We are the Brights

I didn't know where to start....so I read the site a little (a novel thought!). So, what will you call yourself? Bright, or a bright or something like that? More to the point, how will you explain it when you are greeted with a puzzled look? And how long before you grow tired of the long winded explanation and revert back to "I'm an athiest".

I just find this funny, because somewhere along the line, "liberal" got the same stigma. And instead of standing their ground and fighting, liberals decided to call themselves "progressives". (prob why liberals got a bad name in the first place - for the record, I identify myself as a liberal).

But, I read on! Under "The People" it says "The constituency of Brights is hugely diverse". Hmmm.

"Besides those who self-identify as atheist....." there are "...Ethical Culturalist, Pantheist, Buddhist, Yogi, Wiccan..." - nice, can I join? "Also part of the gamut of constituents are Jews, Catholics, Quakers, Episcopalians" WOOHOOO. So, not only am I a catholic, but I'm somewhat of a Humanist, and a COMPLETE Skeptic also. "...favor thinking of themselves broadly and in a civic sense". Where do I sign up?

"....Think about your own worldview to decide if it is free of supernatural or mystical deities, forces, and entities."

Wait a minute, this sounds familiar. Let's see if I believe in any of the following:

Santa Clause as the deliverer of gifts - NO
Tooth Fairy, gives me money - NO
Easter Bunny, brings me chocolate eggs - NO
Jesus Christ, as the Messiah - I WAS SO CLOSE! WHY! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

Ya see, I really don't care what you are, and what you believe. Athiest comes from two latin words - "A" (without) and "thiest" (belief, but taken in a religious sense), and while saying that word may gall some, you just have to say it with a smile and be prepared to follow up their disdain with the immortal words "go fuck yourself".

In the same way as people wrongly marginalize others for their non-religious beliefs, it's wrong to marginalize those WITH religious beliefs as simply being "supernatural". Not that I care, and I have 3 words I will hurl in your direction if you press me on it (any idea what they are?). But somehow, "The brights" feel that it's ok for them to do it - hey, maybe they're smarter than me?

While we're at it, I was intrigued: "See photos and read brief resumes of an array of Brights. Some are notables in their fields; some are activists; some are regular folks. You will recognize many of the names. "

Wow, let's see: http://www.the-brights.net/people/enthusiastic/ind...

don't know him, don't know him, don't know her - wow talk about an outdated photo, don't know him, don't know him, don't know them, don't know him, don't know him, WHAT THE F***? Who ARE these people? Is facial hair a requirement?

Anywho, I await your mockery of my personal beliefs.

David

And just so you know. Here are the people that I recognize as being totally kick ass:

James 'The Amazing' Randi
Richard Dawkins
Michael Shermer - a favorite!
Massimo Pigliucci