Published August 27, 2005
IN THEORY
Q: There's a new movement underway to train Christians to be film and television executives. The move is apparently in reaction to a perceived bigotry in Hollywood toward Christianity. A new program called Act One, run by Barbara Nicolosi, trains Christians to become television and film executives. It includes a three-month-long program that places Christians in entertainment internships while hosting lectures by industry professionals. First off, do you think there is a bias in Hollywood that works against Christians? And if so, can a program like this reverse that bigotry?
A: It is more than a perceived bias against Christians and I don't think there's any other group that would tolerate the blatant stereotyping that goes on against them on the big screen.
Unfortunately, we're caught in a vicious circle where the right is defining Christianity and the left is reacting to that definition and the middle is lost.
There is more to Christianity than what the right represents, but for obvious reasons of profit and greed, the sensational messages get the space and time media. Case in point, last week the Pope made an historic trip to Germany and spoke of respect and tolerance. Meanwhile, here in the states, Pat Robertson called for the assassination of the Venezuelan President. When all the dust settled, what is remembered by the press? Which message becomes the topic of the media and the people? Whose Christianity is taken to task?
I'm pleased that Barbara Nicolosi has taken the step to form Act One. In particular, I appreciate her approach, because the message of Christ is not one to be compromised. It is not a message that belongs only to Christians, but a message that can have global implications for peace. Films and television shape and define much of our society and the need to abandon stereotypes for messages of hope and the good is essential.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church Youth Ministries
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