Dr. Daniel Stout, BYU-Hawaii professor of intercultural communications, said LDS Church members should look for truth in popular culture at the annual David O. McKay Lecture on March 28. Titled “The Dilemmas of Interpretive Communities: Implications for Mormonism,” the lecture was held in place of a weekly devotional.
Unlike devotionals, the audience of students and faculty applauded Stout as he approached the pulpit for his lecture. Stout spoke about interpretive communities in relation to media studies and the dimensions and controversies that result. As defined by Stanley Fish, a literary critic, “Interpretive communities are groups who interpret texts similarly because they share similar social positions and experiences.”
To explain his topic, Stout shared his personal experiences growing up on the East Coast. “I was 12 years old when the album, ‘Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ by the Beatles came out. I couldn’t get my mother to take me to the record store for some reason. She had something going on,” he explained, “so I trudged three miles each way in the Jersey humidity, mostly along the shoulder of a four-lane highway to make the purchase.” His love for rock’n’roll and punk inspired his comments, he later explained. “What could be more relevant than media effects, especially in this information age?” Stout asked the audience. He said he believes millennials are willing to have religious experiences through media.
“My argument is that secular entertainment media, while traditionally considered apart from religion, is more closely related to it than it used to be. That is, media and religion are practically becoming the same thing in some contexts. Today more than ever, we see personal [freedom] in the exercise of faith,” he pointed out.
Stout gave three quotes from LDS young adults: “I felt the spirit like no other time in my life.” “It was like an awakening or something like that. I’m not a doubter, but in that moment I believed. I got it.” “I sat there and absorbed the words, I needed that message. I’m so glad I was there.”
He then revealed the sources of each quote, “Was the first member in Sacrament Meeting? Sunday School class perhaps? No, at home watching Netflix. Is the second person listening to testimonies? Actually, this comment is about the person’s favorite rock song. And a movie theater is the setting for the third comment.”
Dixie Johnson, a cultural studies senior from Idaho, said she enjoyed the lecture. “[He] brought up some very interesting points on the connection between entertainment media and the LDS faith. He is, perhaps, the most optimistic person I have ever met concerning the matter. However, his optimism may be exactly what we need in this changing world. I would agree that Mormon tap, jazz, or rock isn’t going to make everyone apostate.”
Following Stout’s lecture, a panel was held for faculty and students to share thoughts and ask questions about his topic. Tevita Ka‘ili, department chair of Intercultural Studies, argued that Stout’s views downplayed the definition of religion. “Early definitions of religion, specifically from Ed Titles, defined religion as beliefs and spirits relating to the supernatural.” He said pop culture should not treat celebrities like gods. “I think Stout really romanticized the media. It often glorifies violence, mass consumption, and objectifies women,” Ka‘ili said.
Religion Professor Jennifer Lane said, “I encourage students to find all that is good in the culture of the world to enhance and not harm Christ’s church. Media does not replace the church.”
As students and professors expressed their opinions in the panel, Stout listened to their agreements and disagreements. Stout said in response, “I pose an implicit meaning of the term religion. A broader definition of religion allows you to explore the possibilities in pop culture that can add to your spirituality.”
Brianne Burgess, senior in communications from Arizona, said, “I think I’ve had Stout’s class every semester for a while. He’s a pretty interesting guy. He’s kinda goofy, but he really stresses media literacy to his students. We are taught to be more critical of what we are viewing and to think about the intent of the source. He has also discussed that official church stuff and church member culture is very different and to be aware of that. There’s a difference between what is sacred and what’s not.”
Breanna Ollerton, Arizona senior majoring in applied mathematics, said, “It is so interesting to see how the media has changed. I think shows are now more closely looking at the evils of the world when; before, it was looking at the good in the world. I think music is so powerful, and it’s great to look to for guidance. I have played the piano since I was in kindergarten and some of the most spiritual experiences I have had were through piano music. It’s important to look for the good to determine and better understand what to look for.”
To better relate to students, Stout encouraged faculty to keep themselves up to date with popular culture. He teaches courses in communications and implements “media literacy” in each of his classes.
Stout manages the blog mormonsintomedia.com that includes more than 50 articles regarding modern media in relation to religion. He welcomes contributions from students and staff who would like to write an article for his blog.
Writer: Malia Diaz