Letters to the Editor
-
Somewhat Hypocritical
It's somewhat funny how so many reviews from the left are somehwat hypocritical about "Golden Compass" criticism. I don't know if Zacharek wrote a review when "Narnia" came out or not, but I distinctly recall many left-leaning and/or secularist types decrying the "blatant Christian symbolism" in the film, even though it was significantly toned down from the books. Now that many Christians are doing the same with the adaptation of Pullman's book, they're "shocked; shocked!"
Give me a break.
I presume the film is harmless, although it sounds rather sterile from this review. However, Zacharek and others just can't seem to resist getting in potshots at those hated religious bigots that want to keep kids from reading, stunt their intellectual growth, and defeat heresy.
If I'm not mistaken, Pullman has explicitly stated that "destroying Christianity," or something to that effect, is his fondest desire. Is it any surprise that religious parents might be a tad uneasy with a film based on his books? Does that make them the equivelant of Nazis burning books at a bonfire?
If Zacharek has kids, I doubt she'd be standing in line with them for tickets to the latest "Left Behind" film; not quite in line with your values, right?
Are you depriving your kids of a chance at growth? Stunting their intellect? Come on. You're simply teaching them what you believe to be right and wrong, and you don't want to confuse them by seeming to approve of (or be neutral about) something that conflicts with your most deeply held beliefs. When they're adults, they will make up their own minds, and maybe keep or maybe reject your views.
People that are leery about Pullman are just doing the same thing. It's not such a big deal and it shouldn't be so shocking. Reviews that excitedly bash the narrow-minded breeders in fear for their kids' souls are just railing at a strawman.