1. Comment #305130 by Matt H. on December 22, 2008 at 5:29 pm

:)

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2. Comment #305135 by sarah95 on December 22, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Thanks for posting this, Josh!
I loved the brunette's reaction! It made my day! I try to wear my "A" shirt as often as possible, and occasionally I meet fellow Dawkins fans and atheists, but no one's actually inquired about it before(who didn't already know what it was).

And of course Richard is a charming spokesman as usual...;)

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3. Comment #305136 by mordacious1 on December 22, 2008 at 5:41 pm

Let's see. You're speaking with the world's best known atheist and you ask what the red "A" pin stands for. No wonder these gals have to go to a spermbank. (I know, the last sentence is insensitive, just couldn't resist)

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4. Comment #305137 by Martin Farrar on December 22, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Just bought my first ever item off the site and it's one of these badges. I must admit I was always worried about getting something like this not because I felt I'd be persecuted (I'm British) but rather people are going to say I'm arrogant and wearing it for no other reason. It's not true. I feel strongly about this so I don't think I should have to feel embarrassed to show my support.

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5. Comment #305138 by admin on December 22, 2008 at 5:45 pm

The other day I saw my first "Scarlet A" bumper sticker "in the wild" (well, on the 101 freeway in LA). It was on someone's black jeep. I was merging on the freeway, and I tried to pull along side, but they wouldn't let me in! They probably thought I was trying to pull ahead of them! I was still glad to see it, though. - Josh

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6. Comment #305140 by Butler on December 22, 2008 at 5:50 pm

I'm curious, does Richard wear his all the time or just when he knows he's going to be filmed/in front of an audience?

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7. Comment #305141 by mordacious1 on December 22, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Martin

Try the mug that they sell here, as depicted on Josh's avatar. They are real nice...I love mine.

Personally, I live in xian-ville and I wear a sweatshirt with "ATHEIST" emblazened on the front. I've had nothing but positive comments and have actually met some nice local atheists.

Josh

They probably thought you were an xian with a gun.

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8. Comment #305143 by Matt H. on December 22, 2008 at 5:53 pm

Well, I don't own a pin or t-shirt (I really should, though, just to support the RDF more than anything else). But I did think about buying a Darwin fish, or FSM badge, when I was out walking and saw a car with a Jesus fish on the back. I live in the UK, and there's loads of them over here.

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9. Comment #305144 by Eshto on December 22, 2008 at 5:54 pm

Were those the ladies picking the sperm donors?

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10. Comment #305150 by mordacious1 on December 22, 2008 at 6:04 pm

I don't like to put anything about atheism on my car. I like the paintjob too much.

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11. Comment #305155 by dhudson0001 on December 22, 2008 at 6:10 pm

A co-worker commented that I must be really ashamed that I committed adultery. When I explained what the A on my t-shirt actually stood for, she gave a horrified look and hurried away. lol.

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12. Comment #305166 by thewhitepearl on December 22, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Matt,

I had a Darwin fish on the back of my vehicle and eventually someone ripped it off. And by eventually I mean two weeks. I also noticed an increase in road rage towards me. Of course that could have all been in my head.

Any way, I enjoyed the clip, thanks for posting it Josh.

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13. Comment #305168 by gyokusai on December 22, 2008 at 6:43 pm

That was totally cute. Thank you, Josh!

^_^J.

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14. Comment #305172 by Hellene on December 22, 2008 at 6:59 pm

"You mean atheist like the religion?"

The mind boggles...

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15. Comment #305181 by Layla Nasreddin on December 22, 2008 at 7:22 pm

I have to say, the very first time I saw the pin (from a distance), I thought it was a red AIDS ribbon! I wonder what that's about, I wondered. Shows how much I knew...



If I take off my glasses and squint at this from a couple yards away, yes, they DO look awfully similar! (I mean, I'm almost blind at that distance, but hey...they're both red and sort of "cross" towards the middle!)

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16. Comment #305191 by j.mills on December 22, 2008 at 7:48 pm

Limerick Summary News Service!

The vowel that shamed Hester Prynne
Has evolved to RD's lapel pin.
We thus cast the first stone
At the faith-virus-prone,
For are not we all without sin?

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17. Comment #305193 by Dhamma on December 22, 2008 at 7:53 pm

Not only was it "like the religion...", but she followed it up with an astonished "wooow" at this very alien religion. Atheism isn't very big in USA, that's for sure.

The sheer joy in Richard's face when she asked the magical question was quite funny too.

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18. Comment #305219 by Mayhemm on December 22, 2008 at 8:32 pm

Let's see. You're speaking with the world's best known atheist and you ask what the red "A" pin stands for. No wonder these gals have to go to a spermbank. (I know, the last sentence is insensitive, just couldn't resist)

Well, as long as we're being insensitive, I would have to say that I find it rather surprising that they had to go to a sperm bank. Usually, the not-too-swift ones have no shortage of "donors". ;)

On a side note: That lady bears a striking physical resemblance to a girl I knew in university.

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19. Comment #305248 by Dow on December 22, 2008 at 9:15 pm

That was kind of cute... heh.

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20. Comment #305310 by Wosret on December 22, 2008 at 10:59 pm

I bought one of the t-shirts, but it turned out to be the wrong size -- so I gave it to my brother.

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21. Comment #305314 by Mr Jaguar on December 22, 2008 at 11:34 pm

I proudly have my DARWIN fish on the back of my car. Had my windows smashed in once, and one fish removed - I'll always have it on my car. Screw 'em if they can't take a joke!

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22. Comment #305352 by rthille on December 23, 2008 at 12:30 am

I've got the "Scarlet A" bumper sticker on my truck, and while I telecommute out of the house most of the time, when I go into the office, I tend to wear my "A" pin or button. I've only gotten asked about it twice. The response both times was mostly one of "why bother". I think that's because the office is in Silicon Valley where I'd imagine most of the engineers are scientific enough to not be religious. Of course that's probably just wishful thinking :-)

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23. Comment #305376 by Bertybob on December 23, 2008 at 12:56 am

I have the "Evolve" fish sticker inside my rear screen. My nice shiny Darwin Fish grew legs and walked off somewhere, no doubt someone who could not take free speech.

I live in the UK and so I am less worried about my paintwork and windows.

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24. Comment #305388 by petermun on December 23, 2008 at 1:12 am

I have been wearing a pin for about a year now and feel somehow naked when I go out without it (which I would be of course if that's all I wore - glad I spotted that one!) I have only been asked about it once in all that time - and although on the look out, I have never seen anyone else wearing one.

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25. Comment #305404 by Sharrow on December 23, 2008 at 1:38 am

My red A stays on my winter coat the whole time and I often get asked what it signifies. I do like the varied reactions from people on hearing the explanation. Some just carry the assumption that it is an anarchist A! Just goes to show.

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26. Comment #305416 by clatz on December 23, 2008 at 2:03 am

Really sweet. Loved the huge grin from Richard.

:-)

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27. Comment #305430 by Mark Jones on December 23, 2008 at 2:39 am

I've put it on my security blanket.

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28. Comment #305527 by bamboospitfire on December 23, 2008 at 6:40 am

"It's not spelling it out,"

Indeed! ;-)

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29. Comment #305531 by Tezcatlipoca on December 23, 2008 at 6:50 am

In her defense she immediately followed with "or lack of religion." So I'd say there has been a bit of thought about it. The ladies surely can not be RC as artificial insemination is a sin hmmm(qm)

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30. Comment #305534 by Ewald on December 23, 2008 at 6:59 am

11. Comment #305155 by dhudson0001 on December 22, 2008 at 6:10 pm
A co-worker commented that I must be really ashamed that I committed adultery. When I explained what the A on my t-shirt actually stood for, she gave a horrified look and hurried away. lol.

Hm.. So talking with an adulterer is less scary than talking to an atheist? Some standards.. ;)

29. Comment #305531 by Tezcatlipoca on December 23, 2008 at 6:50 am
In her defense she immediately followed with "or lack of religion." So I'd say there has been a bit of thought about it.

I agree, sounds a little like she simply misspoke and corrected herself quickly. I'm not ruling out actual stupidity, just saying that according to me, misspeaking seems a lot more plausible here :)

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31. Comment #305539 by Cartomancer on December 23, 2008 at 7:07 am

Ironically enough the first time I ever saw one of these pin badges in public it was attached to a teenager's backwards baseball cap...

I lost my own badge the day after it arrived. I hope it turns up again soon. People have commented on my RDF hoodies before, though most people think my OUT campaign one is something to do with my being gay. I generally get "yes, we know, it's not like you really need to spell it out, you couldn't fool anyone that you were straight if you tried". Then I point out that it's for atheism, and they say "oh, well that's a big waste of time. Everybody is an atheist these days". Which is true in the circles I move in. I then point out that it's out of solidarity with all those atheists in less enlightened climes who need the support, to which they generally say "but you hate Americans". They've got me there...

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32. Comment #305540 by Tezcatlipoca on December 23, 2008 at 7:12 am

If I self identify as Xicano does that exempt me from the hate(qm)

;p

*throws huaraches azules at G.W.*

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33. Comment #305541 by al-rawandi on December 23, 2008 at 7:16 am

TWP,


You dunderhead :-) what did you expect living in Texas?


Mordacious1,


When my dad was teaching at a local university, there was a Jesus oriented bumper sticker which read "I've found it" and a picture of Jesus or whatever on it. Well his colleague got a sticker that said "I've found it, but now my finger stinks". This was ripped off in under a week.

P.S. What do you do in Sacramento these days?

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34. Comment #305542 by braddm on December 23, 2008 at 7:18 am

Or lack of religion...

I wish people would get a clue.

good stuff

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35. Comment #305543 by al-rawandi on December 23, 2008 at 7:18 am

Cartomancer,


Why do you hate Americans? Does that extend to all those who are atheist but still happy to live in America?


Tez,


Do you have a US Passport? If so, I hate you. :-)

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36. Comment #305545 by Swordmaiden on December 23, 2008 at 7:28 am

I proudly wear my lapel badge but no one notices it. I havean Out bumper sticker but I am sure people also think its a gay thing.
About to put the RDF.Net sticker on the car.
I am used to local controversy having displayed the Anti Fox Hunting sticker in a Countryside Alliance area.

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37. Comment #305546 by Tezcatlipoca on December 23, 2008 at 7:29 am

Al-

sadly very few countries recognize my Aztlan passport(and I worked so hard in arts and crafts making it...) I was quite miffed when the authorities in Guadalajara refused to stamp it. I don't even try it going into Canada. I've spent way too much time in customs in Windsor. Those Canadiens are very sneaky. They send out this really beautiful woman (it's happened on two occasions) who asks you, quite sweetly, to step inside. Then her demeaner changes. "You, sit! You! Over there!" It was really quite stimulating ;) But, to answer your question, I have a US Passport. I wouldn't be able to get to the the dim sum restaurant in Windsor without it...and that would be a cruel, cruel, state of existence.

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38. Comment #305548 by righton on December 23, 2008 at 7:30 am

Gay and xenophobic??? Interesting.

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39. Comment #305550 by Tyler Durden on December 23, 2008 at 7:32 am

That can't be the real Richard Dawkins. He wasn't strident or militant :)

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40. Comment #305551 by Cartomancer on December 23, 2008 at 7:33 am

Well, not hate Americans so much as find their general culture somewhat overbearing, crass and distasteful. Perhaps I get the wrong impression from all the tourists. I guess it's just my somewhat stuffy English sensibilities that get riled by all the flashy razamatazz of American excess, and the constant assumption in the American media that everybody who matters is an American. Though don't worry, I'm an equal opportunities xenophobe - I don't really like anyone else much either!

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41. Comment #305552 by Tezcatlipoca on December 23, 2008 at 7:34 am

re 305548

I would say European. When my mother and I were visiting my Uncle in Deutschland he took us to a restaurant in Heidlburg. When the wine steward came and offered some Californian wines, amongst others, he said, "no thanks, there are already enough Americans at the table." He was joking, for the most part, but it was on after that.

*my mothers twin brother...for the record...*

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42. Comment #305553 by Clairebear on December 23, 2008 at 7:36 am

It's like the Scarlet Letter from the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. That was an 'A' too. I see that this connection is made very explicit on the webstore - 'wear your scarlet letter of atheism proudly'.

Other Comments by Clairebear

43. Comment #305554 by Tezcatlipoca on December 23, 2008 at 7:39 am

We ('mericans) can be a bit much. Considering that we are obviously dog's chosen people I'm afraid y'all will just have to adjust.

*phew* I was channelling my Texas roots there for a moment. I feel really disjointed.

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44. Comment #305555 by Clairebear on December 23, 2008 at 7:43 am

Sometimes I worry the whole 'A' thing might prevent us from normalising atheism. It makes it seem much more radical than it is, when really it shouldn't be seen as radical or abnormal.

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45. Comment #305557 by Fuzzy Duck on December 23, 2008 at 7:48 am

I wondered if they noticed or asked about it while I was watching the documentary. I've been wearing mine almost daily. Thanks for showing that charming exchange. I hope I can explain it and get good responses like Dr. Dawkins was able to with these nice women.

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46. Comment #305560 by Bonzai on December 23, 2008 at 7:50 am

cartomancer

Well, not hate Americans so much as find their general culture somewhat overbearing, crass and distasteful. Perhaps I get the wrong impression from all the tourists.

I spoke to some Canucks teaching ESL in Korea. Apparently Aussies, rather than Americans, by far have the worst reputation for being pushy and overbearing in South Korea. I must say I was rather surprised. Maybe our Aussie brigade here would have something to say about that. :)

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47. Comment #305561 by Vaal on December 23, 2008 at 7:52 am

Righton

Gay and xenophobic??? Interesting.

Talking of the above, I see Darth Ratzinger is putting his foot in it again. For somebody who is supposed to be infallible he has a remarkable gift of putting his foot in his mouth. I wonder how long it will be before he upsets another community. Maybe he thinks the gay community is a much easier target than the fatwa lobbing Islamic nutters. I wonder if he will be pedalling backwards as fast after his latest declaration. I also see that he is trying to recover from his faux-pas with Galileo as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7797269.stm

You have to say that this current pope is an absolute God-send for atheists. He couldn't do a better job of making the church obsolete if he tried. Go, Ratty, go!

Now, Carto has suggested that the pope is gay himself. If so, what a supreme irony.

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48. Comment #305564 by righton on December 23, 2008 at 7:55 am

Isn't "hating americans" a cliche by now?

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49. Comment #305587 by Tyler Durden on December 23, 2008 at 8:57 am

Vaal,

re: Darth Ratzinger.

You couldn't make this stuff up. Like they don't have enough bad PR as it is, they now openly claim to be bigots and homophobes.

Of course they'll rationalise it away with rubbish like: "The Catholic church teaches that while homosexuality is not sinful, homosexual acts are."

Idiots.

So, homosexuals can be homosexual, just don't try doing anything that is perfectly normal, even in nature. Somebody buy Darth a science book for xmas! (Or some lesbian porn :)

Other Comments by Tyler Durden

50. Comment #305589 by gazzaofbath on December 23, 2008 at 9:02 am

I wonder if sperm banks have a high sub-prime exposure?

I suspect that a guy who thinks his DNA deserves so much exposure on the world markets is not premium stock!

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