Changes

Elizabeth Bruenig wrote in her ''New Republic'' article Is the New Atheism Dead?:

Elizabeth Bruenig wrote in her ''New Republic'' article Is the New Atheism Dead?:

{{cquote|New Atheists were especially incensed by the dominance of the Christian right in America, with sociologists George Yancey and David Williamson arguing in a [http://www.amazon.com/There-Is-No-God-Atheists/dp/1442218495 2013 book] that [[GOP]]-centric Christian conservatism had helped [http://www.christianpost.com/news/modern-american-atheism-is-reaction-to-christian-right-sociologists-argue-94946/ shape its own antagonist] through its prominent place in American politics. For a time at least, it seemed that [https://www.barna.org/barna-update/faith-spirituality/102-atheists-and-agnostics-take-aim-at-christians tensions] between the stridently non-religious and the ardently faithful would only [http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2007/01/05/january-5-2007-the-new-atheists/3734/ continue to rise].

{{cquote|New Atheists were especially incensed by the dominance of the Christian right in America, with sociologists George Yancey and David Williamson arguing in a [https://www.amazon.com/There-Is-No-God-Atheists/dp/1442218495 2013 book] that [[GOP]]-centric Christian conservatism had helped [http://www.christianpost.com/news/modern-american-atheism-is-reaction-to-christian-right-sociologists-argue-94946/ shape its own antagonist] through its prominent place in American politics. For a time at least, it seemed that [https://www.barna.org/barna-update/faith-spirituality/102-atheists-and-agnostics-take-aim-at-christians tensions] between the stridently non-religious and the ardently faithful would only [https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2007/01/05/january-5-2007-the-new-atheists/3734/ continue to rise].

Which makes today’s relative placidity between the non-religious and religious so remarkable.

Which makes today’s relative placidity between the non-religious and religious so remarkable.

''See also:'' [[New Atheism criticism]]

''See also:'' [[New Atheism criticism]]

Despite the frequent expressions of certainty by new atheists. New Atheism has a reputation for shallow arguments. A frequent occurrence is that the works of new atheists often betray an amateurish knowledge of philosophy/religion.<ref>''The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion'' edited by Graham Oppy, Chapter 4, ''New Atheist Approaches to Religion'' by Trent Dougherty and Logan Paul Cage, page 52, see: [https://books.google.com/books?id=XXdKCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=new+atheism+amateur+philosophy+religion&source=bl&ots=1aheNZ4o2E&sig=ncZcNcpoGnUgWYmW3wEUXCp08MQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBGoVChMI2d39yrDkyAIVhDI-Ch35fAdR#v=onepage&q=new%20atheism%20amateur%20philosophy%20religion&f=false Google books excerpt]</ref><ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  For example, atheist philosopher Dr. [[Michael Ruse]] declared concerning new atheist Richard Dawkins' book ''The God Delusion'': "''The God Delusion'' makes me embarrassed to be an atheist."<ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  [[Vox Day]]'s book ''[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational atheist]'' found multiple errors in reasoning and factual errors when it came to the works of new atheist authors.<ref>[http://creation.com/review-irrational-atheist-by-vox-day Excellent refutation of ‘new atheists’ flawed by heterodox open theism],  A review of The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens by Vox Day, Benbella Books, Dallas, TX, 2008, reviewed by Lita Cosner</ref> See also: [[Atheism and irrationality]]

Despite the frequent expressions of certainty by new atheists. New Atheism has a reputation for shallow arguments. A frequent occurrence is that the works of new atheists often betray an amateurish knowledge of philosophy/religion.<ref>''The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Philosophy of Religion'' edited by Graham Oppy, Chapter 4, ''New Atheist Approaches to Religion'' by Trent Dougherty and Logan Paul Cage, page 52, see: [https://books.google.com/books?id=XXdKCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=new+atheism+amateur+philosophy+religion&source=bl&ots=1aheNZ4o2E&sig=ncZcNcpoGnUgWYmW3wEUXCp08MQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBGoVChMI2d39yrDkyAIVhDI-Ch35fAdR#v=onepage&q=new%20atheism%20amateur%20philosophy%20religion&f=false Google books excerpt]</ref><ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  For example, atheist philosopher Dr. [[Michael Ruse]] declared concerning new atheist Richard Dawkins' book ''The God Delusion'': "''The God Delusion'' makes me embarrassed to be an atheist."<ref>http://www.alternet.org/media/47052?page=entire</ref>  [[Vox Day]]'s book ''[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational atheist]'' found multiple errors in reasoning and factual errors when it came to the works of new atheist authors.<ref>[https://creation.com/review-irrational-atheist-by-vox-day Excellent refutation of ‘new atheists’ flawed by heterodox open theism],  A review of The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens by Vox Day, Benbella Books, Dallas, TX, 2008, reviewed by Lita Cosner</ref> See also: [[Atheism and irrationality]]

==  New Atheism and the media ==

==  New Atheism and the media ==

Founders of the New Atheism movement Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, have elevated the amount of contention between men and women within the atheist population and there are now frequently complaints from women that there is a significant amount of misogny within the atheist community and that its leadership is too heavily populated with men.<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?], Ms. Magazine</ref><ref>

Founders of the New Atheism movement Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, have elevated the amount of contention between men and women within the atheist population and there are now frequently complaints from women that there is a significant amount of misogny within the atheist community and that its leadership is too heavily populated with men.<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?], Ms. Magazine</ref><ref>

*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[https://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

</ref><ref>

</ref><ref>

*[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/atheist.writer.sam.harris.faces.backlash.over.estrogen.vibe.comments/40735.htm Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments] by Heather Tomlinson, ''Christianity Today'', September 17, 2014

*[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/atheist.writer.sam.harris.faces.backlash.over.estrogen.vibe.comments/40735.htm Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments] by Heather Tomlinson, ''Christianity Today'', September 17, 2014

*[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?] by Amanda Marcotte, ''Salon'' magazine, October 3, 2014

*[https://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?] by Amanda Marcotte, ''Salon'' magazine, October 3, 2014

*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2014/09/is-sam-harris-sexist.html Is Sam Harris Sexist?] by Libby Anne at the blog ''Love, Joy, Feminism'', September 20, 2014

*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2014/09/is-sam-harris-sexist.html Is Sam Harris Sexist?] by Libby Anne at the blog ''Love, Joy, Feminism'', September 20, 2014

*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/camelswithhammers/2014/09/on-sam-harriss-reply-to-feminist-critics/ On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics] by Daniel Fincke, September 16, 2014</ref>   

*[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/camelswithhammers/2014/09/on-sam-harriss-reply-to-feminist-critics/ On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics] by Daniel Fincke, September 16, 2014</ref>   

[[File:David-Allen-Green.jpg|thumbnail|200px|[[David Allen Green]] wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> ]]

[[File:David-Allen-Green.jpg|thumbnail|200px|[[David Allen Green]] wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> ]]

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving new atheist Richard Dawkins' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.<ref>

[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving new atheist Richard Dawkins' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.<ref>

*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[https://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

Subsequently, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the [[Atheist movement|atheist community]] and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about the incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments|Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>

Subsequently, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the [[Atheist movement|atheist community]] and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about the incident which occurred in an elevator (see: [[Richard Dawkins' Elevatorgate comments|Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments]]).<ref>

*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[https://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

*[http://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and sexism]]  

''See also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and sexism]]  

Like his fellow new atheist Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris has raised the ire of [[feminism|feminists]].<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?] by Amanda Marcotte, ''Salon'' magazine, October 3, 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2014/09/is-sam-harris-sexist.html Is Sam Harris Sexist?] by Libby Anne at the blog ''Love, Joy, Feminism'', September 20, 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/atheist.writer.sam.harris.faces.backlash.over.estrogen.vibe.comments/40735.htm Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments] by Heather Tomlinson, ''Christianity Today'', September 17, 2014</ref>  See also: [[Elevatorgate]]

Like his fellow new atheist Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris has raised the ire of [[feminism|feminists]].<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?] by Amanda Marcotte, ''Salon'' magazine, October 3, 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2014/09/is-sam-harris-sexist.html Is Sam Harris Sexist?] by Libby Anne at the blog ''Love, Joy, Feminism'', September 20, 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/atheist.writer.sam.harris.faces.backlash.over.estrogen.vibe.comments/40735.htm Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments] by Heather Tomlinson, ''Christianity Today'', September 17, 2014</ref>  See also: [[Elevatorgate]]

In 2014, Harris said that atheist activism lacks an “estrogen vibe” and was “to some degree intrinsically male”.<ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/atheist.writer.sam.harris.faces.backlash.over.estrogen.vibe.comments/40735.htm Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments] by Heather Tomlinson, ''Christianity Today'', September 17, 2014</ref>  

In 2014, Harris said that atheist activism lacks an “estrogen vibe” and was “to some degree intrinsically male”.<ref>[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/atheist.writer.sam.harris.faces.backlash.over.estrogen.vibe.comments/40735.htm Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments] by Heather Tomlinson, ''Christianity Today'', September 17, 2014</ref>  

On October 3, 2014, ''Salon'' magazine published an online article titled, ''Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?''<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?] by Amanda Marcotte, ''Salon'' magazine, October 3, 2014</ref> On September 20, 2014, the feminist blogger Libby Anne wrote an article entitled ''Is Sam Harris Sexist?''<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2014/09/is-sam-harris-sexist.html Is Sam Harris Sexist?] by Libby Anne at the blog ''Love, Joy, Feminism'', September 20, 2014</ref> Atheist Sam Fincke wrote a piece entitled ''On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics''.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/camelswithhammers/2014/09/on-sam-harriss-reply-to-feminist-critics/ On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics] by Daniel Fincke, September 16, 2014</ref>

On October 3, 2014, ''Salon'' magazine published an online article titled, ''Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?''<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?] by Amanda Marcotte, ''Salon'' magazine, October 3, 2014</ref> On September 20, 2014, the feminist blogger Libby Anne wrote an article entitled ''Is Sam Harris Sexist?''<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2014/09/is-sam-harris-sexist.html Is Sam Harris Sexist?] by Libby Anne at the blog ''Love, Joy, Feminism'', September 20, 2014</ref> Atheist Sam Fincke wrote a piece entitled ''On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics''.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/camelswithhammers/2014/09/on-sam-harriss-reply-to-feminist-critics/ On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics] by Daniel Fincke, September 16, 2014</ref>

In his defense, Harris published an article on his website titled, ''“I’m Not the Sexist Pig You’re Looking For”''<ref>[http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/im-not-the-sexist-pig-youre-looking-for “I’m Not the Sexist Pig You’re Looking For”] by Sam Harris, September 15, 2014</ref>

In his defense, Harris published an article on his website titled, ''“I’m Not the Sexist Pig You’re Looking For”''<ref>[http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/im-not-the-sexist-pig-youre-looking-for “I’m Not the Sexist Pig You’re Looking For”] by Sam Harris, September 15, 2014</ref>

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]] and [[New Atheism and Islamophobia]]

''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]] and [[Atheism vs. Islam]] and [[New Atheism and Islamophobia]]

[[File:StarCresent.png|thumbnail|200px|right|According to Pew Forum, by 2030 Muslims are projected to make up 8% of Europe’s population.<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/ 5 facts about the Muslim population in Europe] by Conrad Hackett, Pew Forum, November 17, 2015</ref> See also: [[Atheism vs. Islam]]]]

[[File:StarCresent.png|thumbnail|200px|right|According to Pew Forum, by 2030 Muslims are projected to make up 8% of Europe’s population.<ref>[https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/17/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/ 5 facts about the Muslim population in Europe] by Conrad Hackett, Pew Forum, November 17, 2015</ref> See also: [[Atheism vs. Islam]]]]

The new atheists Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] have received multiple accusations of engaging in [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] behavior.<ref>

The new atheists Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] have received multiple accusations of engaging in [[Islamophobia|Islamophobic]] behavior.<ref>

*[http://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013

*[https://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013

*[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref>  Dawkins is dismissive of the concept of Islamophobia and declared: "I’m always being accused of Islamophobia, that’s a non-word."<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/richard-dawkins-defends-ahmed-mohamed-comments-and-dismisses-islamophobia-as-a-non-word-10515389.html Richard Dawkins defends Ahmed Mohamed comments and dismisses Islamophobia as a 'non-word'], ''Independent'', 24 September 2015</ref>  

*[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref>  Dawkins is dismissive of the concept of Islamophobia and declared: "I’m always being accused of Islamophobia, that’s a non-word."<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/richard-dawkins-defends-ahmed-mohamed-comments-and-dismisses-islamophobia-as-a-non-word-10515389.html Richard Dawkins defends Ahmed Mohamed comments and dismisses Islamophobia as a 'non-word'], ''Independent'', 24 September 2015</ref>  

Social science in general has not yet fully appreciated the significance of the New Atheism and has tended not to take it very seriously, with the exception of those working in the new sub-discipline of secularity studies. But whatever one might think of the New Atheists’ ideas, an honest appraisal would recognize that they have had a significant and lasting impact.  

Social science in general has not yet fully appreciated the significance of the New Atheism and has tended not to take it very seriously, with the exception of those working in the new sub-discipline of secularity studies. But whatever one might think of the New Atheists’ ideas, an honest appraisal would recognize that they have had a significant and lasting impact.  

They should be remembered for catalyzing a movement for religious dissent and inspiring atheists to come together and find a voice in American public life. But there’s a much darker side to the legacy of the New Atheism that stems from its imperialist and xenophobic tendencies, to say nothing of some thinly veiled Social Darwinism and [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11047072/Richard-Dawkins-immoral-to-allow-Downs-syndrome-babies-to-be-born.html arguments] for eugenics. Sam Harris in particular is now known more for [http://www.samharris.org/podcast/item/why-dont-i-criticize-israel supporting the Israeli occupation of Palestine] and [http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/in-defense-of-profiling ethnic profiling] at airport security than for his science-based critique of religious faith. Richard Dawkins’ personal legacy has taken a heavy hit in the past few years, as his rambling criticisms of feminism and Muslim “barbarians” on Twitter have led to charges of [http://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ sexism], [http://www.salon.com/2013/08/10/richard_dawkins_does_it_again_new_atheisms_islamophobia_problem/ racism], and general arrogance and intolerance.<ref>[http://blog.oup.com/2015/11/legacy-new-atheism/#sthash.6ZTcoHLw.dpuf The legacy of the New Atheism] by Stephen LeDrew wrote at [[Oxford University]] Press's Academic Insights for the Thinking World website</ref>}}

They should be remembered for catalyzing a movement for religious dissent and inspiring atheists to come together and find a voice in American public life. But there’s a much darker side to the legacy of the New Atheism that stems from its imperialist and xenophobic tendencies, to say nothing of some thinly veiled Social Darwinism and [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11047072/Richard-Dawkins-immoral-to-allow-Downs-syndrome-babies-to-be-born.html arguments] for eugenics. Sam Harris in particular is now known more for [http://www.samharris.org/podcast/item/why-dont-i-criticize-israel supporting the Israeli occupation of Palestine] and [http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/in-defense-of-profiling ethnic profiling] at airport security than for his science-based critique of religious faith. Richard Dawkins’ personal legacy has taken a heavy hit in the past few years, as his rambling criticisms of feminism and Muslim “barbarians” on Twitter have led to charges of [https://www.salon.com/2014/10/03/new_atheisms_troubling_misogyny_the_pompous_sexism_of_richard_dawkins_and_sam_harris_partner/ sexism], [https://www.salon.com/2013/08/10/richard_dawkins_does_it_again_new_atheisms_islamophobia_problem/ racism], and general arrogance and intolerance.<ref>[http://blog.oup.com/2015/11/legacy-new-atheism/#sthash.6ZTcoHLw.dpuf The legacy of the New Atheism] by Stephen LeDrew wrote at [[Oxford University]] Press's Academic Insights for the Thinking World website</ref>}}

On November 4, 2015, Elizabeth Bruenig published an article in the ''New Republic'' entitled ''Is the New Atheism Dead?'' which declared:

On November 4, 2015, Elizabeth Bruenig published an article in the ''New Republic'' entitled ''Is the New Atheism Dead?'' which declared: