PBS recently rebroadcast ”The Mormons” documentary and I have heard or read various discussions on it recently so I thought I would republish my original review. (One bit of trivia for my friends- both me and my dad happen to be included in background shots during two different segments, could you pick them out?)
I wrote the following review, not to cry evil and argue that the documentary was ‘completely biased’ or ‘wrong’ or anything to that effect. I believe in questioning and thinking deeply on information presented to me and just wanted to point out some failings that I saw that should make us stop and think. The letter:
I was disappointed in the quality of journalism displayed in “The Mormons” documentary. It really made me question the objectivity in other programs backed by Frontline and American Experience. I do not think the filmmakers were actively trying to push an agenda but I do feel they fell into the same pitfalls and stereotypical biased reporting of the Church on the most controversial topics. Evidence of perpetuating stereotypes and poor journalism:
Perpetuating Stereotypes:
Mormons worship Joseph Smith: The narrator, who should be most objective, says Joseph Smith is the “Alpha and Omega” of the Latter-day Saints. No Latter-day Saint would agree with such a statement. Taking Biblical language used for Christ and applying it to Joseph Smith has clear connotations of old, false notions that Mormons worship Joseph Smith or are not Biblical Christians.
Mormons practice polygamy: Even after showing a clip of the leader of the Mormon church saying categorically that Mormons do not practice polygamy the filmmakers proceed to show a long segment on the lifestyles of “fundamentalist” Mormons. I believe that modern day practicing polygamists are newsworthy and interesting but not clearly separating such practitioners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints only perpetuates the stereotypes.
Mormonism contains witchcraft: The translation of Book of Mormon is portrayed as mystical with a strong focus on use of a seer stone with repeated ‘looming’ images. They do not mention elements of the translation that are perhaps most remarkable: the speed in which a 500 page book was produced, accounts of witnesses of the translation process, or showing of the original manuscripts showing no editing, no breakage in dictation yet remarkable internal consistency and external consistency to things not known in Joseph’s day about Near Eastern or Mesoamerican culture and language.
Missionaries are annoying: showing outward stereotype of missionaries ‘harassing people on the streets and not showing the “inside” view that missionaries do not like street contacting, are taught it is the least effective way of finding people to teach, nor do they show missionaries inside a person’s home who actually enjoy and welcomed them.
The Amount of Airtime given to topics:
Airtime given to ex-mormons or historical critics vs. practicing believers. Why do journalists covering the Mormons continually go to ex-mormons or historical critics for the final say in Mormon doctrine and Mormon living. Why would you ask a Quaker to define Islam? Or a Catholic priest to be the expert on Buddhist philosophy?
The amount of airtime given to widespread systematized persecution, murder, and rape of the Mormons vs. the amount given to a one-time incident of a isolated small group of Mormons.
Airtime given to the sexual overtones of polygamy with added commentary vs. brief statement by narrator that many (if not most) plural marriages were not sexual at all.
Not allowing believing LDS commentaries on the most controversial topics:
No LDS commentary allowed after claim of “no archaeological evidence” of the Book of Mormon.
No LDS commentary allowed after claim that the Book of Mormon has no ancient elements, a “nineteenth century creation”.
No LDS commentary about Joseph Smith and ‘golddigging’ claims only that of an ex-mormon.
No LDS commentary in regards to a strong statement of a scholar saying Joseph was “faking it” in relation to the creation of the Book of Mormon.
No LDS commentary allowed on the issue of the blacks and the priesthood. Why not interview someone like Jessie Embry who is well known researcher on the topic.
No examples of believing LDS intellectuals. How about a Truman Madsen, Havard trained philosopher yet believing Mormon?
No active LDS perspective on the excommunication process. No story from the perspective of someone who had a positive experience and eventually returned to the church. All of this coupled with a completely false image of a lone chair in front of a wall of judges.
No active LDS commentary allowed to an ex-mormon’s strong claim that “his (Joseph’s) sexual desire drove his practice (of polygamy)”
No active LDS commentary allowed to claims that Joseph had an “affair” with a nineteen year old girl.
No LDS opinion allowed in regards to the decision to end polygamy.
It’s right and proper to allow differing opinions but to not give voice, particularly, to the accused is poor documentation. Helen Whitney and Frontline, you lost a certain amount of credibility in my eyes.
5 comments ↓
I didn’t see the documentary, but I was on a blog that wsa talking about Tal Bachman having left the LDS church and that he was quoted on the documentary. Is this the same one?
Anyways, I haven’t seen the documentary, but I agree that it would be good to hear both sides of the coin.
My personal opinion is that the media is liberal and they want to make some money. The media always reports on negative things going on…why should we expect them to change on religious issues. Stirring up contention is what pays their bills!
http://www.graceforgrace.com
You can watch the documentary online if you so desire:
http://www.pbs.org/mormons/
I agree with your general assessment of the media but I just expected a higher standard from PBS and Frontline.
David,
Thanks for posting your letter online. I saw the documentary and thought it was quite good. I, however, have never been affiliated with the LDS, so I lack any kind of “insider” viewpoint.
I can personally relate to church excommunication. As one who has experienced it first-hand, it is very easy for me to point out the injustice and marginalization imposed by religious/faith traditions. Perhaps these journalists have similiar sentiments?
Nonetheless, I expect PBS and Frontline to hold high standards in regards to journalism. Thanks again for sharing your “insider” viewpoints.
Thanks for coming by Greg.
Great Post
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