Well most sadly and unfortunately, imo, it only stands to reason since we, the Atheists, etc, etc, have been ground down under the vicious boot heels of religions for centuries upon centuries.
So , of course people young and old are afraid to Stand up and be Counted even though, imo, they should not be so since Christianity in particular,imo, has had its fangs pulled somewhat of late and though it still hisses, it is becoming more and more like little more than a frightened worm and less like the vicious, brutal, venomous snake it once was.
Religions and its religio-tard followers THRIVE on the false fears and dreads they TRY to instill into us and when show fear it feeds them, hence, the opposite occurs when we ALL Stand united and show NO Fear.
We should ALL Stand Tall, Stand Proud and Stand 100% FIRM, Fear them NOT and stand together as ONE for that is TRULY what they fear and dread the most.