Ask a deeply religious Christian if he'd rather live next to a bearded Muslim that may or may not be plotting a terror attack, or an atheist that may or may not show him how to set up a wireless network in his house. On the scale of prejudice, atheists don't seem so bad lately.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Adams compares prejudice toward Muslims and atheists, suggesting atheists are currently seen as less threatening.
- In plain terms
- He notes that atheists are now viewed with less suspicion than Muslims.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize how prejudice shifts over time and context.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What factors influence changing prejudices?
- How can we reduce bias overall?
Another view
Generalizations can still be harmful regardless of target.
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