Sceptics drop atheist Richard Dawkins for retweeting video mocking feminists and Islamists

[rug]

By Mary Papenfuss
January 29, 2016 07:22 GMT

Controversial atheist Richard Dawkins has been dumped as the keynote speaker at an upcoming New York City sceptics conference after he praised a video equating feminism with radical Islamism.

"We have taken this action in response to Dr Dawkins' approving retweet of a highly offensive video," said a statement by the Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism (NECSS). "We believe strongly in freedom of speech and freedom to express unpopular, and even offensive, views. However, unnecessarily divisive, counterproductive, and even hateful speech runs contrary to our mission and the environment we wish to foster at NECSS."

Dawkins retweeted comments from a fan praising a video entitled Feminists Love Islamists. It features an unattractive cartoon feminist with a militant Islamist singing a song together comparing their despotic similarities. "We share essentially the same ideology," the two croon.

Dawkins' retweet included the video. He added: "Obviously doesn't apply to vast majority of feminists, among whom I consider myself. But the minority are pernicious."

This is the cartoon Dawkins retweeted. Warning: Some might find it offensive. (YouTube)

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/sceptics-drop-atheist-richard-dawkins-retweeting-video-mocking-feminists-islamists-1540729

http://necss.org/

[Snow Leopard]

1. Tsk,tsk

Mr Dawkins, the matriarchy will brook no dissent

[rug]

3. Matriarchy? Why don't you subscribe to that youtube channel? You won't miss a single one.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4fYb-ziHaNtbd0NKo-0q7A

But do yourself a favor and don't post one anywhere on DU.

[deathrind]

2. I have respect,

For Dr. Dawkins for the debates he has done and the literary works he has published (The God Delusion, The Selfish Gene etc) but he really should check himself and think a bit more before hitting the "send" button or his PA (if he has one) should delete Twitter from his phone/laptop...

[mwrguy]

4. Dawkins is an Islamophobic creep

[okasha]

6. Dawkins is a misogynist creep.

And a homophobic creep into the bargain, Check out the visual dog-whistles in this venemous little cartoon.

[longship]

5. Dawkins has become a problem child.

When he writes his books, when he discusses his science, he is really great. But the guy doesn't know when to shut up when he speaks outside his discipline. I even liked his "God Delusion" (although I liked his biology books much better). But the "God Delusion" taught me about the cargo cults, which was important to know about if one cares about the history of religions and their origins. It is part of why I have often defended Dawkins here.

But I cannot defend his recent crazy diatribes. And knowing NECSS, and Steven Novella and his Skeptics Guide to the Universe crew, I do not blame them for retracting their invitation to Dawkins. I would not want him anywhere near my conference either under current conditions.

Richard Dawkins has increasingly become his own worst enemy. What a waste!

[rug]

7. If you find your way to their cinference in May, let me know.

I'm about two hours from their conference site (FIT) and I'll spot you lunch.

[bvf]

8. I'd rec this, but it's the first time

I've encountered a thread with a rec list populated exclusively by DUers currently on time-out, and far be it from me to mess with perfection.

[rug]

9. You used plral. There's only one. See if you can find another.

Try here.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=201566

Or you can just wait until you get two more

[bvf]

10. That's not a link to a thread, but to a user profile.

Breathe, man, it'll do you good.

Try again.

And since rec lists can by definition be populated by multiple names, the use of the plural is perfectly valid in this case.

Ho.