It made me realize something. When Ellie(the main protagonist) is selected as one of the top ten people chosen to be put into a complex machine that will allow a single human occupant inside a pod to be dropped into three rapidly spinning rings. The schematics were sent from a star called Vega by aliens. The spinning rings opened up a series of wormholes that allowed whoever was in the pod to meet the aliens. Well, because Ellie didn't believe in God, even though the schematics were her findings, and she made first contact with the aliens, the government wouldn't allow her to go, even though she wanted to, and worked hard for it. (She went in the end though, but I still think it was wrong that they did this.) Anyways, some people believe so strongly in a god, that they will go out of their way to force others to as well. That or just make their lives miserable just because they don't believe in their so-called 'God'. Don't be mad at me for saying this KHV, but I have noticed that that doesn't happen only in movies. That happens in real life too. Believe me, I know. I have been a victim of this(I'm not atheist or anything, so don't hate me D:). Why do peole have to do this? Why do people feel the need to do that?
I don't know about all religions, but I do know that some churches tell the members of that church to "spread the word of God", which is sometimes translated these days as "try to convert people". Many people who aren't Christians have been a victim to this, myself included (and I'm not atheist, either). I also know that a vast majority of Christians are not like this, and many don't care what your religion is. I would think that the best thing to in a situation like the one in question is to keep in mind that this is what their religion tells them to do; I wouldn't get riled up about it, as it would probably only make matters worse. :/
Yes, but I think people should make a ruckus about it. People don't deserve this kind of treatment. Even I'm afraid to tell my parents that I don't believe in God for the same reason. I think that people should say something about it.
She was disqualified because not having a belief in some form of higher power made her an inappropriate choice to represent all of humankind. The idea was to send someone that represented everything that humans have accomplished.
By all means, stand up for yourself when it happens. I didn't mean to say to be passive, but the thing is I've seen people in this situation act a lot worse than the Christian who started it. :< And it doesn't usually end as well as when one just says "sorry, no, bye". And about your parents, you should eventually discuss it with them, because they're going to find out sooner or later. Maybe choose one parent who you think it'd be easier to talk to about, and tell them privately first. :>
But don't you see? mankind accomplished things because of themselves, not God. I don't find that makes her an innappropriate choice to represent humankind.. It seems I have turned this into a help with life thread. Maybe I could talk to them, I mean, my stepmom might not take it too badly, and neither would my dad. My mom would think my dad is a poor influence and make me live with her if she found out though. My mom is really cruel. I don't want that to happen. Christianity is kind of a big deal in my family :\ I have talked to my brothers about it, and they understand where I come from a bit.
Not quite sure you got what I was saying. As an ambassador to the aliens, the person to go in the pod had to represent everything about humanity EQUALLY: it's accomplishments, scientific achievement, it's beliefs, desires, dreams, etc. It had nothing to do with what god may or may not have done. When 85% of a species/people believe something that their ambassador doesn't (namely in a god) the ambassador isn't going to be able to do their job: namely represent their species/people.
I just think it's unfair. It shouldn't have mattered if she believed in God like the majority of the world. She made the discovery. The discovery was science. It wasn't God. Why did they need someone to represent their world to an alien race? Shouldn't they have used the more.... expendable persona? I hate to use the word expendable, but they way they treated her, she should have been to them, right? I know why they did it. I understand their reasoning, but I hate it. Part of it is because I somewhat see myself in her character. I've always loved astronomy, and I try to learn everything I can about the stars, planets, and galaxies. I have always had a dream to go up into outer space, and I would just hate people if they told me I couldn't go because I didn't believe in their God. ESPECIALLY if I was the most eligible.
That may well be the case, but in terms of fair and equal play it was the right thing to do. What if the Nazi's had discovered and made first contact with the alien species and they sent a Nazi to communicate "humanity" to the aliens? It wouldn't be an accurate representation of humanity. It may not have been as harsh a case with Ellie but it was along the same lines.
I guess that's true.. . It still sucks though :\ I just... If I had nothing but good intentions, I would be furious.
