Synthesis Essay: Atheists in Contemporary America

Over the past 20 years, atheists have become increasingly visible in American society. In some quarters of American society, such as academia and science, they've generally been welcomed. But other facets of American life, such as religion and politics, have been more hostile toward atheists. How would you characterize 2014 America's view of atheists? For example, are American generally accepting of atheist perspectives? Do you believe they receive fair representation in the media?  Do we reserve a space for non-believers in our national discussions? Finally, how are atheists reacting to their treatment from mainstream America? In a concise essay, synthesize five of the following texts into a "snapshot" of contemporary America's view of atheists:

• “‘Education, Not Indoctrination’: Atheists Protest Texas Homeschool Convention as Promised” (Christian News Network)
• “10.5 Tips When Coming Out to Family or Friends as an Atheist” (We Are Atheism)
• “Atheist Group Sets Up Chicago Display Protesting Christmas Scene and Celebrating Bill of Rights” (The Raw Story)
• “Bill O'Reilly Debates Atheist Over Obama Swearing in on Bible at Inauguration, Jan 18, 2013” (Fox News)
• “CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Tells Atheist Tornado Survivor: ‘You Gotta Thank the Lord’” (The Raw Story)
• “Diana Nyad, Atheist, Teaches Oprah a Thing or Two about Belief, Awe, and Wonder” (Huffington Post)
• “Five Facts about Atheism” (Pew Research Center)
• “How to Talk to an Atheist about Christianity” (Crisis Magazine)
• “Religion in America’s States and Counties, in 6 Maps” (Washington Post)
• “The Genesis of Alabama’s Only High School ‘Freethinkers Club’” (Southern Education Desk)
• “eBay Kills Eve Brannon's ‘Take an Atheist Leader to Church’ Ad Again and Again” (Huffington Post)
• "Religion Does No Harm" from Bill Maher: But I’m Not Wrong (HBO)

All texts are located in the eR.

Requirements:

• Three pages minimum
• Cite a minimum of five of the above texts
• MLA Style
• Parenthetical citation
• Works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, focusing exclusively on the current American perceptions of atheism
• Have a concise thesis
• Find "common threads" amongst a diverse group of texts and combine them to create a "snapshot" of America's view of atheists
• Cite a minimum of five of the above texts
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style

Due:
Sec 16—03.05.14 (Final draft)

Sec 80—03.03.14 (Draft 1); 03.10.14 (Final draft)