Cragon And Nielson

In many cases, members of the polygamous community have struggled to have a positive image. Cragun and Nielson (2009) explain the actions that were taken after the raid of the FLDS ranch in Texas. The LDS church started an initiative after the raid to distinguish itself from many polygamous groups that are all said to be under Mormon faith. The LDS church decided to employ people to monitor media coverage; the church found Russian and Mexican outlets incorrectly referred the FLDS church for being the same as the LDS church. The LDS church also did not appreciate the picture of the LDS temple that was printed with a story about the FLDS church.

Cragun and Nielson (2009) indicate the confusion resulting from the raid led to the LDS church to

The LDS says they are technically “Fundamentalist Mormons” since most of them do not consider themselves polygamist. One article found in Mexico was a story written on aMexican church where men had multiple wives the church was said to be LDS when really it was FLDS. The LDS is continuously trying to prove that they are not under the leadership of Joseph Smith, but the FLDS is and that is where polygamy stems from which has nothing to do with them. The LDS conducted this research to put a stop to the confusion the two groups but also to remain relevant and show the world who they really are. The LDS does not want to be labeled Mormons or polygamists (Cragun & Nielson,

Wood (2011) gives detail on polygamist Kody Brown and his families reality TV show Sister Wives. Wood focuses on the legal fallout after airing Sister Wives. The article also shows how the Browns argue against the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that polygamy is an “offense to society.” Wood (2011) gives his opinion by saying polygamists are free to live however they want and that society will never be able to prove them wrong due to freedom of religion in the United States. Wood (2011) states that polygamy is tolerated in multiple countries that have heavy restrictions and if those countries allow it then surely the U.S. will allow it as well. Hardy (2008) writes about a young man who grew up in a Mormon household. The young man describes when polygamy was introduced to him and how it is often reflected upon in church. Another issue Hardy (2008) writes about is relocations of many polygamist due to polygamy not being allowed in many places. The reality show on TLC, name of the show, is about polygamist Brady Williams and his five wives. The polygamist say that coming out has been “liberating” even though they were initially nervous about the television show. In the article, polygamist tell how normal their life is to a non-polygamous