Misrepresenting Mormon History: A Critical Look at “American Primeval”

In the realm of media portrayal, particularly when it delves into historical narratives, there’s an ongoing dialogue between entertainment and accuracy, especially when sensitive topics like religion and historical events are involved. The Netflix miniseries “American Primeval” has sparked this conversation within the Latter-day Saint community, prompting a closer examination of its historical fidelity.

Critiques from Within

One of the most articulate critiques comes from a believing Latter-day Saint, who, in a video titled “A Bigoted Fantasy: Why American Primeval IS NOT History,” offers a nine-minute analysis. This critique highlights the miniseries’ deviation from historical truth, particularly in its depiction of the Mormon War and the establishment of the Mormon faith in Utah. While the video’s presenter acknowledges a minor inaccuracy in his discussion regarding the roles of Indians and Latter-day Saints, his overall analysis is compelling, emphasizing the need for careful discernment when consuming media that claims historical grounding.

A Closer Look at Historical Accuracy

The establishment of “the Mormon religion” in Utah is a well-documented process that began with the arrival of the first pioneer company in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Contrary to the portrayal in “American Primeval,” this was not a result of military conquest during the Mormon War of 1857-1858. Instead, it involved the peaceful settlement and founding of numerous cities and towns, as outlined by conventional historians. The miniseries’ suggestion that the Church gained its footing through military means misrepresents this history, potentially skewing public understanding of Latter-day Saint history.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre: A Case Study in Misrepresentation

The tragedy at Mountain Meadows has been a focal point for historical scrutiny, and “American Primeval” touches upon this event. However, the miniseries might not fully encapsulate the complexities and nuances of this dark chapter. For those seeking a more accurate understanding, several scholarly works are recommended:

• Massacre at Mountain Meadows by Ronald W. Walker, Richard E. Turley, and Glen M. Leonard (Oxford University Press, 2011)
• Vengeance Is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath by Richard E. Turley and Barbara Jones Brown (Oxford University Press, 2023)
• Convicting the Mormons: The Mountain Meadows Massacre in American Culture by Janiece Johnson (The University of North Carolina Press, 2023)

These works provide a detailed examination, offering a more nuanced view than what might be depicted in the miniseries.

The Question of Faith and Violence

The portrayal of the Lafferty brothers in “Under the Banner of Heaven,” another miniseries set in Utah, raises questions about the portrayal of Latter-day Saints as potentially violent due to their faith. This depiction prompts reflection on whether such portrayals align with historical reality or serve to perpetuate misconceptions. The article “Was the Early Mormon Church Really a Violent Faith?” provides context to dispel myths and clarify the Church’s stance on violence and the misuse of religious belief.

Here are some inaccuracies or misrepresentations regarding Mormons in the Netflix show “American Primeval” as highlighted by the provided critiques:

1. Mountain Meadows Massacre Misrepresentation: The show’s portrayal might not fully encapsulate the complexities and nuances of this historical event, potentially oversimplifying or misrepresenting the roles of various parties involved.
2. Establishment of Mormonism in Utah: The series inaccurately suggests that Mormonism established itself in Utah through the Mormon War (1857-1858). In reality, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began settling in Utah in 1847, a decade before the conflict, establishing cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Cedar City peacefully.
3. Mischaracterization of Mormon Beliefs and Practices: Comparisons to other shows like “Under the Banner of Heaven” indicate a tendency in media to portray Latter-day Saints as potentially violent or extreme due to their faith, which does not align with historical reality or the Church’s teachings on violence.
4. Simplification of Historical Events: The series might present historical events in a way that fits dramatic narrative needs rather than historical accuracy, leading to oversimplification or distortion of the Mormon experience in the American West.
5. Lack of Context in Religious Practices: There’s a suggestion that the show might not provide the necessary context for understanding Mormon religious practices, potentially leading viewers to misunderstand or misinterpret the faith’s doctrines and community dynamics.
6. Overlooking Peaceful Settlement: The peaceful settlement efforts by Mormons in Utah over a decade before the Utah War are largely ignored, which could give the impression that their presence was more contentious or militaristic than it actually was.
7. Misrepresentation of Church Authority: The portrayal might imply a level of direct control or influence over violent acts by Church leaders that does not align with historical evidence or the Church’s official stance on such matters.

These points highlight where “American Primeval” might deviate from historical accuracy or misrepresent the Mormon community’s history and beliefs, potentially perpetuating misconceptions or myths about the Latter-day Saints.

Conclusion

While “American Primeval” captures the imagination with its dramatic portrayal of the Wild West, its approach to historical events and religious portrayal necessitates a discerning eye. For members of the Latter-day Saint community and those interested in accurate historical depiction, engaging with scholarly resources and thoughtful critiques is essential. These tools offer a counterbalance to Hollywood’s interpretations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of history through a faith-based lens.

In this way, we can navigate the complex terrain between entertainment and historical accuracy, ensuring our understanding of history is not only entertaining but also enriching and truthful.