Politics and the Brights Movement
• Skeptics & Atheists
John Allen Paulos, Special to ABCNEWS.com:
I don't think a degree in public relations is needed to expect that many people will construe the term as smug, ridiculous, and arrogant. Still, its defenders note that "Bright" should not be confused with "bright." Just as "gay" now has an additional new meaning, quite distinct from its old one, so will "Bright." It should go without saying, but won't, that there are in this country not only millions of Brights, but millions of religious people who are bright, just as there are very many of both who are not. I'll also needlessly reiterate that "ethical" and "moral" apply to most people regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
Aside from possible problems with the term "Bright," however, the attempt to recognize this large group of non-religious Americans is a most welcome development. One reason is that Brights exist, and it's always healthy to recognize facts. Another reason is that they have interests and vulnerabilities that some sort of organization might help further.
Is a Movement to Fight for the Non-Religious a Bright Idea or Merely a 'Bright' One?
Go to the The Brights Movement website.