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{{Short description|American atheist activist}}
{{Short description|American atheist activist}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = David
|name = David
Silverman
Silverman
|office = President of [[American Atheists]]
|office = President of [[American Atheists]]
|term_start = 2010
|term_start = 2010
|term_end = 2018
|term_end = 2018
|predecessor = [[Ed Buckner]]
|predecessor = [[Ed Buckner]]
|successor = Vacant
|successor = Nick Fish
|image = David Silverman-Apr 4 2011.JPG
|image = David Silverman-Apr 4 2011.JPG
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|8|13}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|8|13}}
Line 19: Line 19:
'''David Silverman''' (born August 13, 1966) is an American secular advocate.
'''David Silverman''' (born August 13, 1966) is an American secular advocate.


Silverman previously served as president of [[American Atheists]], a non-profit organization supporting the rights of atheists and the removal of expressions of religion in government, from 2010 to 2018.<ref name="Cary2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.atheists.org/2018/04/update-regarding-david-silverman/ |title=Update Regarding David Silverman |date=April 13, 2018 |last=Cary |first=Neal |website=American Atheists |access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> His annual [[Christmas controversy|anti-Christmas]] [[billboard]] which calls [[Christmas]] "a myth" has often sparked controversy.<ref name="time.com">{{cite web|url=http://time.com/3635817/atheist-billboards-christmas-jeer/|publisher=time.com|title=Atheist Organization Decks Billboards With Christmas Jeer &#124; Time.com|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="usatoday.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/19/atheists-christmas-billboards-god/1779827/|publisher=usatoday.com|title=Atheists greet Christmas with anti-faith billboards|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref> Silverman is also the subject of the popular ''Are You Serious (face)?'' internet meme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/are-you-serious-face-seriously|title=Are You Serious Face / Seriously?|website=Know Your Meme|access-date=2019-08-02}}</ref>
Silverman previously served as president of [[American Atheists]], a non-profit organization supporting the rights of atheists and the removal of expressions of religion in government, from 2010 to 2018.<ref name="Cary2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.atheists.org/2018/04/update-regarding-david-silverman/ |title=Update Regarding David Silverman |date=April 13, 2018 |last=Cary |first=Neal |website=American Atheists |access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref> His annual [[Christmas controversy|anti-Christmas]] [[billboard]] which calls [[Christmas]] "a myth" has often sparked controversy.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3635817/atheist-billboards-christmas-jeer/|magazine=Time|title=Atheist Organization Decks Billboards With Christmas Jeer|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="usatoday.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/19/atheists-christmas-billboards-god/1779827/|work=USA Today|title=Atheists greet Christmas with anti-faith billboards|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref> Silverman is also the subject of the popular ''Are You Serious Face'' internet meme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/are-you-serious-face-seriously|title=Are You Serious Face / Seriously?|website=Know Your Meme|date=8 April 2011 |access-date=2019-08-02}}</ref>


Silverman identifies as a firebrand atheist and defines firebrand atheism as vocally "attacking" humans' "silly" religious beliefs without attacking the individuals themselves.<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-case-against-in-your-face-atheism The Case Against In-Your-Face Atheism] by Steve Neumann, ''[[The Daily Beast]]'', 4/14/17</ref>
Silverman identifies as a firebrand atheist and defines firebrand atheism as vocally "attacking" humans' "silly" religious beliefs without attacking the individuals themselves.<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-case-against-in-your-face-atheism The Case Against In-Your-Face Atheism] by Steve Neumann, ''[[The Daily Beast]]'', 4/14/17</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Silverman was born in a [[middle-class]] [[Reform Judaism|Reform Jewish family]] in [[Marblehead, Massachusetts]].<ref name="abbotlibrary">{{cite web|url=http://www.abbotlibrary.org/calendar/fighting-god-an-atheist-manifesto-for-a-religious-world-author-talk-with-david-silverman/|publisher=abbotlibrary.org|title=Upcoming Events &#124; "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World," Author Talk with David Silverman &#124; Abbot Public Library|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="njjewishnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://njjewishnews.com/article/22462/a-jewish-atheist-lets-go-of-the-jewish#.V9-QQpN96Ho|publisher=njjewishnews.com|title=A 'Jewish atheist' lets go of the 'Jewish' &#124; NJJN|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="tabletmag.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/154532/david-silverman-atheist|publisher=tabletmag.com|title=Can You Be an Atheist and a Jew at the Same Time? David Silverman Says No. &ndash; Tablet Magazine|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref> He went to [[Hebrew school]] and was [[bar mitzvah]]ed when he was 13 years old.<ref name="njjewishnews.com"/>
Silverman was born in a [[middle-class]] [[Reform Judaism|Reform Jewish family]] in [[Marblehead, Massachusetts]].<ref name="abbotlibrary">{{cite web|url=http://www.abbotlibrary.org/calendar/fighting-god-an-atheist-manifesto-for-a-religious-world-author-talk-with-david-silverman/|publisher=abbotlibrary.org|title=Upcoming Events &#124; "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World," Author Talk with David Silverman &#124; Abbot Public Library|access-date=2017-03-03|archive-date=2017-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108173317/http://www.abbotlibrary.org/calendar/fighting-god-an-atheist-manifesto-for-a-religious-world-author-talk-with-david-silverman/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="njjewishnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://njjewishnews.com/article/22462/a-jewish-atheist-lets-go-of-the-jewish#.V9-QQpN96Ho|publisher=njjewishnews.com|title=A 'Jewish atheist' lets go of the 'Jewish' &#124; NJJN|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="tabletmag.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/154532/david-silverman-atheist|publisher=tabletmag.com|title=Can You Be an Atheist and a Jew at the Same Time? David Silverman Says No. – Tablet Magazine|date=9 December 2013 |access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref> He went to [[Hebrew school]] and was [[bar mitzvah]]ed when he was 13 years old.<ref name="njjewishnews.com"/>


Silverman began publicly challenging religion in high school and often states in interviews that he became an atheist at the age of six.<ref name="mastermedia">{{cite news | url=http://www.mastermediaspeakers.com/davidsilverman/index.html | title=Dave Silverman - MasterMedia Speakers Bureau | publisher=[[MasterMedia]] |year= 2011 | first= | last= | accessdate =2011-04-09}}</ref> Although he was never in the closet about his disbelief, he was forced to do his [[Bar mitzvah]]. He calls this the turning point in his life where he decided never to lie about his atheism again because he had gotten up on stage and told all the people he knew that he believed in God.<ref name=interview>{{cite web|last=Merica|first=Dan|title=Atheist organizer takes 'movement' to nation's capital|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/23/atheist-organizer-takes-movement-to-nations-capital/|work=cnn.com|publisher=CNN|accessdate=2013-06-18}}</ref><ref name="Daily KOS interview">{{cite web|last=Pakman|first=David|title=TDPS: American Atheists' David Silverman Fascinating O'Reilly Behind-Scenes, Agnostic vs. Atheist|url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/09/942401/-TDPS-American-Atheists-David-Silverman-Fascinating-O-Reilly-Behind-Scenes-Agnostic-vs-Atheist|work=Daily KOS|accessdate=2013-06-18}}</ref> Seventeen years later his father admitted to him that he also was an atheist.<ref name="Daily KOS interview"/>
Silverman began publicly challenging religion in high school and often states in interviews that he became an atheist at the age of six.<ref name="mastermedia">{{cite news | url=http://www.mastermediaspeakers.com/davidsilverman/index.html | title=Dave Silverman – MasterMedia Speakers Bureau | publisher=[[MasterMedia]] |year= 2011 | access-date =2011-04-09}}</ref> Although he was never in the closet about his disbelief, he was forced to do his bar mitzvah. He calls this the turning point in his life where he decided never to lie about his atheism again because he had gotten up on stage and told all the people he knew that he believed in God.<ref name=interview>{{cite web|last=Merica|first=Dan|title=Atheist organizer takes 'movement' to nation's capital|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/23/atheist-organizer-takes-movement-to-nations-capital/|publisher=CNN|access-date=2013-06-18|archive-date=2021-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309185654/https://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/23/atheist-organizer-takes-movement-to-nations-capital/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Daily KOS interview">{{cite web|last=Pakman|first=David|title=TDPS: American Atheists' David Silverman Fascinating O'Reilly Behind-Scenes, Agnostic vs. Atheist|url=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/09/942401/-TDPS-American-Atheists-David-Silverman-Fascinating-O-Reilly-Behind-Scenes-Agnostic-vs-Atheist|work=Daily KOS|access-date=2013-06-18}}</ref> Seventeen years later his father admitted to him that he also was an atheist.<ref name="Daily KOS interview"/> Silverman rejects the label of being "Jewish" and in a speech in Phoenix titled "I'm an Atheist and So Are You", he urged a secular Jewish audience to follow his lead and abandon the term "Jew".<ref name="njjewishnews.com"/><ref name="tabletmag.com"/> Silverman has argued that Judaism is neither a [[culture]], a [[Race (human categorization)|race]] or a [[nationality]].<ref name="njjewishnews.com"/>


==Career and activism==
==Career and activism==
[[File:Dave Silverman- "Firebrand Atheism vs Islam in America".webm|thumb|250px|Silverman speaking at the 2017 International Conference on Free Expression and Conscience in London.]]
[[File:Dave Silverman- "Firebrand Atheism vs Islam in America".webm|thumb|250px|Silverman speaking at the 2017 International Conference on Free Expression and Conscience in London]]
Silver received a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from [[Brandeis University]] and MBA in Marketing from [[Penn State University]], and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in International Business from [[Seton Hall]]. Silverman is a former professional inventor with 74 patents{{Citation needed|reason=Can this be confirmed?|date=February 2016}}, and has authored several articles, including a cover story for ''[[Inventors Digest]]''. Silverman rejects the label of being "Jewish" and in a speech in Phoenix titled "I'm an Atheist and So Are You", he urged secular Jewish audience to follow his lead and abandon the term "Jew".<ref name="njjewishnews.com"/><ref name="tabletmag.com"/> David Silverman has argued that Judaism is neither a [[culture]], a [[Race (human categorization)|race]] or a [[nationality]].<ref name="njjewishnews.com"/>
Silverman received a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from [[Brandeis University]] and MBA in Marketing from [[Penn State University]], and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in International Business from [[Seton Hall]]. Silverman worked as a professional inventor at [[Bell Labs]], with 74 patents.<ref name="tabletmag.com"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fletcher Stack |first1=Peggy |title=Atheist leader: 'Mormonism demonstrates the power of indoctrination' |url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=57822743&itype=CMSID |access-date=16 September 2023 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=2014-04-17}}</ref>


===American Atheists and Atheist Alliance International===
===American Atheists and Atheist Alliance International===
Silverman worked with the [[American Atheists]] organization since 1996, and holding a variety of roles, including: New Jersey State Director, Communications Director, and Vice President. He was elected president of American Atheists on September 16, 2010, following [[Ed Buckner]].<ref name="SilvermanPresident" /><ref name="Media">{{cite news | url=http://atheists.org/media/media_releases | title=American Atheists - Media Releases | publisher=[[American Atheists]] | year=2010 | accessdate=2011-04-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428100343/http://www.atheists.org/media/media_releases | archive-date=2009-04-28 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
Silverman worked with the [[American Atheists]] organization since 1996, and holding a variety of roles, including: New Jersey State Director, Communications Director, and Vice President. He was elected president of American Atheists on September 16, 2010, following [[Ed Buckner]].<ref name="SilvermanPresident" /><ref name="Media">{{cite news | url=http://atheists.org/media/media_releases | title=American Atheists – Media Releases | publisher=[[American Atheists]] | year=2010 | access-date=2011-04-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428100343/http://www.atheists.org/media/media_releases | archive-date=2009-04-28 | url-status=dead }}</ref>


During his tenure as Communications Director and Vice President of American Atheists, Silverman made several media appearances, but became especially visible since becoming president.<ref name="Media"/> An atheist awareness billboard campaign launched in December 2010 sparked controversy and increased media exposure for the organization.<ref name="NPR">{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/2010/12/11/131988679/War-On-Christmas-Spreads-To-Lincoln-Tunnel | title=NPR - War on Christmas Spreads to Lincoln Tunnel | publisher=[[NPR]] |year= 2010 | first= | last= | accessdate =2011-04-09}}</ref> As a result of this campaign, Silverman appeared on a number of television shows since late 2010, most notably, ''The O'Reilly Factor'' on January 4, 2011.
During his tenure as Communications Director and Vice President of American Atheists, Silverman made several media appearances, but became especially visible since becoming president.<ref name="Media"/> An atheist awareness billboard campaign launched in December 2010 sparked controversy and increased media exposure for the organization.<ref name="NPR">{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/2010/12/11/131988679/War-On-Christmas-Spreads-To-Lincoln-Tunnel | title=NPR – War on Christmas Spreads to Lincoln Tunnel | publisher=[[NPR]] |year= 2010 | access-date =2011-04-09}}</ref> As a result of this campaign, Silverman appeared on a number of television shows since late 2010, most notably, ''The O'Reilly Factor'' on January 4, 2011.


It was under Silverman's direction that the American Atheists group sought to block the preservation of a cross-beam section of the World Trade Center skeleton that resembled a cross. Silverman opined:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111121034623/http://www.atheists.org/press_releases/atheists_file_suit_to_block_wtc_memoiral_cross ATHEISTS FILE SUIT TO BLOCK WTC MEMORIAL CROSS], A press release of July 25, 2011 from the [[American Atheists]] website, as reflected from the [[Internet Archive]], retrieved August 24, 2018</ref> "The [[World Trade Center cross|WTC cross]] has become a Christian icon. It has been blessed by so-called holy men and presented as a reminder that their God, who couldn't be bothered to stop the... terrorists or prevent 3,000 people from being killed in his name, cared only enough to bestow upon us some rubble that resembles a cross..."<ref name="Cross">{{cite web|url=http://www.cc.com/video-clips/zjhrxb/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-culture-war-update---the-dividening-of-america---american-atheists-vs--ground-zero-cross|title=Culture War Update - The Dividening of America - American Atheists vs. Ground Zero Cross - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Video Clip)|website=Comedy Central}}</ref>
It was under Silverman's direction that the American Atheists group sought to block the preservation of a cross-beam section of the World Trade Center skeleton that resembled a cross. Silverman opined:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111121034623/http://www.atheists.org/press_releases/atheists_file_suit_to_block_wtc_memoiral_cross ATHEISTS FILE SUIT TO BLOCK WTC MEMORIAL CROSS], A press release of July 25, 2011 from the [[American Atheists]] website, as reflected from the [[Internet Archive]]. Retrieved August 24, 2018</ref> "The [[World Trade Center cross|WTC cross]] has become a Christian icon. It has been blessed by so-called holy men and presented as a reminder that their God, who couldn't be bothered to stop the... terrorists or prevent 3,000 people from being killed in his name, cared only enough to bestow upon us some rubble that resembles a cross..."<ref name="Cross">{{cite web|url=http://www.cc.com/video-clips/zjhrxb/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-culture-war-update---the-dividening-of-america---american-atheists-vs--ground-zero-cross|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216214005/http://www.cc.com/video-clips/zjhrxb/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-culture-war-update---the-dividening-of-america---american-atheists-vs--ground-zero-cross|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 16, 2018|title=Culture War Update – The Dividening of America – American Atheists vs. Ground Zero Cross – The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Video Clip)|website=Comedy Central|date=5 August 2011 }}</ref>


===Controversy===
===Misconduct controversy===
On April 13, 2018, Silverman was terminated as president of American Atheists over complaints of financial and sexual misconduct.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheists.org/2018/04/update-regarding-david-silverman/ |date=April 13, 2018 |title=Update Regarding David Silverman |last=Cary |first=Neal |accessdate=April 13, 2018 |website=American Atheists}}</ref> Silverman had been placed on paid leave on April 10 pending an investigation into a complaint received on April 7.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheists.org/2018/04/announcement-regarding-american-atheists-president-david-silverman/ |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Announcement Regarding American Atheists President David Silverman |last=Cary |first=Neal |accessdate=April 13, 2018 |website=American Atheists}}</ref> The day after his termination, [[BuzzFeed News]] published an article detailing allegations of unwanted sexual contact by two women, subsequently denied by Silverman.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/peteraldhous/david-silverman-atheist-fired-sexual-misconduct |date=April 14, 2018 |title=This Firebrand Atheist Was Just Fired After Allegations Of Financial Conflicts And Sexual Assault |last=Aldous |first=Peter |website=[[BuzzFeed News]] |publisher=[[Buzzfeed]]}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost.com">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/09/06/americas-leading-atheist-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-speaks-out/ Leading atheist, accused of sexual misconduct, speaks out], ''Washington Post'' (republished article from ''[[Religion News Service]]'') by Kimberly Winston, September 6, 2018</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://firebrandforgood.com/metoo/ |title=Setting The Record Straight |last=Silverman |first=David |date= |website= |publisher=Firebrand For Good |access-date=January 24, 2020 |quote=}}</ref> The new president of American Atheists, Nick Fish, specified that Silverman's termination was not over sexual allegations, but as a result of a "loss of confidence" stemming from violations of internal policies on staff management, conflicts of interest, and their general code of conduct.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>
On April 13, 2018, Silverman was terminated as president of American Atheists over complaints of financial and sexual misconduct.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheists.org/2018/04/update-regarding-david-silverman/ |date=April 13, 2018 |title=Update Regarding David Silverman |last=Cary |first=Neal |access-date=April 13, 2018 |website=American Atheists}}</ref> Silverman had been placed on paid leave on April 10 pending an investigation into a complaint received on April 7.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheists.org/2018/04/announcement-regarding-american-atheists-president-david-silverman/ |date=April 10, 2018 |title=Announcement Regarding American Atheists President David Silverman |last=Cary |first=Neal |access-date=April 13, 2018 |website=American Atheists}}</ref> The day after his termination, [[BuzzFeed News]] published an article detailing allegations of unwanted sexual contact by two women, subsequently denied by Silverman.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/peteraldhous/david-silverman-atheist-fired-sexual-misconduct |date=April 14, 2018 |title=This Firebrand Atheist Was Just Fired After Allegations Of Financial Conflicts And Sexual Assault |last=Aldous |first=Peter |website=[[BuzzFeed News]] |publisher=[[BuzzFeed]]}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost.com">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/09/06/americas-leading-atheist-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-speaks-out/ Leading atheist, accused of sexual misconduct, speaks out], ''The Washington Post'' (republished article from ''[[Religion News Service]]'') by Kimberly Winston, September 6, 2018</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://firebrandforgood.com/metoo/ |title=Setting The Record Straight |last=Silverman |first=David |publisher=Firebrand For Good |access-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-date=May 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522154258/https://firebrandforgood.com/metoo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The new president of American Atheists, Nick Fish, specified that Silverman's termination was not over sexual allegations, but as a result of a "loss of confidence" stemming from violations of internal policies on staff management, conflicts of interest, and their general code of conduct.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/>


Silverman was appointed Executive Director of [[Atheist Alliance International]] (AAI) in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/newsletter/david-silverman-announcement/?frame=0 |title=Atheist Alliance International Appoints David P. Silverman as Executive Director |last= |first= |date=October 11, 2019 |website= |publisher=Atheist Alliance International |access-date= |quote=}}</ref> He resigned from his position in December 2019. AAI President Gail Miller recognized Silverman "for the contribution he had made in reorganizing the AAI board and its operations".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/blog/aai-executive-director-resigns/ |title=AAI Executive Director Resigns |last= |first= |date=December 20, 2019 |website= |publisher=Atheist Alliance International |access-date= |quote=}}</ref>
Silverman was appointed Executive Director of [[Atheist Alliance International]] (AAI) in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/newsletter/david-silverman-announcement/?frame=0 |title=Atheist Alliance International Appoints David P. Silverman as Executive Director |date=October 11, 2019 |publisher=Atheist Alliance International }}</ref> He resigned from his position in December 2019. AAI President Gail Miller recognized Silverman "for the contribution he had made in reorganizing the AAI board and its operations".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.atheistalliance.org/blog/aai-executive-director-resigns/ |title=AAI Executive Director Resigns |date=December 20, 2019 |publisher=Atheist Alliance International }}</ref>


===Media appearances===
===Media appearances===
Silverman attended and spoke at the 2011 American Atheists National Convention, in [[Des Moines, Iowa]] <ref name="Convention">{{cite news | url=http://www.atheists.org/events/National_Convention | title=American Atheists - National Convention | publisher=[[American Atheists]] |year= 2011 | first= | last= | accessdate =2011-04-10}}</ref> During his speech, he announced plans for the [[Reason Rally]]. On March 24, 2012 the Reason Rally took place at the [[National Mall]] in Washington, D.C. and was the largest atheist gathering in world history. Silverman was the Creator and Executive Producer of the event, and the President of the Reason Rally Coalition, the coalition he founded to run the rally.
Silverman attended and spoke at the 2011 American Atheists National Convention, in [[Des Moines, Iowa]].<ref name="Convention">{{cite news | url=http://www.atheists.org/events/National_Convention | title=American Atheists – National Convention | publisher=[[American Atheists]] | year=2011 | access-date=2011-04-10 | archive-date=2011-05-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511145718/http://www.atheists.org/events/National_Convention | url-status=dead }}</ref> During his speech, he announced plans for the [[Reason Rally]]. On March 24, 2012, the Reason Rally took place at the [[National Mall]] in Washington, D.C., and was the largest atheist gathering in world history. Silverman was the Creator and Executive Producer of the event, and the President of the Reason Rally Coalition, the coalition he founded to run the rally.


On October 28, 2011, Silverman and [[Dinesh D'Souza]] participated in a public debate on whether [[Christianity]] is beneficial for America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dineshdsouza.com/videos/?tag=Silverman|title=Dinesh D'Souza, The King's College|publisher=Dinesh D'Souza|accessdate=2014-09-15}}</ref>
On October 28, 2011, Silverman and [[Dinesh D'Souza]] participated in a public debate on whether [[Christianity]] is beneficial for America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dineshdsouza.com/videos/?tag=Silverman|title=Dinesh D'Souza, The King's College|publisher=Dinesh D'Souza|access-date=2014-09-15}}</ref>


Silverman went on Fox News's ''[[Hannity]]'' to discuss Christmas-themed billboards that American Atheists put up in [[Times Square]], New York City.<ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cziLVWk9_E8|publisher=youtube.com|title=David Silverman on Hannity 12-20-2012 - YouTube |<!--########## David Silverman on ''Hannity'' 12-20-2012 #########--> |accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref> He also gave a talk to the Secular Humanist Jewish Circle in Tucson, Arizona detailing the incorrectness of Jewish atheism and how religion lies in general to promote itself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NQOnjswuFI|title=Dave Silverman "I'm an Atheist (And So Are You); Why I've Changed My Mind on Jewish Atheism"|publisher=SHJC|accessdate=2015-11-11}}</ref>
Silverman went on Fox News's ''[[Hannity]]'' to discuss Christmas-themed billboards that American Atheists put up in [[Times Square]], New York City.<ref name="youtube">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cziLVWk9_E8|title=David Silverman on Hannity 12-20-2012 |date=21 December 2012 |via= YouTube |access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref> He also gave a talk to the Secular Humanist Jewish Circle in Tucson, Arizona detailing the incorrectness of Jewish atheism and how religion lies in general to promote itself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NQOnjswuFI|title=Dave Silverman "I'm an Atheist (And So Are You); Why I've Changed My Mind on Jewish Atheism"|date=12 December 2013 |publisher=SHJC|access-date=2015-11-11}}</ref>


Silverman's first book, ''Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World'', was released on December 1, 2015.
Silverman's first book, ''Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World'', was released on December 1, 2015.


===Anti-Christmas billboards ===
===Anti-Christmas billboards===
Silverman has spearheaded the controversial anti-Christmas campaign by placing strategically placed billboards from New York City to [[San Francisco]] featuring unapologetic slogans like "Keep the Merry, Dump the Myth!", "You Know It's a Myth. This Season, Celebrate Reason" and "Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is to skip church!"<ref name="time.com"/><ref name="usatoday.com"/><ref name="tabletmag.com"/><ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2014/07/16/5_atheist_and_muslim_billboards_that_drove_the_christian_right_nuts_partner/|author=Katie Halper|publisher=salon.com|title=5 atheist and Muslim billboards that drove the Christian right nuts - Salon.com|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref> The anti-Christmas billboards and subsequent TV appearances are often followed by a growth in subscribers and donations.<ref name="tabletmag.com"/>
Silverman has spearheaded the controversial anti-Christmas campaign by placing strategically placed billboards from New York City to [[San Francisco]] featuring unapologetic slogans like "Keep the Merry, Dump the Myth!", "You Know It's a Myth. This Season, Celebrate Reason" and "Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is to skip church!"<ref name="Time"/><ref name="usatoday.com"/><ref name="tabletmag.com"/><ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2014/07/16/5_atheist_and_muslim_billboards_that_drove_the_christian_right_nuts_partner/|author=Katie Halper|work=Salon|title=5 atheist and Muslim billboards that drove the Christian right nuts |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref> The anti-Christmas billboards and subsequent TV appearances are often followed by a growth in subscribers and donations.<ref name="tabletmag.com"/>


Silverman has also launched [[antireligion]] billboard campaigns in the [[Bible Belt]], urging people to skip church.<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/atheists-launch-anti-religion-billboards-bible-belt-article-1.2042909|publisher=nydailynews.com|title=Atheists launch anti-religion billboards in Bible Belt - NY Daily News|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="telegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11265926/American-Atheists-launch-provocative-campaign-in-religious-Deep-South.html|publisher=telegraph.co.uk|title=American Atheists launch provocative campaign in religious Deep South - Telegraph|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="google">{{cite book|title=Christmas in the Crosshairs: Two Thousand Years of Denouncing and Defending the World's Most Celebrated Holiday|author=Bowler, G.|date=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press, Incorporated|isbn=9780190499006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yi_KDAAAQBAJ|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|title=Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World|author1=Silverman, D.|author2=Maria, C.S.|date=2015|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=9781466871281|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Ds6CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1|accessdate=2017-03-03}}</ref>
Silverman has also launched [[antireligion]] billboard campaigns in the [[Bible Belt]], urging people to skip church.<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/atheists-launch-anti-religion-billboards-bible-belt-article-1.2042909|work=Daily News|location=New York|title=Atheists launch anti-religion billboards in Bible Belt |date=12 December 2014 |access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="telegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11265926/American-Atheists-launch-provocative-campaign-in-religious-Deep-South.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|title=American Atheists launch provocative campaign in religious Deep South |date=December 2014 |access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="google">{{cite book|title=Christmas in the Crosshairs: Two Thousand Years of Denouncing and Defending the World's Most Celebrated Holiday|author=Bowler, G.|date=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press, Incorporated|isbn=9780190499006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yi_KDAAAQBAJ|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|title=Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World|author1=Silverman, D.|author2=Maria, C.S.|date=2015|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=9781466871281|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Ds6CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT1|access-date=2017-03-03}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
David Silverman has one child who attended [[I.L. Peretz|I.L. Peretz Secular Jewish school]].<ref name="mastermedia" /><ref name="SilvermanPresident">{{cite news | url=http://atheists.org/blog/2011/09/16/dave-silverman-president-elect | title=American Atheists - Dave Silverman, President-elect | publisher=[[American Atheists]] |year= 2010 | first= | last= | accessdate =2010-04-09}} {{dead link|date=November 2013}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com"/>
Silverman has one child who attended [[I.L. Peretz|I.L. Peretz Secular Jewish school]].<ref name="mastermedia" /><ref name="SilvermanPresident">{{cite news | url=http://atheists.org/blog/2011/09/16/dave-silverman-president-elect | title=American Atheists – Dave Silverman, President-elect | publisher=[[American Atheists]] |year= 2010 | access-date =2010-04-09}} {{dead link|date=November 2013}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|Religion}}
{{Portal|Biography|Religion}}
* [[Atheism in the United States]]
* [[American Atheists]]
* [[List of American atheists]]


==References==
==References==
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| before=[[Ed Buckner]]
| before=[[Ed Buckner]]
| title=[[American Atheists President|President of American Atheists]]
| title=[[American Atheists President|President of American Atheists]]
| years=2010 – 2018
| years=2010–2018
| after= ''vacant''}}
| after= Nick Fish}}
{{S-end}}
{{S-end}}


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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:21st-century atheists]]
[[Category:21st-century atheists]]
[[Category:American atheism activists]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:Jewish American atheism activists]]
[[Category:American computer scientists]]
[[Category:American libertarians]]
[[Category:American marketing people]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Brandeis University alumni]]
[[Category:Brandeis University alumni]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania State University alumni]]
[[Category:American critics of religions]]
[[Category:American people of Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American critics of Christianity]]
[[Category:Critics of Judaism]]
[[Category:People from Marblehead, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:People from Marblehead, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Seton Hall University alumni]]
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Revision as of 04:36, 17 November 2024

David Silverman
President of American Atheists
In office
2010–2018
Preceded byEd Buckner
Succeeded byNick Fish
Personal details
Born (1966-08-13) August 13, 1966 (age 58)
Marblehead, Massachusetts, U.S.
Children1
EducationBrandeis University (BS)
Pennsylvania State University, University Park (MBA)
Known forAtheist activism, separation of church and state, criticism of religion
Websitefirebrandforgood.com

David Silverman (born August 13, 1966) is an American secular advocate.

Silverman previously served as president of American Atheists, a non-profit organization supporting the rights of atheists and the removal of expressions of religion in government, from 2010 to 2018.[1] His annual anti-Christmas billboard which calls Christmas "a myth" has often sparked controversy.[2][3] Silverman is also the subject of the popular Are You Serious Face internet meme.[4]

Silverman identifies as a firebrand atheist and defines firebrand atheism as vocally "attacking" humans' "silly" religious beliefs without attacking the individuals themselves.[5]

Early life

Silverman was born in a middle-class Reform Jewish family in Marblehead, Massachusetts.[6][7][8] He went to Hebrew school and was bar mitzvahed when he was 13 years old.[7]

Silverman began publicly challenging religion in high school and often states in interviews that he became an atheist at the age of six.[9] Although he was never in the closet about his disbelief, he was forced to do his bar mitzvah. He calls this the turning point in his life where he decided never to lie about his atheism again because he had gotten up on stage and told all the people he knew that he believed in God.[10][11] Seventeen years later his father admitted to him that he also was an atheist.[11] Silverman rejects the label of being "Jewish" and in a speech in Phoenix titled "I'm an Atheist and So Are You", he urged a secular Jewish audience to follow his lead and abandon the term "Jew".[7][8] Silverman has argued that Judaism is neither a culture, a race or a nationality.[7]

Career and activism

Silverman speaking at the 2017 International Conference on Free Expression and Conscience in London

Silverman received a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Brandeis University and MBA in Marketing from Penn State University, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in International Business from Seton Hall. Silverman worked as a professional inventor at Bell Labs, with 74 patents.[8][12]

American Atheists and Atheist Alliance International

Silverman worked with the American Atheists organization since 1996, and holding a variety of roles, including: New Jersey State Director, Communications Director, and Vice President. He was elected president of American Atheists on September 16, 2010, following Ed Buckner.[13][14]

During his tenure as Communications Director and Vice President of American Atheists, Silverman made several media appearances, but became especially visible since becoming president.[14] An atheist awareness billboard campaign launched in December 2010 sparked controversy and increased media exposure for the organization.[15] As a result of this campaign, Silverman appeared on a number of television shows since late 2010, most notably, The O'Reilly Factor on January 4, 2011.

It was under Silverman's direction that the American Atheists group sought to block the preservation of a cross-beam section of the World Trade Center skeleton that resembled a cross. Silverman opined:[16] "The WTC cross has become a Christian icon. It has been blessed by so-called holy men and presented as a reminder that their God, who couldn't be bothered to stop the... terrorists or prevent 3,000 people from being killed in his name, cared only enough to bestow upon us some rubble that resembles a cross..."[17]

Misconduct controversy

On April 13, 2018, Silverman was terminated as president of American Atheists over complaints of financial and sexual misconduct.[18] Silverman had been placed on paid leave on April 10 pending an investigation into a complaint received on April 7.[19] The day after his termination, BuzzFeed News published an article detailing allegations of unwanted sexual contact by two women, subsequently denied by Silverman.[20][21][22] The new president of American Atheists, Nick Fish, specified that Silverman's termination was not over sexual allegations, but as a result of a "loss of confidence" stemming from violations of internal policies on staff management, conflicts of interest, and their general code of conduct.[21]

Silverman was appointed Executive Director of Atheist Alliance International (AAI) in October 2019.[23] He resigned from his position in December 2019. AAI President Gail Miller recognized Silverman "for the contribution he had made in reorganizing the AAI board and its operations".[24]

Media appearances

Silverman attended and spoke at the 2011 American Atheists National Convention, in Des Moines, Iowa.[25] During his speech, he announced plans for the Reason Rally. On March 24, 2012, the Reason Rally took place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and was the largest atheist gathering in world history. Silverman was the Creator and Executive Producer of the event, and the President of the Reason Rally Coalition, the coalition he founded to run the rally.

On October 28, 2011, Silverman and Dinesh D'Souza participated in a public debate on whether Christianity is beneficial for America.[26]

Silverman went on Fox News's Hannity to discuss Christmas-themed billboards that American Atheists put up in Times Square, New York City.[27] He also gave a talk to the Secular Humanist Jewish Circle in Tucson, Arizona detailing the incorrectness of Jewish atheism and how religion lies in general to promote itself.[28]

Silverman's first book, Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World, was released on December 1, 2015.

Anti-Christmas billboards

Silverman has spearheaded the controversial anti-Christmas campaign by placing strategically placed billboards from New York City to San Francisco featuring unapologetic slogans like "Keep the Merry, Dump the Myth!", "You Know It's a Myth. This Season, Celebrate Reason" and "Dear Santa all I want for Christmas is to skip church!"[2][3][8][29] The anti-Christmas billboards and subsequent TV appearances are often followed by a growth in subscribers and donations.[8]

Silverman has also launched antireligion billboard campaigns in the Bible Belt, urging people to skip church.[30][31][32][33]

Personal life

Silverman has one child who attended I.L. Peretz Secular Jewish school.[9][13][33]

See also

References

  1. ^ Cary, Neal (April 13, 2018). "Update Regarding David Silverman". American Atheists. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Atheist Organization Decks Billboards With Christmas Jeer". Time. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  3. ^ a b "Atheists greet Christmas with anti-faith billboards". USA Today. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  4. ^ "Are You Serious Face / Seriously?". Know Your Meme. 8 April 2011. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  5. ^ The Case Against In-Your-Face Atheism by Steve Neumann, The Daily Beast, 4/14/17
  6. ^ "Upcoming Events | "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World," Author Talk with David Silverman | Abbot Public Library". abbotlibrary.org. Archived from the original on 2017-01-08. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  7. ^ a b c d "A 'Jewish atheist' lets go of the 'Jewish' | NJJN". njjewishnews.com. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Can You Be an Atheist and a Jew at the Same Time? David Silverman Says No. – Tablet Magazine". tabletmag.com. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  9. ^ a b "Dave Silverman – MasterMedia Speakers Bureau". MasterMedia. 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  10. ^ Merica, Dan. "Atheist organizer takes 'movement' to nation's capital". CNN. Archived from the original on 2021-03-09. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  11. ^ a b Pakman, David. "TDPS: American Atheists' David Silverman Fascinating O'Reilly Behind-Scenes, Agnostic vs. Atheist". Daily KOS. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  12. ^ Fletcher Stack, Peggy (2014-04-17). "Atheist leader: 'Mormonism demonstrates the power of indoctrination'". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  13. ^ a b "American Atheists – Dave Silverman, President-elect". American Atheists. 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-09. [dead link‍]
  14. ^ a b "American Atheists – Media Releases". American Atheists. 2010. Archived from the original on 2009-04-28. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  15. ^ "NPR – War on Christmas Spreads to Lincoln Tunnel". NPR. 2010. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  16. ^ ATHEISTS FILE SUIT TO BLOCK WTC MEMORIAL CROSS, A press release of July 25, 2011 from the American Atheists website, as reflected from the Internet Archive. Retrieved August 24, 2018
  17. ^ "Culture War Update – The Dividening of America – American Atheists vs. Ground Zero Cross – The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Video Clip)". Comedy Central. 5 August 2011. Archived from the original on December 16, 2018.
  18. ^ Cary, Neal (April 13, 2018). "Update Regarding David Silverman". American Atheists. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  19. ^ Cary, Neal (April 10, 2018). "Announcement Regarding American Atheists President David Silverman". American Atheists. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
  20. ^ Aldous, Peter (April 14, 2018). "This Firebrand Atheist Was Just Fired After Allegations Of Financial Conflicts And Sexual Assault". BuzzFeed News. BuzzFeed.
  21. ^ a b Leading atheist, accused of sexual misconduct, speaks out, The Washington Post (republished article from Religion News Service) by Kimberly Winston, September 6, 2018
  22. ^ Silverman, David. "Setting The Record Straight". Firebrand For Good. Archived from the original on May 22, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  23. ^ "Atheist Alliance International Appoints David P. Silverman as Executive Director". Atheist Alliance International. October 11, 2019.
  24. ^ "AAI Executive Director Resigns". Atheist Alliance International. December 20, 2019.
  25. ^ "American Atheists – National Convention". American Atheists. 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-05-11. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  26. ^ "Dinesh D'Souza, The King's College". Dinesh D'Souza. Retrieved 2014-09-15.
  27. ^ "David Silverman on Hannity 12-20-2012". 21 December 2012. Retrieved 2017-03-03 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ "Dave Silverman "I'm an Atheist (And So Are You); Why I've Changed My Mind on Jewish Atheism"". SHJC. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
  29. ^ Katie Halper (16 July 2014). "5 atheist and Muslim billboards that drove the Christian right nuts". Salon. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  30. ^ "Atheists launch anti-religion billboards in Bible Belt". Daily News. New York. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  31. ^ "American Atheists launch provocative campaign in religious Deep South". The Daily Telegraph. December 2014. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  32. ^ Bowler, G. (2016). Christmas in the Crosshairs: Two Thousand Years of Denouncing and Defending the World's Most Celebrated Holiday. Oxford University Press, Incorporated. ISBN 9780190499006. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  33. ^ a b Silverman, D.; Maria, C.S. (2015). Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 9781466871281. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
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Preceded by President of American Atheists
2010–2018 		Succeeded by
Nick Fish
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