If Wishes Were Fishes

Submitted by admin on Thu, 02/07/2013 - 11:31

There's a "rift" in the online atheism community. At its core, feminism and suggested sexism/misogyny. I say suggested because this isn't true in all cases. The result has been quite a bit of "in-fighting".

I'm one of the lesser voices within this online "punch and run" bit of battling. For the most part, I've voiced disagreement, irritation, and complete frustration with those few FreeThoughtBloggers and their company of loyal subjects. There is a lot of photoshopping and name-calling happening on one side and a lot of unrealistic and unfounded labeling, doxxing, and unfair spam reporting of Twitter accounts on the other. All in all, there is no "right" side.

In an attempt to mend the rift, A-News is hoping to facilitate a civil dialogue between atheists on both sides. On the surface, this sounds like a great and grand idea. Dig a bit deeper and you'll see why I feel this is a futile attempt. All one needs to do is read the comments left on the post.

I'm known in my family and among my friends as an eternal optimist. This is the one time I'm finding that title more than a bit failing.

Ammendment: Lee Moore has been in contact with me and truly wants this dialogue to happen. I do see the need for it. The constant bickering, name-calling, doxxing, and more has made me weary. I can only imagine how it looks to those who have come into the online atheist/skepticism arena lately. Based on actions by *all* sides, who would want to attend the conferences and gatherings? Who would want to engage fellow atheists/skeptics online when one might run the risk of being belittled, berated, or harassed?

If you're one of the those who's getting tired of the constant back and forth, please do promote Lee's latest offering. The very least it will do is getting us all talking again rather than back-stabbing.

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Comments

jeh704

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 07:59

I really don't see this excersize as being productive at all. It's a nice thought, but no one from the "other" side really wants to discuss anything rationally. It's a matter of "trust what we say", which flies in the face of skepticism.  When you live in a bubble, and are hero worshipped by the 12-24 year olds that regularly read your blog, thats all you care about.

admin

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 08:12

Lee really wants this to happen. I have a lot of misgivings as well in as far as how effective it will be. But at least an attempt will have been made. If those on the "other" side don't see it as something worthwhile, that just speaks volumes about their own characters, you know?

jeh704

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 08:48

I just see it as another way for some people to claim victim status. Here's what will happen: "They" have already made a list of demands as to what is required from Lee, et al, BEFORE the discussion begins. Of course, I can't see anyone agreeing to any of their demands. So, the discussion will be refused  and multiple blog posts will be generated about how "we wanted to have a discussion with those sexist/misogynist people, but they couldn't come to the table without agreeing to our oh-so-reasonable requests.". Of course, no one will actually know what those "requests" were, and if they did, those on "their side"(the 12-24 yr. olds) are going to heartily agree.
Just ignore them. I really don't give a shit about the damage done to A/S. Sooner or later, and increasingly as we have seen, it's "sooner", people are going to wake up to the fact that it's only a few non-skeptics out there that are causing all the problems and they will have marginalized themselves.

admin

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 12:27

I suppose you may be correct. Still, in my optimistic outlook, it can't hurt to try :)