Racist, Incompetent, or Gatekeepers? | Challenging Saints Unscripted and Other Apologetic Groups

Summary

The speaker expresses frustration and disappointment over perceived racial erasure and lack of credit within a Mormon media organization. They recount their experiences as a key contributor to the 'Saints Unscripted' show, highlighting how their contributions, particularly on topics of blackness within the church, were overshadowed by a white presenter. The speaker accuses the organization of systematically removing them from thumbnails and promotional materials, effectively erasing their presence despite their significant contributions. They also touch on the irony of being replaced by a white presenter discussing issues of racism, questioning the authenticity and sincerity of the organization's stance on inclusivity. The speaker further discusses the broader implications of such actions within the context of the church's teachings, suggesting that the true message of unity and acceptance is being overshadowed by a superficial commitment to propriety and suburban niceness. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of personal testimony and the need for genuine unity, rather than performative displays of acceptance.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The speaker expresses frustration about being removed from thumbnails and feeling erased from a show they contributed to significantly.
• 📸 There is a concern about the lack of representation and the erasure of minority voices in media, particularly within the Mormon blogosphere.
• 📉 The speaker accuses the show 'Saints Unscripted' of removing them from all thumbnails, including their own testimony, which they find deeply offensive.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the motives behind their removal, suggesting it may be due to a controversy involving COVID parties rather than their race.
• 👥 The speaker discusses the replacement of themselves with a white host, indicating a perceived shift towards a more 'white' representation.
• 📈 There is a critique of the 'religion of Academia' and the idea of virtue signaling about racism without actual minority involvement.
• 🚫 The speaker condemns the actions as reminiscent of George Orwell's '1984', suggesting a manipulation of history and memory.
• 😔 The speaker feels betrayed and thrown under the bus by the organization they helped build up.
• 🤝 The speaker defends the importance of 'Saints Unscripted' for young audiences but criticizes its handling of their involvement.
• 📚 A discussion on the Book of Mormon's teachings related to unity and peace, suggesting that the current racial division is contrary to these teachings.
• 💬 The speaker calls for a more nuanced approach to interpreting religious texts, emphasizing the importance of individual experiences and testimonies.

Q & A

What is the main issue raised by the speaker about the 'More Good Foundation'?

The speaker alleges that the 'More Good Foundation' has been erasing the presence of a black host from their YouTube thumbnails, which they perceive as a form of systemic racism and a betrayal of their contributions to the organization.

Why does the speaker feel betrayed by the 'More Good Foundation'?

The speaker feels betrayed because they claim to have contributed significantly to the foundation's content, only to be later removed from thumbnails and not credited for their work, which they view as a disregard for their sacrifices.

What is the speaker's view on the representation of minorities in the 'More Good Foundation'?

The speaker criticizes the foundation for not having a diverse representation of minorities, particularly noting the absence of a black host from the thumbnails and suggesting that the organization appears to be predominantly white.

Why does the speaker believe the 'More Good Foundation' should change its name?

The speaker sarcastically suggests that the 'More Good Foundation' should change its name to the 'More White Foundation' due to their perceived lack of inclusivity and diversity, especially concerning the representation of black individuals.

What is the speaker's stance on the portrayal of racial issues in the 'Book of Mormon'?

The speaker believes that the 'Book of Mormon' provides a nuanced approach to racial issues, advocating for unity and the renouncement of war and division. They argue that the text teaches important lessons about the consequences of racism and the importance of coming together.

How does the speaker feel about their own experiences of racism and exclusion?

The speaker feels hurt and frustrated by their experiences, expressing disappointment in how they have been treated by the 'More Good Foundation' and others. They share personal stories of exclusion and erasure from the organization's content.

What does the speaker think about the role of personal testimony in the context of the 'Book of Mormon'?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal testimony, stating that despite any external challenges or evidence to the contrary, their personal experience and testimony of the 'Book of Mormon' being true remains unshaken.

Why does the speaker mention the mascot of their high school?

The speaker uses the example of their high school's mascot to illustrate a point about the erasure of positive representations of minorities and the impact of 'suburban niceness culture' on such decisions.

What is the speaker's opinion on the actions taken by the 'More Good Foundation' regarding their content?

The speaker is critical of the 'More Good Foundation' for removing them from thumbnails and for what they perceive as a lack of acknowledgment and apology for this action.

How does the speaker describe their relationship with the other members of the 'More Good Foundation'?

The speaker acknowledges having had great memories and a positive relationship with some members of the 'More Good Foundation,' while expressing a more complex and strained relationship with others, particularly David Snell.

What does the speaker suggest is the underlying issue within the 'More Good Foundation'?

The speaker suggests that there is an issue with a certain mindset within the 'More Good Foundation,' which values suburban propriety and the appearance of being accepting and nice over genuine inclusivity and recognition of contributions from all members.