American Atheists, the largest organization representing atheists in the United States, has a problem with its officials and affiliates resorting to foul language and insults when communicating with the public.
This poor communication only furthers negative stigma against atheists struggling to be accepted in society and also shines a poor light on the organization itself.
Outspoken atheist Justin Vacula attempted to communicate on Twitter with a number of individuals affiliated with American Atheists. Instead of engaging with Vacula in a civil manner, or simply ignoring him, they resorted to insulting him.
In one discussion an American Atheists state director called Vacula many degrading terms and finished with, “Die mad about it, f**ko.” (Screenshots available upon request).
Vacula attempted to engage with American Atheists’ Communications Director who did not respond to his comment and instead resorted to calling him a “notorious misogynist” and saying “it must suck to be him.”
American Atheists’ Pennsylvania state director retweeted Vacula and made the sexual remark, “I am going to jack off to this tweet.”
In other discussions Vacula was insulted by podcasters that were featured as an exhibitor at recent annual conference. The organization retweeted these podcasters on its official Twitter account multiple times during the event even after being informed about their sexual comments.
One of the podcasters called Vacula a “little b**ch” who has a “small d*ck.”
Another podcaster chimed in and said, “I’m going to use your tears for lube. Keep crying little man.”
Despite Vacula tagging American Atheists on Twitter to draw attention to their representatives and speakers’ concerning communication, the organization did not comment and continued to feature them in their conference.
Later the organization posted pictures on its social media of these same people smiling at its conference like they are wonderful individuals to present to the public.
Further, in 2017 American Atheists’ leadership suddenly fired executive director, David Silverman, for alleged sexual misconduct. The organization’s unwillingness to act regarding recent sexual comments makes the accusation of “sexual misconduct” against Silverman appear to be a ruse.
The poor communication overlooked by American Atheists’ leadership is a blight to atheists in the United States and all over the world. Atheists are struggling to be accepted in society while at the same time having to deal with negative stigmas of atheists created by organizations like American Atheists.
On a final note, it is known that American Atheists has been struggling with maintaining membership and gaining public support. Promoting individuals that resort to insults rather than discussion is another sign of the organization’s demise.
Further comment.. From my perspective as manager of Atheists We Are, a project I started to share what atheist organizations are doing, this behavior poses a challenge for me because I do not want to promote people who resort to insulting and making sexual remarks. These comments are not from random members, they are from representatives of the organization. After reflecting on this, I will not be promoting American Atheists.