To define an Atheist

So here in 'Merica, it is entirely normal for people to use language without much thought as to the etymology of their vocabulary. I suppose this is to be expected in a mono-linguistic state, and I can think of many examples from places that even have the luxury of multiple tongues.

So words get thrown around, and so many of them start in people's minds as politically or ideologically charged, fixed with meaning. The problem of course is the way people learn is generally not by reading but by word of mouth, in my opinion. Their misunderstandings tend to be reinforced without public awareness, and like so many misrepresented things in the States, such as socialism, quantum, theory, or science itself, being confident about what something is, helps to allow others doubt about their sources.

SO...Lets get down to it...

All too often I hear people proclaiming I am not an atheist because I am not absolutely certain there is no god, and I am not certain. So we come to the first problem. Most atheists, but not all, tend to use doubt and skepticism to analyze things. That said, I have never met an atheist who was certain about a lack of god.

So what do we believe? I think it will help orientate people to refer to the great court systems of these United States. When you are charged with a crime, an amalgamation of people makes a decision taking note of the evidence and available information to make a conclusion: GUILTY or NOT GUILTY. Do you see how there is no mention of someone's innocence? That is because there is no way to prove or demonstrate someone's innocence, only cast doubt over their guilt.

In this same way, we use logic, rationality, and science to determine the veracity of claims made in the natural world. Thus, someone makes a claim (charged with a crime), and everyone is capable of looking at the available evidence and determining if the claim is True(guilty) or not true(not guilty).

Once again, there is not possibility to disprove a claim such as the existence of a deity, Santa Clause, the Loch Ness Monster, or Unicorns. These claims are unfalsifiable.

Back to defining atheist, and Atheist is someone who has determined(believes) that there is insufficient(or none) evidence to demonstrate the existence of a deity or god. Most atheists, such as myself, are entirely willing to be wrong about this decision, but will use the utmost rigor and standards of skepticism and critical thinking to analyze the evidence.

We can go back to Richard Dawkins very true statement that everyone is an atheist about some gods. Most don't believe in Greek gods or Chinese gods, or African gods, and most people in the world believe in a single god watching over them. So that would imply that we agree about 99.99% of all god claims, but I am simply an atheist one god more than them.

In general, I will not be certain about any belief, because I might be wrong. I consider this to the be humble statement considering the litany of stuff humanity has been wrong about in the past. Where does a position of faith stand? One of arrogant certitude.

Uphill, in a swamp

As I take a leap into the thick of it, I am slowly realizing I stand waist deep in a quicksand. I know the best way to get out  is to lie flat and try to proceed slowly.

There were mostly optimistic things I have to say, lately. Yesterday I met with Fargo's former Mayor and NDSU Professor Jon Lindgren, and I was delighted to get to know him. Prior to our meeting, I read up on what was going on in the area. This much is needed to be said: Mr. Lindgren is a hero to the peoples of this region.

When I say hero, I do not mean that lightly. Mr. Lindgren has stood up for LGBT/Women's rights while in office in one of the most conservative areas in the country. He has stood for intellectual equality, demanding Fargo remain a place not only for Christians, but for all those from abroad who wish to also call it home, and for those not following their family's customs.

In his time, he has been able to see things from the point of view he does not embrace, and to objectively measure what may be best for the future of the area, for the rights of all. It was an honor to meet him, and I hope to work with him in the future.

No, the reason I mentioned the quicksand is that I now realize just how much tact it will take to bring up the necessary issues around the Fargo/Moorhead area. Even those who proclaim themselves to be secular, and I have to say, about half of all people I have met since I have gotten back do not affiliate themselves with any religion, Even they tend to draw back and step away from the idea of public equality.

Of course I am writing about the debate which has been raging on in the last couple of decades about the Ten Commandments monument in from of City Hall in Fargo. After this weekend, I will write fully on this topic, but for now, I am still gathering as much information as I can.

This much is certain... The mentality in North Dakota is very conservative. Yesterday, the bill designed to outlaw abortion passed. But I mean more generally, such as the way we interact with each other. I was chided for walking through a door holding it open behind me, for in this part of the world, we hold the door open for ladies, then enter!

After a lengthy discussion, I see I still live in the land of cowboy romanticism and honor based morality. Civilization left the concepts of gentlemen and honor behind for equality and court-based justice.

Imagine the way it used to be, when in disagreement  challenging your opponent to a duel for the slightest of  misunderstandings. Alexander Hamilton found out how well this works out. And I have to say, the people have learned to avoid violent altercations, and everyday prejudices, and yet we choose to hold on to the vestiges of the old days.

Why do I oppose these traditions? Because the foundation of modern development is dependent on the empowerment of women. This has come so far in the states, and every further barrier we cross is a huge victory for progress. The problem now is the mentality that comes with coddling women. I find in areas without these gentlemanly initiatives, the people tend to view sex equality more realistically. Yet around here, I regularly get comments that 'men and women...are just different'. Well yes, but in what way?

Women just want men to take care of them? Women need protectors? Women are unable to do certain things as well? These are the honest opinions I have heard as a response. Now tell me there is not much work to do.....

One thing is for sure, I realize the uphill battle will receive resistance, mostly from behind. Those who should be on the side of progress, tend to shy away or even kick back. One day at a time, so let's get me a job first, eh?

Culture Shock

The culture shock of being back in the states has led to much introspection. In fact I wouldn't know where to start if some one asked me what is so strange. It could be that EVERYTHING in this country is so large, or the vast abundance of cheap food, even at restaurants, including the massive proportions.

I find myself amazed by simple things again, like being able to drink tap water, having a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer by default. Trash-less roads and waterways is always a plus, as this is one of the cleanest countries out there.

Carpets everywhere again! People genuinely saying hello when they see you. Service with a smile, as well as being helpful, to boot. Heat that permeates the entire house, not only one room. Having heat at all! (In Nepal you either sat in the sun or hid in your sleeping bag.)

It is, without a doubt, the people who provide the greatest challenge though. Everyone I meet who knew me before is confused by my accent. The most annoying thing is to be called British, which they assume because it is English, but foreign sounding. New people guess I am a foreigner.  I hate having to explain this. My accent, I suppose, is simply an amalgamation of so many things I picked up on the road. International is the best way to describe it.

On the topic of language, it is so hard to turn off my desire to correct the atrocious English the locals speak. With only one language, they tend to butcher the grammar and vocab. With those I am close to, I have to point it out. No doubt, they must find my desire to improve vocabulary to be pretentious, as seems to be the norm here, to simplify rather than expand.

Lastly, I so often wonder how people view my travels. When I mention a country, I can see their brains scrambling for associations and images. In the end, I know they may not understand why or how, and I feel pressured to stay with local topics. I hope to meet some others around who have traveled out of the country, even to Canada...

Overall, I have received warm welcomes and it feels good to be back. Now I guess I have to find a job!

BACK IN THE USA!

You know what? It is about damn time I get back to my blog. After India, I was in Nepal until mid-January before finally returning to the US of A. I spent Christmas day at Mt. Everest Base Camp and had an amazing time in the country. Of course there were many things to write about there, if I had a solid Internet connection and if the power would be on more than 8 hours a day.

Thus I, a national in my own nation once again. I have to say, I am both overwhelmed and experiencing culture shock, but perhaps I can leave that for next post. I have been primed and ready for a rant for a while now.

Living in Fargo, ND is going to be a blast, since most Americans you meet abroad are quite liberal by nature, I have walked straight into the lion's den of conservatism. The atheist communities are scant and relatively unorganized upon first inspection, although I look forward to getting to know them better.

Despite bitter losses in national politics, Republicans are stronger than ever here in ND, and pushing against women's rights and choices. With only ONE remaining women's health clinic in state capable of performing legal abortions, North Dakotan legislation is pushing ahead with a measure identical to those passed in Mississippi not allowing a certified physician to perform an abortion unless they have admitting privileges at a local hospital, virtually guaranteeing the shut down of the clinic.

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/65191/

as well as

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/c60305c63a3f4171a73ef3c5e20efcfa/ND--Legislature-Fetal-Heartbeat

I find it astounding that I take the opportunities while traveling around the world to speak up for women's rights in countries where they have a long way to go, when all someone has to say is: Look at your own country.

Perhaps I came back at just the right time, but there is vitriol and hatred everywhere in the country as a strong political dichotomy is getting stronger, hard line conservatives are entrenching themselves in the bubble of conservative media, the liberals are perhaps not doing their share of standing up for the ills.

Since being back in Fargo, I expected gay hate, attacks on atheists, discrimination, but so far everyone has been so amiable. The public attitudes towards immigrants, homosexuals, and atheists has significantly improved, seriously!!

Except... on the Internet. It seems where anonymity reigns, and people pay little for their words, there is a full blown attack from the christian right to speak out. I wish someone would try to defend anonymity on the Internet for me, so I can understand why it is important. Let's learn to speak out loud and proud in public about our beliefs so we also learn how to discuss them with civility.

It would seem the moment the subject comes up, that of religion, abortion, or politics, most shy away from it, knowing it might lead to conflict. In a personal setting, I wish we could encourage these conversations, understanding it is absolutely OK to disagree and not change each other's minds.

I have spent most of my time so far getting back with family, not to mention no time yet to track down old friends. I am mostly excited to meet up soon with a man named Jon Lindgren, a retired economics professor from NDSU and the Mayor of Fargo for 16 years. As head of the area Freethinker organization, and outspoken atheist and blogger (Check it out!), I am sure we can plan some wonderful things.

Keep your eyes out for more entries, now that I am back. I plan to keep up to date, although not as often as Mr. Lindgren or PZ Myers.

Salute and Sayonara

-I had met the Rush Limbaugh of India, and even worse, I was his guest. -

The last few weeks in India were a bit challenging for me. I started to see that every city was identical with the exception of the local monuments, the behaviors became predictable, and I became tired and ill.

A week or so I spent allowing the local bacteria to thrive in my belly, leaving me incapacitated for the majority of that time. I hung out at my guest house, chatting with guests as they came and went, and yet I felt unable to get involved in society the same way I felt in central or southern India. The farther north I went, the more it seemed like the people had resigned themselves to the abhorrent conditions, and often going even as far as defending the inhuman situation so many Indians must live with.

Enter my host from Delhi. I felt he represents so much of what bothered me about India, I think it is important to share my experience. Let's call him... Mr. Burns.

Us couchsurfers are not very picky when it comes to staying with others and accepting accomodation, which is why I was so surprised at the opulent luxury presented to me in Delhi. When I arrived by taxi, I was immediately surrounded by a large row of trees leading up to a large building set on marble pillars. After being invited in, I set my bags down and proceeded to get lost in his apartment. It was when we sat down to talk that I was so taken aback by the personal philosophies of this man.

Mr. Burns was born into an extremely wealthy and well-connected family in New Delhi, silver spooned and had access to the best education in the country. He did not hesitate to inform me of his vast wealth (over $100 million), and how proud he was from his efforts to make it. Although when he told me he went bankrupt four times, and still recovered every time, he informs me it was his karma which kept him afloat.

"I must have been a good man in my previous lives"

I question that karma, as he describes his unambiguous anti-western point of view. It became clear that he believes the west in complete and utter shambles, unable to possibly recover, and this is all due to it's obsession with human rights, increasing wages, and worrying about unavoidable climate change.

"All westerners do is complain, they don't even value marriage anymore, or pay for their children, like good Indians do..."

It was the Indian on the street who was happy, who lead the simplest and most fulfilling lifestyles. Because India is the greatest country on earth, with the richest traditions and history, and all western people are clamoring to get in, just for the opportunity to work for $300/month.

"We open our borders to all, not like western countries building up walls!"

Of course... any attempt to address or correct these issues would fall on deaf ears and a bellowing condescension about how blind I have become from media propaganda. I had met the Rush Limbaugh of India, and even worse, I was his guest.

As I listened patiently about how the unavoidable animalistic realities of human behavior should not be discouraged, but embraced, I could see he applied the laissez faire economic model and applied it directly with morality. This was reinforced later when I found Ayn Rand novels, but with every sentence, I found myself wincing.

"I don't like rape, but you can't stop it"

As a man who hates any form of taxation, I found parallels to some american "thinkers" and how he appreciates places like China, India, and the Middle East, more than western countries, because you can do anything you want to. When I politely pointed out that it sounds nice if you have the means to do something, but those countries have not provided opportunities for the masses. I was quickly corrected by noting those who do not have opportunities are simply subjects of their own fate and karma.

"God will provide"

Half of India's population is wealthy, according to this raconteur, and countries only suffer when people punish the companies which create jobs (sound familiar again?). He then told me when his architecture company needs workers, they simply go to the train station and pressgang a group into honest labor and a good meal.

"These people would be dogs in the street without the companies creating jobs"

I had to excuse myself. It was clear I would not be allowed an opinion, nor was it welcome. Absolute truth had been had, and would be shared. Which brings me to my conclusion.

Yes, it is dangerous to live in a society which refuses to teach critical thinking skills or the ability to question a point of view, especially one's own. Throughout India, I met people who were unable to see things from another perspective, or able to find how things could be improved. This alone is harmful, and brought onto the next generation via traditions.

I now see the culmination of these problems. What happens when you allow an independently wealthy and politically connected man to form all of his own conclusions about life without a single consideration to anyone else or the veracity of his claims, and not question him? You have a nihilistic totalitarian who enacts his views while believing he is accomplishing good for the world. This has been the mentality to Kings, dictators, emperors, and spiritual leaders for thousands of years, and if we wonder why progress towards human rights, population, climate, pollution, or general order has been remiss, then we need look no further than how traditional societies neglect logic, rationality, or the importance of objective truth

In the village, you just have an ignorant shopkeeper, or a corrupt police officer. In the capital, you have the egomaniacal  megalomania of a man who believes he is helping a people by suppressing them into poverty and ignorance because he has never had to taste independence, self reliance, or the pain of an honest days labor.

This monster, this man who purchased my company for the evening by offering me a place to stay, perfectly encapsulated what is so displeasing about a traditional society. Goodbye India.

Standing Outside Oneself

I have come into a certain dilemma in India. When in other countries, giving constructive criticism, offering suggestions for improvement, insisting on progress is always a nice thing, because most people are perhaps not as straightforward or bluntly honest as I. In fact, if politely spoken and well-worded, these things can be taken rather well.

India, on the other hand, demands I either turn down my critical thinking or turn it off completely. It would mean I never stop correcting. I have written before about how my experiences in Northern India have entirely burnt me out, I am fried, exhausted, left a hallow empty shell of a man with a short fuse. Sometimes. Most times I have to stop, look around me and try to see everything from outside.

Discretion is vital when deciding what to discuss, with whom, of course, and since I have met so few who believe that change is even possible, and even fewer who may be coerced into believing change starts with each individual, I have to look at India as a whole and try as much as possible to formulate what I have learned from this country.

Number one, Indians are rather clever people, the average man you may speak to in the street can grasp ideas of philosophy and politics more than most Asian countries.

Number two, Indians also understand our behaviors are dictated by how society, be it family, community, country, or world, reacts to specific actions or inaction.

Number three, while the country is working out it's education, tradition, and religion problems, the rest of the world has got to get it's act together in regards to Human Rights, and where we stand on science. The world came together to agree on what Human Rights are. Naturally we disagree on how to implement these rights, specifically when it comes to contradicting religion and traditions. We need developed countries to step up to the plate, specifically the United States, in standing behind the freedoms of speech and expression, not only within their own borders, but using political influence to let others know that possessing nuclear weapons is not the only crime which requires sanctions.

Number four, India's constitution protects the citizens' rights very well, but either due to apathy or ignorance, so many are denied access to these rights. When Edamaruku was threatened to be arrested, there should be more than just online petitions defending him. Come on, people, stop the relativism.

Number five, if I had been here on anything more than a vacation, I sincerely believe I could organize community gathering to form a concerted effort for reform, via Indian voices. Those who can stand living in India, come and show them leadership, please.

I will be in Nepal next week, something I am very excited about. More on that later

Surviving Sanely

As one of those silly naive children of this world who believe we can help make the world a better place by participating in society and by enforcing good behaviors, and discouraging destructive ones, I have the bad habit of caring a bit too much at times. 

Those who can survive in India over long periods of time do so via apathy and a passive disregard for things which strike them as immoral. It starts with cultural relativism, not questioning how others live their lives, pretending they are equally good.

Add a pinch of tolerance for the intolerant. You see beliefs, behaviors, and systems which, by definition, exclude, persecute, and breed intolerance. When combined with step one, this becomes tautological.

Lastly, garnish with hypocritical immoralities, and argue you can change nothing as a foreigner. Things like pollution, cheating, corruption; all committed by foreigners who sincerely believe themselves to be in Rome, and act accordingly. 

This type of moral lethargy truly gets to the locals, as I am constantly hearing stories which justify their behavior through anecdotal examples using foreigners as role models. Standing up to corruption? Nah, that’s only in the movies!

Don’t forget, in many developing countries, entire government offices or public industries are designed to multiply the corruptions. Go here, get a form, use this agent to sign it, get that officer’s permission, pay the processing fees, wait in that cue to get the proper…..

So allow me to shuffle and deal and example of the daily stresses you may find in northern India. 

Yesterday, I set out to send my Absentee Voting Ballot to the States, trying to get my vote in on time. Walking to the post office, was I wrong to assume there were some basic qualities to a post office? Waiting in front of four idle customer service booths, all four gentlemen refused to even glance at me. As I played the waiting game, others simply pushed me out of the way and demanded attention. Ahh, I see. So I pushed them out of the way and demanded attention. No English…ok. So I went through the employee entrance and went into the back, asking who can speak English. 

Don’t forget, more Indians speak English than any other language, and only around half of the population speaks Hindi. That said, if the local government only hires Hindi speakers, in a town where the largest industry is tourism…. It doesn’t say much for forethought.

 

I finally found someone who spoke utterances, it was enough. Ten minutes later, he realized I was asking for an envelope. No, the post office doesn’t sell envelopes. You have to go to the stationary shop for that. 

So, following bad directions, being thrown off course by unwitting locals pointing random directions, I got to a stationary shop, and bought a couple of envelopes. When I got back, the guy forgot who I was and I had to start all over again. Just an off note, but what kind of post office doesn’t carry basic office equipment like scissors, a stapler, or a ruler? Finally getting the damn thing sent, I went back to my guest house for a coffee, showing the owner the ridiculous 600IDR ($11) I paid to send an envelope to the US. 

That was then I realized the gobshite sent the package to Perth, Australia. ….sigh. Trying to jog back to the office before they sent it, I was impatient at this point, to say the least. Then again, I should have checked it.

Why did you send it to Australia? If you weren’t sure, why not ask? Before I can ask these questions, I was told to get behind the ‘cue’ of 25+ people crowded around one window. No. Barging back into the processing room, I demanded someone correct their mistake and fast. Once again, it seems this is the most effective method. A while later, after supervising the process, and correcting four more mistakes while he was typing, I also had to point out that the new address to the USA was about 100 rupees less. Refunding me, they hoped I had not seen this. When it was all said and done, the man, a.k.a. gobshite, asked for money for helping me. 

In other words, because I did not wait, I should give him cash for putting up with me. Five, four, three, two…. I cried corruption for all to hear, and then left. I am aware this put my envelope in jeopardy, but I am not sure if Mr. Gobshite realized I am pedantic enough to have taken his name and plan to check in Delhi if the package made it through. 

I can only hope that at least one person could see that you do not need to deal with it. I am not some entitled foreigner demanding respect. We are all entitled to respect, and until we all demand it of society, some will always take advantage of most. Traditional countries push cultures of the blind, philosophies of servitude, and lifestyles born into debt. The question is, how to encourage most to demand some?