Religion has been a source of conflict since the world began. As soon as a religious group is labeled “outside of the norm,” the members often become targets of oppression from those who hate them for their beliefs.
One such religion that has received a great deal of negative attention is Judaism. Christians considered Jews lesser beings because of their religion, so Jews were forced to the margins of society. Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice delves deep into this issue, using the Christian character Antonio and the Jewish Shylock to show how each group felt toward the other.
When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or the Mormon Church), was established, members of the new church endured persecution in many of the same ways that Jews did, and they too were forced away from society. And all this was due to many people’s dislike or distrust of this new religion.
In the past, both Jews and Mormons had little opportunity to defend themselves against this cruelty. But Mormons today have finally found a way to combat this intolerance. Digital media has given Mormons the opportunity to express their feelings and opinions about the prejudice they face. Digital media also allows those who are not members to find out exactly who Mormons are, what they believe, and what they stand for. Some of these digital tools of combat include lds.org, mormon.org, online Mormon publications such as Deseret News, “I am a Mormon” videos, and official church statements that anyone can access online.
Digital technology gives Mormons, and other oppressed peoples, a chance to fight the idea that they are inferior because of their beliefs. Maybe these new tools are just what we need to make the world a better place.
Hope you liked that! Took me about four takes to get it. I didn't know acting could be so stressful.
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