need God to be good by the standards of the world we live in. You can be, and I am sure many of you are, good moral people without God. Please pardon the cliche, I’ve known some atheists. I even had a good friend that was an atheist… and they were good people.
I don’t know that the billboard is the right place for this message, of course I don’t think the billboard is the right place for “Jesus is the Answer” signs either. Christianity is about a relationship, not a quick answer or slogan to illicit some emotional response.
Now, to give another Christian’s perspective on the matters read in this post:

@ Ferdinand Palma
While you will find many Christians that believe the Bible is literal and scientifically factual, you will also find many that recognize the Mythopoetic language of much of the Old Testament – such as talking snakes and asses (See Balam’s donkey) You will also find that many look at the Scriptures as the telling of the story of God’s love for the people. Often this love is misunderstood and misused by the people who choose to follow God. That does not change who God is nor does it change what God does.

@ Anonymous
Nothing can be said to justify the ignorance of some of the headline grabbing “Christian Coalitions” that jump out, get in front of cameras, and threaten boycotts such as the one you reference. Somehow I don’t think this would be Jesus’ first response to an ass walking by with a reference to Ba’al painted on it by its master.

@ chicago dyke
Don’t be so sure that you know what God thinks of you according to the belief’s of “Christians.” Did you know that some Christians think that Jesus was tolerant and welcoming of Gays and Lesbians? The truth is this is still a topic of debate within the Christian intelligencia. I don’t know the answer to the debate but what I know is what I believe – that Jesus came, lived among us, taught us how to live and love others, died a horrible death (none of that is debatable – it is fact) ( this is the faith part with some support within early non-canonical Jewish and Roman literature…) and then on the third day rose again, defeating the power of death and sin and offering all who follow his teachings a full, abundant life.
I assume from your “name” that you are lesbian, that does not change God’s love for you, if (for the sake of argument) I concede that being gay is a sin, I must admit that I overate at CiCi’s tonight (I have kids, OK) and gluttony is a sin too. Based upon your premise I too should be slaughtered like an animal. That is not the view of mainstream Christianity, only the far right ultra conservative (who are usually the most vocal and give Christians a bad reputation.)

Well, already too long. Probably too late to get in the discussion anyway. Wish I could get to @Richard Wade, @Texas, and others.
In a nutshell, I hate that so many who claim to follow Jesus Christ seem to live, act, and treat others in such a way that they would make the Jesus of history (Christ or not) embarrassed to have his name associated with them.

May you all know peace this holiday season.
J

@ Robert B
Thank you for your reply Robert. I must admit I had to weed through the language to find you meaning. Why must we overload our commentary with big words, some of which are used inappropriately (sic. a periscope is a tool or instrument used to observe from a hidden position – often found on a submarine where as a pericope is a short story within a larger narrative such as, and most often associated with, a Biblical passage read within a service of worship)?
At any rate while I recognize your argument regarding the Greco-Roman culture that saturated the region, you must look both within and beyond this culture to find evidence of Jesus. Yes, Mark did create a new literary type known as Gospel and he was likely a Greek that would have grown up in the culture you speak of, yet he was also a student of Peter- one that was said to be a contemporary and disciple of Jesus. Furthermore, Josephus – a Jewish historian and not a follower of Jesus mentions the man Jesus in his writings in several places. There are other mentions of Jesus outside of the Greco-Roman culture.
Looking beyond Mark and the “Q” texts you spoke of without knowing it, you can look to Luke, a physician who studied and spoke to first-hand witnesses to the life of Jesus and find additional help.
Additionally, when you look deep enough you will find writings of high ranking Roman officials in the late First Century and early Second Century who asked what they were to do with all these followers of a man they had previously executed named Jesus.
While I know you may choose not to recognize these vague references, there is one question that remains to be asked: how is it that so many people through the early years of Christianity were willing to die for what they believed if there was no fact upon which they placed their faith? The argument that “belief” can make one do crazy things works for us 2000 years after the fact but what about those that “walked” with Jesus those 2000 years ago? If what they believed was false, why would they have been willing to die?
I am not saying that it is a fact that the historical Jesus was God or a god, I am simply saying that historically there was a carpenter named Jesus who hailed from Nazareth in Judea.
I apologize if I seem too argumentative – that was not my intention, yet I do enjoy the intellectual debate that remains respectful.

-“If what I believe is false I have lost nothing, yet if what you believe is false then you have lost everything.” Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)