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Atheism by definition makes no claims other than a disbelief in any deities. There might be groups that identify themselves as atheists and make certain claims, but that doesn't make them atheist viewpoints.
Which is a claim, unless, as I spoke of, you're suggesting the "live in a vacuum" philosophy which doesn't hold any water.
Even if that is true, however, my suggestion is along the lines that it is considered more radical per the reasoning of requirement of faith as opposed to agnosticism which requires none. Whether or not it makes claims is irrelevant when put alongside agnosticism in terms of how far in one direction it leans, or at least is perceived in leaning. I'd add that perception is important insofar as the fact that people flock to atheism as a result.
In other words, people who want to live on soap boxes and be attention whores would more easily flock to atheism.
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Uhhhh...atheism is not "popular" at all.
There's a difference between "attaining popularity" or "catching on" in terms of where things once were(think medieval times) and being popular in general.
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Take that however you wish. 2% of the population is tiny. Fringe. Nothing. An argument based on the "popularity" of atheism seems weak.
You can't really look at the 2% figure by itself. Take in the fact that the majority of academia, scientists, and other focused fields that require high amounts of education typically consist of larger populations of atheists. Now consider: Who controls the vocabulary and context in which we see arguments framed? Are poorer religious folks going to participate in these arguments to their fullest extension? In that context, 2% looks more like 75% in terms of its impact on society.
Just as an addendum, try living in Seattle for a few years and tell me you aren't driven completely insane by the level of diehards here. There is NO room for alternative viewpoints, you're either an atheist or you're an idiot here.
I just say that because I know Fribur and a few others have lived in areas populated by religious right-wing nuts, but try and look at the other side too. Realize that other areas are completely filled with morons on the other side of spectrum. I'm sure it's helped to shape my philosophies as well, admittedly =)