A Note From Rebecca
I'd like to officially welcome you to the fourth issue of Skepchick.We're back with more great articles from previous writers Darcie Hodgkins Langone, Lynette, Davidson, Matthew Armstrong, and Aj Davis. Risa Beckwith joins the team with a compelling look at women who choose to remain childfree.

We're excited to launch a new project, SkepLit. Every month, Donna Druchunas will select a book for the community to read and discuss on the forum. At the end of the month, Skepchick will feature an article or interview on the book in question. Donna is getting things off to a great start with Michael Shermer's Why People Believe Weird Things.

Be sure to continue to tune into the forum as well as the Skepchick blog for your regular dose of skepchicks between issues, and keep sending us your feedback on what you think and how we can continue to make Skepchick even better.

Editorial from Diane
According to a recent study by the University of Minnesota Department of Sociology, “atheists are seen as a threat to the American way of life by a large portion of the American public…."

There was some limited discussion on the Forums in regard to this article, but the posts just seemed to dismiss it with a sort of “comes with the territory” shrug. While it is no surprise to any of us that atheists are often incorrectly perceived as elitist, immoral and criminal—the bottom feeders of the social strata, if you will—this study truly bothered me.

In my profession, I am held to a strict code of ethics. I must conduct myself with integrity and in a professional manner. I must respect the privacy and confidentiality of the people I work with. I cannot participate in any criminal activities or in any form of discrimination, accept bribes/kickbacks, steal or abuse the power given to me. Yet, because I am an atheist, my character can be called into question regardless of how I conduct myself or the pledges that I make. Apparently, without some holy book and imaginary friend to guide me through life, I, who give time and money to charities, who is honest in thought and deed, cannot be trusted.

This study should be considered a call to action for all atheists and agnostics alike, but I’m not getting that impression. I feel like we are simply rolling over and taking it again (without so much as a complimentary reach around). Why is that? Why are we not completely incensed by this instead?

Am I simply being naïve in hoping that by speaking out and living well we will be able to shake these misconceptions? While I am not certain what course of action to take, I am open to suggestions…

ISSUE 4 CREDITS

Skepchick-in-Chief
Rebecca Watson

Managing Editor
Diane Perry

News Editor
Chani Overli

Contributing Writers
Darcie Hodgkins Langone, Lynette Davidson, Aj Davis, Risa Beckwith, Matthew Armstrong, Donna Druchunas

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"Flash Guru" Nick

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