Krishna

[jack]

I met up with some vegetarians, who were nice. I don't define myself by vegetarianism, but it's more central to who am than having red hair would be.

But as well as being full of vegetarians it is full of Hare Krishnas. It is very strange -- though quite refreshing, it's nice for once *not* to think about it -- to not be the only vegetarian in a room full of people who agree with your philosophical believes, but vice versa.

But while most people were just nice, a minority were, well, offputtingly evangelical. I want to -- and effectively did -- say "Thank you for the food, and the book, and the friendship. But interesting or not, I won't take anything I feel puts me at an obligation to take you seriously, I'm sorry."

And "Be aware I've met CICCU's best, you may choose not to waste your time with me."

And "You're striving. You're not supposed to strive. Be happy, it's a much more effective advertisement."

As I said to mum, don't worry, I'm not going to be brainwashed. I've been preemtively debrainwashed very well, as curious as I am about, well, lots of things, skepticism is still my rock, and I'm incapable to believing anything contrary, even when I try :)

Comments

[naath.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm sorry to say that in the rest of the (non SGO) world that's the way I tend to feel (people constantly assuming that everyone is Christian, or at least theist). However I'm sorry if the way I carry on when involved in tggd is something that offends you - I should try to find better ways to put things although of course I *am* starting from at least the assumption that my atheism isn't about to get me lynched so I can feel free to talk about it.

[ghoti.livejournal.com]

I think you should feel free to talk about your religion. I'd just also like to feel free to talk about mine, which is a feeling I don't always get around SGO types (and, furthermore, also a lot of the time in wider society). It feels like less of a debate and more of an 'well, obviously Christians are all wrong'. That's not necessarily your fault, of course; if I thought it was, I wouldn't be musing on what I can do.

It's slightly easier for me in a wider world context; all of my coworkers are also Christian. I do find that helps, so I can see how being able to relax into atheist company would be comfortable and comforting.