THIS IS A COLUMN

So, you’re an Atheist. Okay, that’s cool; believe whatever you want to believe. I’m not here to stop you or to tell you that you’re wrong. I may not believe the same things as you, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit here and patronize you for it. That also does not mean you can sit there behind your computer screen and act like you are amazing because you can post videos on Facebook about the idioicracy of Christianity and the glorification of Atheism. It should mean that if you say you are Atheist, you actually ARE. Not just acting like it to fit in, not just saying it make an image of yourself for your peers, but because the beliefs or disbeliefs of Atheism are really, truly, what you believe too. If you’re well educated and well informed, and you happen across a video that completely captures your beliefs, then fine- post it on the news-feed. See what people say. But don’t use some ill-advised source to back up your beliefs and make some sort of statement. The only statement you’re making is that you’re arrogant, uneducated, and ignorant. Is that how you want people to perceive you? Because that’s how people will if you continue through high school as you are. Personally, I don’t have a problem with you. Half of my friends do believe differently than me, and that doesn’t exclude you- whether we’re friends or not. I do, however, have a problem with you acting out just to start an argument, like you know it will. If you’re going to try to criticize others for something, have the facts and education to back up what you’re saying. If you don’t have that, then let it go. If you’re going to say you believe something, believe it. Don’t just act like you do because the alternative isn’t quite as “cool.” Although recently this has been brought to my attention through a so-called Atheist, people of this belief are beyond a reasonable doubt not the only ones to do something like this. I know many people, some my friends, that will post videos of Christians condemning Atheists for their “ignorance” or beliefs. I personally hate that this happens; the classic song, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” comes to mind. Honestly kids, why can’t we be friends? Is it really that hard for us to get over our beliefs and not shove them in everyone else’s faces? We’re in high school. Obviously all of us do not get along- if we did, high school would be boring. Let’s be honest. The fights, the drama, the yelling wars- that’s what makes this exciting. But, that does not mean we can’t at least try to find a way to deal with each other for a few more years. So here’s the thing, ladies and gents. Stop shoving your religion down your peers’ throats. Quit starting fights and refrain from pointlessly attempting to make yourself feel superior to those around you. Most of all, just grow up.