Mormonism In America

I have this theory that any publicity for the LDS church is good publicity. It draws attention to our beliefs, whether it is accurate or not, and then questions are asked. For any religion/cause/movement it is good to have people who have no knowledge ask questions because they can know true answers. Having said that, there is a footnote to my theory. You need to ask the questions to someone who knows what they're talking about.
This goes for the CBS featurette that aired tonight called "Mormons in America." There were interviews that I liked because they were with actual members of the LDS church. And there were things said by non-LDS members that I was unhappy about, especially that Abby Huntsman chica. You don't ask ex-wives about their views of their former husbands, so why ask ex-Mormons about their views on the Church? If you want the truth, don't ask the people who don't believe in it. But, once again, we as honest viewers have been subjected to uncomfortable untruths promoted by prominent figures in society to further selfish causes.
Also, you missed some things about Mormons in America (recent--and positive--things, I might add):
1. Missionary work. We are not a "mystery" church. We have thousands of members going out to spread the word, so to speak. It doesn't have to be a mystery to people outside of the church. Just ask us and we're happy to answer! We can even send real missionaries right to your door who love to talk about the Church.
2. Humanitarian work. We are one of the leaders in humanitarian work for America and the world. We don't just help our members, like the show said. For example, we were the first on the scene of Katrina and Haiti.
3. We are not secretive; we are sacred. Referring to the part about walking across the street to St. Patrick's and just being able to walk in, but we are old fashioned and don't let anyone into our temples: First of all, anyone can enter our meeting houses, which are essentially what cathedrals are. Secondly, my mom had a good point about just walking into cathedrals. When we were visiting Sacre Coeur in Paris--a well-known public church--there were tons of people walking into this supposedly important religious space. People knew that it was holy to some, and we saw people praying in the pews and paying homage to the saints. Even so, people we disrespectfully loud and obnoxious. We couldn't figure out how these worshippers were able to feel spiritual or have a peaceful time to pray because people were so noisy! THAT is why we don't let just anyone walk into our temples; they are sacred to us and we like to be able to feel spiritual in peace and serenity. And you need to prove that you are willing to fully participate and take it seriously. Sacred isn't a word you don't hear too often, anymore, but we take it seriously.

Some things that bugged me:
1. "The Book of Mormon" musical. Why even mention it?!?! Again, written by ex-Mormons who consciously left for their own reasons. Not written by us. Has no affiliation with us.
2. Blacks. We love everyone and try to be as Christ-like as we can. You interviewed a man who, even though he said he didn't feel persecuted as the only black man in his congregation, lives in Utah. There are not many blacks in Utah to begin with. But I went to an LDS ward in London and that ward was mostly Nigerian immigrants. The two white girls from my program and I were probably 3 of 12 or so white people in the congregation. I wanted to tell the interviewer this and remind him that this is a global church and we accept all types of people.

I think it's awesome how Mitt Romney has stepped into the public eye as a solid, practicing Mormon because his example has got people talking. We are so ready to talk, but you need to ask us and give less face time to Abby Huntsman and the creators of South Park.