Netflix has just released its new series, American Primeval, a historical drama that’s already gaining attention for its bold storytelling and unflinching portrayal of early American history. However, the show is causing a stir, particularly within the LDS (Latter-day Saint) community, who have voiced concerns over its portrayal of religious figures and events.
The show, set in the 1800s, explores the complex relationships between early settlers, Native American tribes, and the emerging American government. While many viewers are captivated by the drama, stunning visuals, and complex characters, members of the LDS Church have expressed disapproval regarding certain aspects of the show that they feel misrepresent their faith and its history.
A History Reimagined
At its core, American Primeval aims to bring history to life, showing the American frontier through the eyes of various groups. The series touches on significant historical moments, including the lives of Mormon pioneers and the challenges they faced in the early years of their settlement in Utah.
However, the portrayal of Mormon figures, specifically Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, has raised eyebrows. In the show, Smith is depicted in a way that many LDS members feel is inaccurate and misleading. According to the Church, the character’s portrayal does not align with the teachings and values that the LDS community upholds.
What the LDS Community Says
Latter-day Saints have long been protective of their faith’s image in the media, and this portrayal is no exception. Many LDS individuals have taken to social media and online forums to voice their disappointment with the show’s depiction of religious figures and events. Some argue that American Primeval oversimplifies or distorts critical moments in LDS history, making it seem as though the Mormon Church’s beginnings were more controversial and violent than they actually were.
For example, the series takes liberties with the depiction of early Mormon settlers, showing them engaged in violent skirmishes with local tribes and other settler groups. While it’s true that early Mormons faced intense persecution and violence, some members of the Church feel the series exaggerates these conflicts to create drama, making it appear that the pioneers were more aggressive than they actually were.
Netflix’s Response to the Criticism
Netflix has been quick to respond to the backlash, asserting that American Primeval is a work of fiction and should be viewed as such. In a statement, the streaming giant clarified that the show’s purpose is not to represent real-life events with strict accuracy but rather to offer a fictionalized version of history designed to entertain and provoke thought.
Despite this clarification, the LDS community remains divided. Some appreciate the entertainment value of the series, acknowledging that historical dramas often take creative liberties. Others, however, believe that the show could have made a more responsible effort to accurately represent Mormon history, particularly given the significant role the LDS Church plays in American history.
The Power of Media Representation
The controversy surrounding American Primeval raises important questions about how historical events and religious figures are portrayed in the media. For the LDS community, accurate representation is crucial, especially when it comes to a faith that has often been misunderstood or misrepresented in popular culture.
Many feel that media representations of their history shape public perception and influence how outsiders view their beliefs and practices. A negative portrayal, even in a fictionalized form, can have lasting effects on how the LDS Church is perceived by the broader public.
Why ‘American Primeval’ Matters to the LDS Community
For many Latter-day Saints, the early days of the Church are a source of great pride, but also pain. The community faced intense persecution during the 19th century, including being driven from city to city and ultimately settling in the Utah Territory to escape violence. This history is central to the faith and identity of the Church. As such, any portrayal of that time period is deeply significant.
The Church has worked for years to counteract negative portrayals of Mormonism in the media. For example, in recent years, the LDS Church has made efforts to clarify its history and doctrines through public statements, official documents, and educational resources. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Church leaders and members alike are watching closely how their history is being portrayed in popular media, hoping for respectful and accurate depictions.
The Impact of the Backlash
While American Primeval continues to generate conversation within the LDS community, it’s also causing ripples in the broader media world. The controversy over the show highlights a growing tension between the desire for creative freedom in storytelling and the need for cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy.
The backlash has sparked larger conversations about how faith groups should navigate portrayals of their histories and beliefs in popular media. It has also led to an increase in the demand for more diverse and accurate storytelling across all forms of entertainment.
In the case of American Primeval, the controversy over its portrayal of the LDS Church is unlikely to die down anytime soon. Many viewers are calling for a more balanced portrayal of Mormon history, one that acknowledges the hardships and triumphs of the early Mormon settlers without sensationalizing or distorting the truth.
What’s Next for ‘American Primeval’ and LDS Representation?
As the dust settles from the initial backlash, both Netflix and the LDS community will likely continue to engage in discussions about the show’s impact. The question remains: Will future shows and films be more mindful of the communities they represent, or will this controversy be viewed as just another example of the tensions between entertainment and cultural sensitivity?
For the LDS Church, this controversy is just one chapter in a long history of striving for better representation in the media. As society continues to evolve and become more conscious of diverse perspectives, it’s clear that the conversation surrounding media depictions of religion, particularly Mormonism, will only grow.
American Primeval may have sparked a firestorm of debate, but it also provides an opportunity for deeper conversations about how historical events and religious beliefs are portrayed on screen. Whether it leads to more thoughtful representations in the future remains to be seen, but the ongoing dialogue is likely to influence how religious communities, including the LDS Church, interact with the media in the years to come.
