Introduction for Analytical Research Paper

In the summer of 2009, an ad was put up in a small town in Iowa reading, "Don't believe in God? You're not alone." A seemingly innocent ad that doesn't seem to target any religion but is merely being advertised to show that atheists not only exist, but there are many of them here in America. Unfortunately, not many Christians thought so and teamed up to get the ad pulled. Their reason for being "offended" was, "There is a God. And addressing that publicly is extremely offensive." claimed an anonymous person. Is it so much that the advertisement was "offensive" or more so the realization that not everybody believes in a deity? If America is so keen on Freedom of Speech, then how is it that one person can take something seemingly none offensive and make it conveniently offensive so that they don't have to come to terms with reality?

America has come a long way since 1776, with new views and a variety of opinions that shape a very colorful country. From the left wing libertarians to the extremely right wing Tea Party activists, it seems as if America has become a country of extremes as well. You're either black or you're white, smart or ignorant, rich or poor, and more importantly, religious or not. With such extremes in America it may be difficult to find a medium. It may be all too much for us all together. America was founded by some very religious men and some who pushed the Bible under their straw filled mattresses. With the extremes of being religious and of not being religious, what exactly is atheism and its impact on America? More importantly, why does it have that impact? In this paper I will cite a brief introduction into what atheism really is at its core and how it has been perceived in America and why.

Why does it seem that Atheists in America seem to have restricted freedom of expression?

Have you ever wondered how Christianity or denominations of Christianity are advertised everywhere but you rarely see an advertisement encouraging atheism or agnostic ideals?

That's because many of the advertisements that do go up are taken down because many religious people say that they are "offended". This question can be answered by simply reviewing what atheism actually is, how society views it, how many religious and political leaders view it, and how the media has misconstrued atheism in the past decade for its own convenience of denying Atheists the right to solicitate their lack of theistic beliefs and infringing upon their First Amendment right.

But that's okay right? I mean, "America is a Christian nation." (Sarah Palin). The media has painted Atheism and atheists in a very negative color. Some are even ignorant enough to say that "Atheism is Devil-worshipping with a pretty name." (Bill O'Reilly)

This brings up arguments regarding the First Amendment, what "freedom of religion" truly means, whether or not America is a "Christian" nation, and what penalties and consequences will and have arisen from denying these fundamental rights.

I hope I made the topic clear enough to understand.