From Peter Magellan
Lawrence Krauss raises the issue of the scarlet A for atheists (25 August, p 21). I agree that there are several reasons why it doesn’t make a good symbol: not only is it ambiguous, but the specificity of its colour and typography make it difficult to execute in vernacular media.
On my blog, Effing the Ineffable (http://ma.gnolia.com/julefufiq), I propose an unambiguous alternative to symbolise all kinds of rationalist world views, not just atheism – which defines us by what we are not, rather than by what we are.
The proposed symbol is quick and simple to execute in any medium from graffiti to monumental masonry to, yes, T-shirts. It comprises a circle atop a vertical line, and depicts a simple magnifying glass – the most basic tool of rational, scientific enquiry.
It requires no graphic skill to draw and can be executed in any medium, colour or graphic style. It also has the advantage of being sufficiently obscure to require explanation on first acquaintance, making it useful both as a sign for clandestine meetings and as a graphic that gives its wearer an opportunity to expound their views to the curious – much like the Christian fish.
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Llandrindod Wells, Powys, UK
