So much unfounded negativity comes with the word atheist, so much I don't even like referring to myself as one. I am, however, very much an atheist. Most social labels come with their own social stigmas, it comes with the territory. I only wish more people would take the time to see past the social stigmas of a particular label and find out what the individual person believes, going beyond what you know about their social affiliation. By doing this, you still may not agree or like what that person believes but at least you'll know where that person stands as an individual, not as a group. And boy, beliefs do vary within the same groups, especially when it comes to religion.