Mormon Media Watch: For journalists, interaction will tear down intolerance

Published: Friday, Dec. 21, 2007 12:11 a.m. MST
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As a professional journalist and a Latter-day Saint, I am amazed by the level of negative rhetoric about my faith in the news media recently. As I review the good, the bad and the ugly written about GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a truism seems to hold. Just like the public at large, the more reporters and pundits know about Mormons (or have attempted to understand us) the less likely they are to use stereotypes, frame us as wacky and turn to those not of our faith to answer questions about what we believe.

Unfortunately, much of the national media resides in the eastern United States, where Mormons are as exotic as tropical birds and journalists do little more than parrot long-held stereotypes and misinformation. Frankly, I think journalists either dont want to talk to Mormons or dont know where to find them. At least one media critic recognizes the problems and suggests that the lack of Mormons in journalism could be a factor. Even so, there are some examples of the good and bad.

But first, let me point out that when I say good here I am talking about professional standards of fairness, objectivity and going to Mormons or those who understand us well as sources to provide balance and context. Even better, reporters draw upon first-hand experiences. I dont expect puff pieces, but I do expect thorough reporting, good sourcing and fair play. Even in opinion columns, pundits shouldnt be content with lazy research on the Web or with convenient sources.

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Unfortunately, much of what passes for journalism is just that. Cases in point: New York Times columnist Maureen Dowds ugly portrait of Mormons is filled with stereotypes and relies on dubious expert John Krakauer. Similarly, Lawrence O'Donnell's rant on national television and Christopher Hitchens' mocking harangue is offensive on many levels. In particular, you wonder if ODonnell and Hitchens believe Latter-day Saints ought to have any role at all in our nations public sphere. Would our nation tolerate such bigoted rhetoric about Judiasm or Catholicism? It is certainly banned by federal law in the workplace.

At the same time, there are those that understand Mormons and practice good journalism. Take David Broder's column after Mitt Romneys recent faith and politics speech. As one of the nations most senior political reporters, Broder recalls George Romneys commitment to civil rights in the face of questions about his faith and the integrity of the family.

Recent comments

The common factor in the anti-Mormon diatribes we keep getting from...

coltakashi | Dec. 24, 2007 at 10:55 a.m.

As a member of the LDS church, I have been taught to verify anything...

Anonymous | Dec. 23, 2007 at 9:16 a.m.

My father died when I was eighteen and I went up to Utah to ski after...

Peg | Dec. 23, 2007 at 6:51 a.m.

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