Homo economicus’ Weblog

All was not well at the American Atheists Conference. Not everything went as planned, and if I am honest the back stabbing reminded me sadly of many organisations. The clash of egos, the public show and then the sideways bickering when out of ear shot. People jockeying for their ideas and presence to take centre stage.

So to hear that Ellen Johnson is no longer President is not a shock. The way she was “surprised” to receive an award and then produced a speech for it made many of us squeal. When she talked about finishing the “Freedom Walk” it went too far, almost hysterical in the show to garner support. Forgive me if it sounds like I am putting the boot in; what I am trying to tell you is that if you were at the American Atheists Conference it felt like knives were shinning for her and that her performance was not exactly helping the situation. 

This does lead me to accept the version of events that she was fired. If you are fighting to save your skin do not present yourself with an award. I hope that things will improve within the atheist movement. I only voice my concerns now because the story is out. There are more stories where people’s egos do threaten to undermine the cause of science education and civil rights and a secular society that protects freedom of expression and personal liberty. 

Enough please of the back stabbing and clawing that goes on behind the scenes. This is about a cause and an argument worth advancing. Hopefully all atheist and secularist groups can improve their inter and intra relationships not just so they recognise the benefit of working together (in the past they have competed fiercely with each other for members and status) but realising and releasing the synergy of acting together. Individuals should not get in the way of that process, but groups should not try to protect their status at the expense of advancing the movement as a whole.