Fall-out... 12.06.2007 |
Ah, I've got to tell, even among the controversy, I appreciated nearly every response to my previous blog posting. Now, though, I feel as though I should address a few things.
First, the issue of 'endorsing' a film. As reporters, we are encouraged to keep blogs. It allows us to connect with our readers and share information and opinions. I feel as long as it remains professional, honest and good-natured then I have a lot of freedom as to what I can reasonably post.
Example: I'd like to see the film No Country for Old Men. -- reasonable
I wrote the film No Country for Old Men. -- not reasonable
I don't think I underestimate my ability to influence when I say my blog is read by 6 loyal readers who are either related to me or are my friends -- either way, if my blog is providing a life-changing experience or paradigm altering event no one will be more surprised than me.
Now, my opinion was on the front page -- but that's more luck of the draw than my master plan to dominate the hearts and minds of our loyal readers. Copy editors need to have a refer to a blog and my blog had a picture (the movie poster.) So there you go. No grand designs.
Secondly, The Golden Compass.
Three points:
1. I am convinced children seeing this film will not be swayed into new-found atheism. The film has been watered down and children can appreciate many things without a thought to any agenda, real or implied.
2. I have read all three of the His Dark Materials books. And yes, they are anti-organized religion and anti-religious zealotry. They even kill a person called G-d.
I read each of them. I loved the books. Devoured them. And guess what? I still believe in G-d. Yep, that's right. Deep and abiding belief in a loving, wondrous G-d.
This book may be required reading at Atheist U, but it did nothing to hurt my belief. And those were the raw books. A water-down, PC-friendly 2 hour movie isn't going to rock very many boats.
3. This boycott...I tell ya, I hear boycott and I think, "I gotta see that...tell me more." Banned books are some of the all time bestsellers. Controversial musicians who have been boycotted by the Catholic League have gold records to show for it. Calling for a boycott of this movie has made every little rebel and junior shock-my-parents ready to be the first in line.
"Ooooh, let's go see the anti-G-d movie, that's so dark."
Why not tell people, "Hey, go see the movie if you like -- no pressure -- and if you have any questions about it, we'll talk."
If you turn every little controversy to a Bonfire of the Vanities...it's going to be counter-productive.
So, there's my bit.
I still want to see The Golden Compass. The reviews are lukewarm but that's fine by me. If you don't want to see, I respect that. If you don't want your kids to see it -- you're a parent and your jobs is taking care of your children, I respect that. But judge others based on if they want to see a film...I don't have much respect for that.
First, the issue of 'endorsing' a film. As reporters, we are encouraged to keep blogs. It allows us to connect with our readers and share information and opinions. I feel as long as it remains professional, honest and good-natured then I have a lot of freedom as to what I can reasonably post.
Example: I'd like to see the film No Country for Old Men. -- reasonable
I wrote the film No Country for Old Men. -- not reasonable
I don't think I underestimate my ability to influence when I say my blog is read by 6 loyal readers who are either related to me or are my friends -- either way, if my blog is providing a life-changing experience or paradigm altering event no one will be more surprised than me.
Now, my opinion was on the front page -- but that's more luck of the draw than my master plan to dominate the hearts and minds of our loyal readers. Copy editors need to have a refer to a blog and my blog had a picture (the movie poster.) So there you go. No grand designs.
Secondly, The Golden Compass.
Three points:
1. I am convinced children seeing this film will not be swayed into new-found atheism. The film has been watered down and children can appreciate many things without a thought to any agenda, real or implied.
2. I have read all three of the His Dark Materials books. And yes, they are anti-organized religion and anti-religious zealotry. They even kill a person called G-d.
I read each of them. I loved the books. Devoured them. And guess what? I still believe in G-d. Yep, that's right. Deep and abiding belief in a loving, wondrous G-d.
This book may be required reading at Atheist U, but it did nothing to hurt my belief. And those were the raw books. A water-down, PC-friendly 2 hour movie isn't going to rock very many boats.
3. This boycott...I tell ya, I hear boycott and I think, "I gotta see that...tell me more." Banned books are some of the all time bestsellers. Controversial musicians who have been boycotted by the Catholic League have gold records to show for it. Calling for a boycott of this movie has made every little rebel and junior shock-my-parents ready to be the first in line.
"Ooooh, let's go see the anti-G-d movie, that's so dark."
Why not tell people, "Hey, go see the movie if you like -- no pressure -- and if you have any questions about it, we'll talk."
If you turn every little controversy to a Bonfire of the Vanities...it's going to be counter-productive.
So, there's my bit.
I still want to see The Golden Compass. The reviews are lukewarm but that's fine by me. If you don't want to see, I respect that. If you don't want your kids to see it -- you're a parent and your jobs is taking care of your children, I respect that. But judge others based on if they want to see a film...I don't have much respect for that.
Labels: media, movie, power of the people