The phrase “Who needs X – Nobody!” is not offensive when X is universally recognized as undesirable, e.g. X = breast cancer, child abuse, acne, etc. But when it comes to (most) opinions or beliefs held by other people, it’s nothing more than a personal attack. I would find “Who needs atheists – Nobody!” equally unhelpful and offensive.

I have absolutely nothing against atheists and I sincerely wish them well, but almost everything the atheist “movement” puts out is simply an attack on other people and their beliefs, usually based on false or misleading stereotypes. It also seems that instead of addressing specific issues (such as gay marriage), atheists simply attack religion as a whole.

It *does* actually matter what subject is used.
Example: “Who needs corruption in government? Nobody.”
That’s not mean, is it?
Part of the point is to get people thinking about what is really necessary, and what is only a personal preference that should not be forced on everyone – because the religious will perceive religion as a positive thing to put in government, Xmas, whatever… But maybe they can be reminded that others perceive religion more negatively, as oppression.

Who’s the mean one?

http://youtu.be/zlhSyB7ouJ8

“Who needs Christ during Xmas?” is anything but mean. It isn’t attacking anyone or launching a personal strike. It poses a philosophical question that is meant to provoke thought and a discussion. Your definition of mean doesn’t meet the criteria of the dictionary. Isn’t that obvious?

– David Silverman is meam
– I disagree. Give me an example
– The billboards in Times Square
– That’s not mean
– So if I used the language in those billboards to describe gays, etc., that also isn’t mean?
– “You bring nothing to the discussion. You lose.”

Wow, I guess that settles it, eh?

David Silverman has done a great job for American Atheists.

You bring nothing to the discussion. My topic was David Silverman. You have digressed and avoided any cogent discussion. I’m done. Best to you.

So if I spend money to put up billboards saying “Who needs gay people in America? – Nobody!” then you would be okay with that? I certainly wouldn’t consider that okay. Or would that be (as you put it) “courteous and measured”?

Don’t feel obliged to share your reasoning behind why you might feel these are not analagous situations — just convene your “distinguished panel of experts” (rolling eyes) and tell me I’ve “lost” again …. (sigh)

Hey, friend, I didn’t start there. I gave up trying to elicit some substance from you. After several attempts to get you to substantiate your assertion, I gave up.