 |
| photo by Chuck Coker |
Written by George Scott
Freedom requires responsibility. Elbert Hubbard stated, “Responsibility is the price of freedom.” Just because you can do something, does not mean you should do it. I am going on record stating that I believe the use of the photo of the LDS undergarment by The Independent was in extremely poor taste. While I appreciate the liberty and willingness of The Independent to address topics that no other local news outlet appears to dare touch, I believe there can be a crossing of the line—and this is, in my opinion, a stark example of having done so.
While overall I do not care for the column wherein the picture was used, I do appreciate what it represents in many ways. I believe it could be a column, even though extremely controversial, utilized to address the subjects/topics at a much deeper and professional manner. I admit to having not been reading it for months, so it is possible that it has developed more into what it could be than what it often had been in what I have read.
Even while stating the above, I appreciate The Independent’s sticking by and defending the author and allowing for a controversial subject to be addressed. I have heard from people who do like it and from those who do not. The sensationalism of the column is one thing, but whether one appreciates the topic or not, I do hope one can support the freedom of the press and expression.
What I find odd in the situation is that, while The Independent has defended the author’s right and supported her efforts in addressing the subject, she suddenly became so “publicly outraged” with the picture used, according to her posts on social media and website. The reason I find it so bizarre is because she has repeatedly privately, publicly, and professionally, wailed on Mormonism with great fervor. She has even been building her professional status in consultation and coaching people, touting one of her “plethora of specialties” as “post-Mormon issues.”
It appears to me that, while she can benefit from the appalling and shocking nature of the topic, she is more than happy to take advantage, but when it might be detrimental, she is quick to backpedal. Going off like a tantrum-throwing child does not match up, in my view. I could be wrong in my assessment, but it smells of complete hypocrisy.
I believe the article was poorly written and reeks of an attempt to create guilt by association with someone with poor integrity and character and the LDS Church as a whole. The person being discussed would not be wearing the garments in good standing nor be allowed access to the temple if he being honest. We all know that the doctrines of the LDS Church do not teach such dissonance between beliefs and actions. In all honesty, there is a strong likelihood the person would be excommunicated as a member for their actions.
With the above stated, I want to make it extremely clear that, while I defend the right of The Independent to use the photo chosen, I strongly disagree with the decision to use it and am appalled at the decision to keep it up. I believe it should be changed out. Even if they are somehow truly naïve, the publisher and the editors ought to be aware and certainly more sensitive and responsive to the highly personal significance of utilizing the offensive photo. Change it out!
I admit freely that I am in a strange position and offer a unique perspective on this issue. As a writer for The Independent, I appreciate much about the liberty allowed in what is presented. As a person that took issue enough with the LDS Church on doctrinal and social issues for them to remove my membership, one might think I would readily join in throwing stones and ridiculing the LDS Church. Oh, I’ll admit that, on a personal level, I find many things ridiculous. Even as a member, I found many things strange and even laughed along with others (members and non-members) regarding the sexiness of my “angel chaps,” “Jesus Jammies,” or “magic underwear.” It isn’t that I feel the entire subject should be avoided or that there isn’t a place for sharing photos of the garments. Even the LDS Church posted (although, much more tastefully) a video of the updated temple garments in Oct 2014. It can be viewed at www.mormonnewsroom.org.
The fact that my opinion is being published here demonstrates the freedom to express opinions. I have appreciated The Independent’s willingness to address topics I have found addressed nowhere else locally. As a reader for over 15 years, and now as a contributor, I stand behind the overall approach. To date, I have only written two opinion articles, and both have been favorable to the LDS Church. This does not mean that I don’t have some other opinions that may come to light that will question the doctrine or the actions of the LDS Church in the future. It simply means that I feel The Independent offers a place to express the opinions freely.
The article has a strong odor of indicting the LDS Church based on the actions of the man discussed in the article. The relating of the man’s poor discretion is an indicator of his poor integrity and character (something that may have been missed due to the outrageous photo). It is not an indicator of the religion as a whole. A reality, even the most critical LDS Church opponents would have to acknowledge if being honest. The choice in photo selection for the article, while makes sense based on the writing, is highly offensive and in poor taste. It is my hope that, going forward, The Independent will be more considerate in its civic duty and use of freedom. It is my hope, though it’s appearing unlikely, that the editorial board will reconsider and replace the photo with something that allows for the article to be read for its message rather the shock value associated with the one chosen.
One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Bob Dylan said, “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” I believe The Independent has more integrity, character, and responsibility—and hope it will be shown.
