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Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins (view source)
Revision as of 20:58, January 14, 2023
, 20:58, January 14, 2023→Dawkins, genetics, agreeableness, fertility rate of non-religious vs. religious
[[File:Richard Dawkins photo.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
[[File:Richard Dawkins photo.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
Richard Dawkins has a reputation for being an aggressive and angry man (see: [[Richard Dawkins and anger]]).
Richard Dawkins has a reputation for being an aggressive and angry man (see: [[Richard Dawkins and anger]]). The Western [[atheist population]] also has a reputation for having individuals with disagreeable personalities (see:[[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence]]). According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, atheism is common among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also connected to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref> Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref>
Atheist author and [[sociology]] professor Phil Zuckerman said of [[Richard Dawkins]]: "He is smug, condescending and emits an unpleasant disdainfulness. He doesn’t ever seem to acknowledge the good aspects of religion, only the bad. In that sense, I think he doesn’t help atheism in the PR department."<ref>[http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/58271839-80/dawkins-atheism-atheist-rape.html.csp Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] By KIMBERLY WINSTON, ''Religion News Service''</ref> See also: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]
Atheist author and [[sociology]] professor Phil Zuckerman said of [[Richard Dawkins]]: "He is smug, condescending and emits an unpleasant disdainfulness. He doesn’t ever seem to acknowledge the good aspects of religion, only the bad. In that sense, I think he doesn’t help [[Atheism and public relations|atheism in the PR department]]."<ref>[http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/58271839-80/dawkins-atheism-atheist-rape.html.csp Richard Dawkins: Atheism’s asset or liability?] By KIMBERLY WINSTON, ''Religion News Service''</ref> See also: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]]
Dr. R. [[Albert Mohler]], Jr. wrote concerning Richard Dawkins:
Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. has echoed Mr. Demar's estimation of Richard Dawkins:
{{cquote|His aggressiveness and abrasiveness have now prompted some of his fellow defenders of [[evolution]] to wonder if he is doing their cause more harm than good.
{{cquote|His aggressiveness and abrasiveness have now prompted some of his fellow defenders of [[evolution]] to wonder if he is doing their cause more harm than good.
Dawkins admits that he just may be "a bit of a loose canon." In reality, that is a significant understatement.<ref>http://www.christianity.com/1350327/</ref>}}
Dawkins admits that he just may be "a bit of a loose canon." In reality, that is a significant understatement.<ref>http://www.christianity.com/1350327/</ref>}}
[[Gary Demar]] commenting on the abrasiveness and incivility of [[atheism|atheist]] and [[evolution]]ist Richard Dawkins quotes Dawkins declaring: "It is absolutely safe to say that if you meet somebody who claims not to believe in [[theory of evolution|evolution]], that person is ignorant, stupid or insane (or wicked, but I'd rather not consider that)."<ref>http://www.americanvision.org/articlearchive/08-16-06.asp</ref>
[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a 2011 controversy involving [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the [[Atheism|atheist]] community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[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://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[https://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a [[feminism|feminist]].<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>
Prior to Elevatorgate, [[Monica Shores]]' 2010 ''Ms. Magazine'' article titled ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?'' criticized the News Atheism movement for being [[sexism|sexist]] (See also: [[Atheism and sexism]]).<ref name="msmagazine.com">[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine'', 2010</ref> Shores cited [[Conservapedia]] in her article and indicated: "The lack of lady presence is so visible that Conservapedia commented on it by noting that [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science website|Dawkins’ website]] overwhelmingly attracts male visitors."<ref>[http://msmagazine.com/blog/2010/11/01/will-new-atheism-make-room-for-women/ ''Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women''] by Monica Shores, ''Ms. Magazine''</ref> See: [[Demographic makeup of web visitors to the website Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]]
The forerunner of the feminist [[Atheism plus]] movement was the online Elevatorgate controversy involving [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] and feminist [[Rebecca Watson]].
''The Guardian'' wrote about Atheism plus and the reaction of many atheists on the internet:
{{Cquote|In the passionate world of [[American atheism]], the venom usually directed at believers has now been turned against the wrong kind of atheists...
It took 700 years from [[Constantine]] renaming Byzantium in his own honour to papal legates circulating letters of [[anathema]] that split the [[Roman Catholicism|Roman]] and [[Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox churches]]. Atheism, in its public, online life, has started exchanging internet anathemas – perhaps we should call them inathemas – in little more than a decade.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2012/sep/02/american-atheism-schism-spit-venom Is American atheism heading for a schism?] by Peter McGrath, ''The Guardian''</ref>}}
Post Elevatorgate and Atheism plus, the conflict between [[atheist feminism]] and anti-feminism atheists continues. Two of the most anti-feminism atheists are YouTube atheists [[Thunderf00t]] and [[TheAmazingAtheist]]. See also: [[Atheist factions]]
The Elevatorgate controversy caused a split in the [[atheist movement]] and as a result the movement is dead/dying (See: [[Decline of the atheist movement]]).
A great irony of Richard Dawkins' alleged fierceness is that Dawkins has established [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates|a reputation for avoiding debates with his strongest opponents]] which is something the [[Liberal bias|liberal media]] often fails to report.
A great irony of Richard Dawkins' alleged fierceness is that Dawkins has established [[Instances of Richard Dawkins ducking debates|a reputation for avoiding debates with his strongest opponents]] which is something the [[Liberal bias|liberal media]] often fails to report.
In February 2010, the news organization ''The Telegraph'' reported Richard Dawkins was embroiled "in a bitter online battle over plans to rid his popular internet forum for atheists of foul language, insults and 'frivolous gossip'."<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7322177/Richard-Dawkins-in-bitter-web-censorship-row-with-fellow-atheists.html</ref> In September 2010, Richard Dawkins became nasty towards a woman in an audience he spoke before (see also: [[Richard Dawkins and women]]).<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/richard-dawkins-i-never-meet-people-who-disagree-with-me-2080451.html</ref>
In February 2010, the news organization ''The Telegraph'' reported Richard Dawkins was embroiled "in a bitter online battle over plans to rid his popular internet forum for atheists of foul language, insults and 'frivolous gossip'."<ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7322177/Richard-Dawkins-in-bitter-web-censorship-row-with-fellow-atheists.html</ref> In September 2010, Richard Dawkins became nasty towards a woman in an audience he spoke before (see also: [[Richard Dawkins and women]]).<ref>http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/richard-dawkins-i-never-meet-people-who-disagree-with-me-2080451.html</ref>
In addition, Richard Dawkins appears to have had struggles maintaining marital harmony in his life and his three marriages ended in divorce.
In addition, Richard Dawkins appears to have had struggles maintaining marital harmony in his life and [http://www.conservapedia.com/Richard_Dawkins#Biography_of_Richard_Dawkins two of his marriages ended in divorce.]
== Richard Dawkins' behavior towards a Muslim journalist ==
== Richard Dawkins' behavior towards a Muslim journalist ==
[[File:Richard Dawkins in Australia.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Richard 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> ]]
''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]]
''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations]]
Ryan Kerney wrote at ''New Republic'' concerning Dawkins' behavior towards Emad Ahmed: "Richard Dawkins is just as rude in person as he is on Twitter, apparently."<ref>[Richard Dawkins is just as rude in person as he is on Twitter, apparently], ''New Republic'', 2015</ref>
Ryan Kerney wrote at ''New Republic'' concerning Dawkins' behavior towards Emad Ahmed: "Richard Dawkins is just as rude in person as he is on Twitter, apparently."<ref>[Richard Dawkins is just as rude in person as he is on Twitter, apparently], ''New Republic'', 2015</ref>
== Richard Dawkins' doctors advise him to avoid controversies ==
== Richard Dawkins' doctors advise him to avoid controversies ==
Dawkins has encouraged his supporters to ridicule religious believers and to go beyond humorous ridicule.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/dawkins-mock-them-ridicule-them-in-public/ Dawkins: Mock them. Ridicule them! In public]</ref> He wrote, "I lately started to think that we need to go further: go beyond humorous ridicule, sharpen our barbs to a point where they really hurt."<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/dawkins-mock-them-ridicule-them-in-public/ Dawkins: Mock them. Ridicule them! In public]</ref> See also: [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality]]
Dawkins has encouraged his supporters to ridicule religious believers and to go beyond humorous ridicule.<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/dawkins-mock-them-ridicule-them-in-public/ Dawkins: Mock them. Ridicule them! In public]</ref> He wrote, "I lately started to think that we need to go further: go beyond humorous ridicule, sharpen our barbs to a point where they really hurt."<ref>[https://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/dawkins-mock-them-ridicule-them-in-public/ Dawkins: Mock them. Ridicule them! In public]</ref> See also: [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality]]
''See also:'' [[Atheism and fertility rates]]
== Reason Rally related incident involving David Silverman and Richard Dawkins ==
''See also:'' [[Reason Rally related incident involving David Silverman and Richard Dawkins]] and [[Richard Dawkins and anger]] and [[Atheism and intolerance]] and [[Atheism and anger]]
[[File:David Silverman Reason Rally.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|[[David Silverman]] took feminist [[Rebecca Watson]] off the speakers list for the [[Reason Rally]] after [[Richard Dawkins]] objected to her speaking at the event.<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2013/09/my-time-with-richard-dawkins-or-why-you-should-never-meet-your-idols/ My Time With Richard Dawkins (Or, Why You Should Never Meet Your Idols)] by Sarah at [[Skepchick]], September 5, 2013</ref> See: [[Elevatorgate]] ]]
[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a 2011 controversy involving [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]]' comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the [[Atheism|atheist]] community and to the public at large.<ref>
*[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://gawker.com/5818993/richard-dawkins-torn-limb-from-limbby-atheists Richard Dawkins Torn Limb From Limb—By Atheists - Gawker]
*[https://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-09-15/atheist-sexism-women/50416454/1 Atheists address sexism issues - USA Today]
*[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/richard-dawkins-women-chilly-climate Richard Dawkins, check the evidence on the 'chilly climate' for women] by Emily Band, ''The Guardian'', July 24, 2011
*[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/07/05/richard-dawkins-and-male-privilege/#.VYgS0LZmLUA Richard Dawkins and male privilege] By Phil Plait, ''Discover Magazine'', July 5, 2011 10:30 am
*[https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/09/is-richard-dawkins-destroying-his-reputation Is Richard Dawkins destroying his reputation?] by Sophie Elmhirst, ''The Guardian'', June 9, 2015
</ref> Watson is a [[feminism|feminist]].<ref>Rebecca Watson (July 5, 2011). "[http://skepchick.org/2011/07/the-privilege-delusion The Privilege Delusion]". Skepchick</ref>
Due to the Elevatorgate controversy, the ''New Statesman'' reporter and fellow [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptic]] [[David Allen Green]] said he believed Dawkins was a [[sexism|misogynist]] and a racist.<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> In addition, 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>
Subsequent to the Elevatorgate indicident, the popularity of Richard Dawkins significant waned (see: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).
[[File:Richard Dawkins at Global Atheism Convention.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
An article by Sarah posted at [[Skepchick]] about a conversation between [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[David Silverman]] (the ex-president of the [[American Atheists]] organization) which took place during the planning phrase of the 2012 [[Reason Rally]]:
{{cquote|Richard was standing behind the podium, and he asked Dave something along the lines of, “What exactly is the Reason Rally?” Dave started explaining it, and as he did, someone who was waiting in the line outside opened the door to peek inside and we could all hear a lot of noise. I rushed up the aisle and made frantic “shut the door” gestures at the people peeking inside, and they did. As I walked the ten feet back, I couldn’t hear everything Dave was saying, but I heard the name “Rebecca Watson.” Richard suddenly had a very angry look on his face and I heard him almost shout, “No, absolutely not! If she’s going to be there, I won’t be there. I don’t want her speaking.” and then Dave immediately replied, “You’re absolutely right, we’ll take her off the roster. It’s done.” Richard huffed for a moment, Dave continued to placate him, and then he made the video.
I was crushed.<ref>[http://skepchick.org/2013/09/my-time-with-richard-dawkins-or-why-you-should-never-meet-your-idols/ My Time With Richard Dawkins (Or, Why You Should Never Meet Your Idols)] by Sarah at [[Skepchick]], September 5, 2013</ref>}}
== Atheist PZ Myers comment about Dawlns' attitude towards women ==
[[File:PZ Myers at Skepticon 7.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|PZ Myers]]
In 2014, the prominent atheist [[PZ Myers]] said of Richard Dawkins' attitude towards women: "At a time when our movement needs to expand its reach, it’s a tragedy that our most eminent spokesman has so enthusiastically expressed such a regressive attitude.”<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/18/richard-dawkins-sexist-atheists-bad-name Richard Dawkins has lost it: ignorant sexism gives atheists a bad name] by Adam Lee, ''The Guardian'', September 18, 2014</ref>
Myers also said in 2014 concerning Dawkins:
{{cquote|Richard Dawkins: you’re wrong. Deeply, profoundly, fundamentally wrong. Your understanding of [[feminism]] is flawed and misinformed, and further, you keep returning to the same poisonous wells of misinformation.
...you persist in presenting these anti-feminist caricatures as reasonable. You say you are a feminist, and even find feminism an undeniable virtue, but at the same time you parrot absurd anti-feminist remarks.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/09/12/dear-richard-dawkins/ Dear Richard Dawkins] by PZ Myers at Pharyngula blog, September 12, 2014</ref>}}
== Richard Dawkins' and his three ex-wives ==
''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and love]] and [[Atheism and love]]
[[File:British new atheist Richard Dawkins.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|left|Richard Dawkins ]]
In 1984, Dawkins divorced his wife of 17 years, Marian Stamp; later that same year, he married [[Eve Barham]]. Dawkins also divorced Barham, though the precise circumstances of this divorce are unclear.<ref>http://www.richarddawkins.com/</ref> He married science fiction actress Lalla Ward in 1992 and they separated after 24 years of marriage.<ref>[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dawkins-evolves-into-single-man-after-amicable-split-with-time-lady-sp9llk2nt Dawkins evolves into single man after ‘amicable’ split with Time Lady], ''The Sunday Times''</ref>
Theodore Beale wrote in the his book ''The Irrational Atheist'' about Dawkins's claim that teaching children about [[Hell]] is more harmful to children than "mild child abuse":
{{Cquote|Richard Dawkins is perhaps one of the last men on Earth who should be discussing what is the right and proper way to raise children, given that the number of his wives outnumber his offspring.
In his letter to [[Juliet Emma Dawkins|his daughter Juliet]], addressed to her at the age of ten and published in ''A Devil’s Chaplain'', there is little mention of love, no admission of regret, and no paternal promises. As one British journalist noted, the letter is “coldly impersonal” and “authoritarian.” There is no expression of interest in what might be important to her.<ref>[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational Atheist. Chapter VIII DARWIN’S JUDAS] by Vox Day (Theodore Beale)</ref>}}
See also: [[Juliet Emma Dawkins]] and [[Richard Dawkins and love]]
''The Independent'' wrote concerning Dawkins' relationship to his ex-wife Eve Barham: "His second marriage, to Eve Barham, ended in bitterness which persists to this day. He asked one recent interviewer not even to mention her name. 'Can't you just call her the mother of my daughter?'".<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/anatomy-of-a-selfish-genius-1178659.html Anatomy of a selfish genius], The Independent</ref>
The ''Christian Times'' reported:
{{Cquote|The 75-year-old evolutionary biologist, who suffered a stroke early this year, had stirred the public years ago when he denounced monogamy and fidelity in relationships.
In [http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2007/11/29/banishing-the-greeneyed-monste/3484 his article piece] "Banishing the Green Eyed Monster," Dawkins referred to "jealousy" in a relationship as "immoral and selfish."
He defended that men should be allowed to keep mistresses and indulge in sexual pleasures with others.<ref>[http://christiantimes.com/article/atheist-richard-dawkins-divorces-third-wife-actress-lalla-ward/59223.htm Richard Dawkins to divorce third wife: Prominent atheist to split from actress Lalla Ward], ''Christian Times''</ref>}}
== Dawkins, genetics, agreeableness, fertility rate of non-religious vs. religious ==
[[File:Richard Dawkins at QED conference.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|Richard Dawkins ]]
''See also:'' [[Atheism and fertility rates]] and [[Richard Dawkins and love]] and [[Atheism and the brain]]
As noted above, Theodore Beale wrote in the his book ''The Irrational Atheist'' about Dawkins's claim that teaching children about [[Hell]] is more harmful to children than "mild child abuse":
{{Cquote|Richard Dawkins is perhaps one of the last men on Earth who should be discussing what is the right and proper way to raise children, given that the number of his wives outnumber his offspring.
In his letter to his daughter Juliet, addressed to her at the age of ten and published in ''A Devil’s Chaplain'', there is little mention of love, no admission of regret, and no paternal promises. As one British journalist noted, the letter is “coldly impersonal” and “authoritarian.” There is no expression of interest in what might be important to her.<ref>[http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf The Irrational Atheist. Chapter VIII DARWIN’S JUDAS] by Vox Day (Theodore Beale)</ref>}}
Dawkins has been divorced three times and has one child.
Reporting on a study about the [[Atheism and fertility rates|lower fertility rate of the non-religious]], the ''Daily Mail'' indicated:
Reporting on a study about the [[Atheism and fertility rates|lower fertility rate of the non-religious]], the ''Daily Mail'' indicated: