Video of Celebrity Atheists

One of the interesting things I found while watching the video (and yes, I watched the whole thing) was the number of people I didn’t really care for. It’s a good sign when it’s common enough that there’s a “like” group (George Carlin, Eddie Izzard, Douglas Adams, Frank Zappa) a “dislike” group (David Cross, James Lipton, Bill Bryson) and a fairly large “who dat?”. (I’m guessing all the names I didn’t recognize are either British actors or American producers/directors or something like that.)

It’s very lopsided with men. Wonder why?

Thanks for the listing.
Some pretty amazing figures.

But I had to say that I was struck by how monolithically white that entire list was. I mean if it weren’t for Mohammed Choukri, Robin Quivers, Tariq Ali, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali it’s be entirely white.

What’s up with that?

Has anyone blogged about this pretty striking disparity?

Cause as an atheist of color (for lack of a better term) I was sort of left feeling like more a freak after that list then less of one.

I had no idea on some of them. Arranofsky was one of them that I didn’t know about.

How can you not like David Cross? Clearly, you haven’t watched Arrested Development.

Also, I’d like to point out many things including the things already pointed out:

1) Lots of men.
2) Lots of white people.
3) There were certain professions with many people in them. Obviously, there was the sciences. But probably more prevelant was that of comedians. I think when you have to analyze stuff to get material, it really, really calls things into question.

As for #1, from experience, this just hits home. My sister is full blown Catholic. In fact, she often cites – out of the blue – anyone or anything that might be a “non-believer”. There was also a local paper article about Christmas being a female predominant holiday. (I’d link to it but it’s under a pay wall; tisk tisk KC Star.) Anyway, it just seems that women are far more susceptible to the spell – if that’s the right way to look at it.

#2, I’m wondering if that’s just because of the video’s not putting everyone in, trying to put in big names, or simply because there aren’t many. I’m honestly not sure, but it’s concerning.

#3 I just find that fascinating. My wannabe profession – filmmaking – was represented well.

A couple more that aren’t included:

- Ayn Rand
- J. Michael Straczynski
- Bill Gates
- Brad Pitt (not 100% sure; I think I read it somewhere, but don’t remember exactly)

David Cross is hilarious (Arrested Development anyone?)

About it being mostly white men, I am sure there are many complex reasons why. Have you noticed how many paranormal shows are on women’s networks? It’s disappointing but true. Why do women seem more susceptible to paranormal claims? I’m not entirely sure but I am proud to be a rationally-minded woman.

When I go to atheist events there are mostly white men there too. It’s the way it is. But we can change that!