Atheism in Minorities (First Installment)

                Atheists are already known to be one of the several minority groups amongst us in this society. Oddly though, there are not too many atheists reigning from another minority group, such as one that regards a racial identity. Out of most of the minority groups, I believe that most atheists would stem from a LGBTQ+ identity. This is simply because according to most religious texts, they are seen as heavy sinners because of who they essentially are. It is pretty evident that this specific community does not stem from a specific race, but they do yield from a well known group. With all of this being said, it is obvious that a majority of people who classify as atheists happen to be of a Caucasian background. Why is this though?

                I doubt there is a definite answer to this question, but I would like to think that culture plays an enormous role in this. Unlike America, most countries consist of a lifestyle that revolves around cultural aspects that are almost enforced onto each individual. Most of the time, these cultural practices derive from some sort of religion. —In fact, even the United States of America was established to fall under a Christian society. This of course did not stick though, due to the US’s notion of freedom; which is something other countries do not necessarily enforce too much. —Things such as holidays, and specific foods are introduced to the extent that citizens of a country like India, will not be aware of the vast amount of other beliefs and customs. Without the knowledge of the bigger sea, how can one explore their options?

                The fact that minorities are forced into positions of receiving discrimination and hardship, might also be another reason that allows for an explanation on why atheists are not usually from a racial minority group. Because of the privilege white individuals automatically get, there is no purpose for them to seek a higher being that promotes punishments for the bad and selfish, and help for the good and deserving. Slavery depicts a pivotal example for this idea. Slaves greatly relied on a God as a coping mechanism; religion acted as a security blanket, basically. At this point, although slavery is not allowed in America anymore, African Americans have already infused their identities with the belief and practice of religion.

                In many countries, atheism is seen as an act that is defiant and barbaric. For this reason, it can also be concluded that maybe there are not more white atheists, but perhaps the minority atheists are just afraid to label themselves as atheists. In the Middle East, for example, atheism is not usually tolerated by the government, or the family. Instead, they are targeted on purpose and regarded as “infidels.” Despite the fact that families from the Middle East are arriving to a land that allows for freedom in belief, this does not change their outlook on atheists. This reason alone is enough for atheists to not sidetrack from the values and practices of a particular country, and to instead follow something in which the family is accustomed to and supportive of.

Honestly though, there are most likely more atheists in one of these countries in general, compared to white atheists in America. I say this because in the US, about 3.1% consists of atheists; but in Saudi Arabia 5% of the population consists of atheist and this does not include the ones who are hiding for both nations. —I do realize that the populations of both countries differ but if the undercover atheists were included and the statistics were done to appropriately compare, I am almost sure that both countries are leaning towards the same amount of nonbelievers, or that Saudi Arabia is yielding more. Also, it is worth it to note that America does hold a higher amount of people.

                There are obviously more explanations for why a minority might not be atheist, but the easiest answer is probably that people have a  mind of their own and can therefore explain the beauty of life in their own manner. This reasoning does not have to make sense to anyone, as long as it resonates with the specific individual. Personally, I believe the belief of a God is comparable to an opinion. There is no certain proof that God either does or does not exist, so an interpretation for everything around us is up to the eye of the beholder.