'Book of Mormon' musical: Humorous hazing or modern minstrel show? National faith leaders consider impact
"Ugly plays did not by themselves produce the Klan or keep some Americans from voting for African-Americans," he continued. "Original sin was enough for that. But minstrel shows did give racism an artistic and comedic whitewash. When Americans were hurt by the cruel stereotypes, they were told it was 'just a joke' and were painted as petty for not laughing along."
Sadly, Reynolds believes that "The Book of Mormon" will "pander to our prejudices and treat our Mormon neighbors as we would never wish to be treated. Some Americans will allow it to confirm unthinking prejudice, while cowardly Mormons will applaud it hoping for crumbs of respectability.
"Meanwhile, the actual Mormons in our midst will keep paying taxes, making strong families with children, and dying to protect the rights of a decayed and decadent theater 'elite.'"
EMAIL: jwalker@desnews.com
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Joseph Walker began his professional writing career in 1980 as a staff writer for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, eventually becoming the newspaper's television and live theater critic. He left professional journalism more ..
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I'll choose to refrain from seeing this, not because it's Mormon related but because the content is obviously so disgusting and immoral that even mainstream media sees it as such.
From Sunday's DesNews, story titled 'Is the 'Book of More..
Much ado about nothing. Long after the irreverent musical closes on Broadway (who knows how many years hence after its long run?) the book will continue to live on and defy its most ardent critics. I remember the outcry over Jesus Christ Superstar, More..
I love and adore musicals. I have seen a lot. But I am also LDS WITH a sense of humor, but I will never attend this one. I am very mad. I don't make fun of anyone else's faith.I am a follower of Christ and I want to get along with my fellow More..