My good friend Anna put this together and I wanted to share it.
The LDS Church issued a press release yesterday regarding an upcoming issue of HBO's Big Love that will "depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies."
The Church's official stance on individual members taking action is this:
"Last week some Church members began e-mail chains calling for cancellations of subscriptions to AOL, which, like HBO, is owned by Time Warner. Certainly such a boycott by hundreds of thousands of computer-savvy Latter-day Saints could have an economic impact on the company. Individual Latter-day Saints have the right to take such actions if they choose.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end would increase audiences for the series."
When I read this, I coupled it with a previous statement from Elder M. Russell Ballard in the Oct 2003 General Conference where he stated:
"We need to remember Edmund Burke’s statement: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” 6 We need to raise our voices with other concer ned citizens throughout the world in opposition to current trends. We need to tell the sponsors of offensive media that we have had enough. We need to support programs an d products that are positive and uplifting. Joining together with neighbors and friends who share our concerns, we can send a clear message to those responsible. The Internet Web sites and their local affiliates will have their addresses. Letters and e-mails have more effect than most people realize, especially those like one sent by a Relief Society sister that stated, “I represent a group of over a hundred women that meets every week and often talks about the harm your program is doing to our children.”
Of course the most basic way to protest negative-impact media is simply not to watch it, see it, read it, or play it."
With this in mind, you can contact HBO through the following contact information:
HBO is owned by Time Warner:
Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY10019-8016
212.484.8000
Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY10019-8016
212.484.8000
A couple sample ideas from other friends include these:
EXAMPLE A
I understand that you're planning to show an especially controversial episode of Big Love on March 15th containing things are deeply sacred to members of the Mormon church. I hope that you will seriously reconsider this, as I and many of my associates believe that it is simply inexcusable to disrespect the proper wishes of any religion. The ceremonies of the temple are highly sacred to members of the Mormon faith, and to have them broadcast on television is among the most offensive acts that could be done against them. What saddens me most is that with all the research that goes into this show, I'm sure its producers are well aware of this great offense against members of this religion. Because of this I cannot support a station that would air an episode of this nature and will encourage my friends and family to follow my lead. Please do not air the March 15th episode!
EXAMPLE B
So I know that however many emails ya'll are going to receive you will still most likely air your program Big Love on March 15th depicting something so sacred, not secret, to viewers who have no idea what you are talking about.
What is sad is that instead of using your imaginations and creating something out of your own brains you would try to tear down a religion and a people who no matter what you do will still go forward with faith. You cannot tear us down. You can't harm us or make us feel that we are wrong. If you are trying to separate some from their chosen path, then again sad that instead of creating something uplifting and noteworthy, you are not in the business of entertainment, but of attempted demolition.
So to the intern that will most likely read all these emails, examine yourself. Is this really the business you want to be a part of? If so, it is your choice, just as it is mine to write this email.
What is sad is that instead of using your imaginations and creating something out of your own brains you would try to tear down a religion and a people who no matter what you do will still go forward with faith. You cannot tear us down. You can't harm us or make us feel that we are wrong. If you are trying to separate some from their chosen path, then again sad that instead of creating something uplifting and noteworthy, you are not in the business of entertainment, but of attempted demolition.
So to the intern that will most likely read all these emails, examine yourself. Is this really the business you want to be a part of? If so, it is your choice, just as it is mine to write this email.
I hope by now you have received many emails regarding this episode. But I wouldn't have done my part if I did not voice my disapproval. I too am appalled that you are choosing to air sacred, not secret, temple ceremonies within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will not support a company who chooses to tear down other religions and I will encourage all family and friends to follow my example. The Mormon faith will not be stopped no matter how much you disrespect our teachings. Instead it will roll forth throughout the world, stronger than before. Please respect us and our religion as our FREEDOM OF RELIGION and do not air the March 15th episode.
I would encourage you to reply to HBO and let them know how you feel. I would again emphasize this quote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” 6
2 comments:
I did receive the emails and just deleted them. But you are right, I shouldn't just do nothing, so I did leave a comment asking them not to air it. You are awesome.
I saw a headline on Yahoo, even though they liberally used the church's press release asking members not to over react, the headline was "Mormons go after HBO for Big Love".
Nice.
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