The XX Factor: What women really think.

Nonbelievers

As for Hanna, a single word stood out for me from Obama's inaugural address. But it wasn't curiosity. It was nonbelievers. Atheists are among the U.S.'s most distrusted minorities, and a full 53 percent of Americans would not vote for an atheist candidate for president. Here's the context of Obama's atheist mention:

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus—and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth, and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass. ...

There's been much talk of Obama's ushering in a "post-racial" America, but will he also be welcoming a post-religion America? Doubtful, but at least it's a step in the right direction.