Prayer as depicted in modern television appears to acknowledge this increasingly casual mode of prayer, though it is largely up to the audience to determine whether this acknowledgement reinforces or mocks this philosophy.
A mild example comes from the episode of "Full House" when Stephanie's favorite toy, Mr. Bear, goes missing. She offers a simple child's prayer, though notice the audience reaction to her conclusion (fast-forward to the 4:54 mark):
To me, it the laughter after the phrase "happy camper" means the audience recognizes the odd casualness to Stephanie's words, but still accepts them.
There is no audience reaction from these two "Simpsons" clips to help us, so the motive behind these representations of prayer is left for us to scrutinize. Notice the juxtaposition between Homer's traditional approach to prayer (head bowed, eyes closed, hands clasped) and the crassness (and loudness) of his words:
To me, the key to interpreting the writers' attitude toward prayer is Bart's reaction in the second clip. When Homer suggests they pray, Bart's eyes shut halfway. In my view, his visual disinterest is not with prayer itself, but his anticipation of Homer's irreverence. Through this subtle facial expression, I believe the writers and animators intend to mock what prayer has become to many in the modern age.
The most over-the-top example I could find comes from "The Colbert Report." When Stephen expresses his outrage over President Obama's decision to keep his recognition of the National Day of Prayer a private matter, Stephen sees the need to "make up" for it with his own ridiculously casual prayer (the prayer prep begins at the 2:28 mark):
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Clasp Your Hands Say Yahweh | ||||
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The satirical nature of Colbert and his program can lead to a dual interpretation of this clip. Colbert and his audience may accept the casualness of prayer as increasingly popular, and thus use this segment as an intentionally ludicrous example.
However, it could also make a mockery of what prayer has become. This segment may have been prepared in protest of prayer becoming too casual, meant to belittle the overly casual zealot.
Because the real-life Colbert is a practicing Roman Catholic, I lean toward the second view. Casual prayer is in contrast with Colbert's Catholic belief, so he and his writers use the satirical Colbert character to exaggerate the error of modern prayer.
So, which side are you on, classmates? Does the depiction of prayer on popular television reinforce or belittle the increasingly casual nature of prayer?
Depiction of prayer on popular television does reinforce a casual and even flippant handling of prayer. Not only that, but it is very rarely portrayed in an everyday setting, like blessing the food or nighttime prayers.
ReplyDeleteMost televised prayers seem to be out of the nature of the character praying, and most of them involving some key phrases. The bargain prayer, “If you will do this for me, I will give this up.” The wish prayer, “Please make this miraculous thing happen.” The entitlement prayer, “I’ve never asked for anything from you.” And the classic opener, “I know you’re busy, but …”
While part of my mind is chanting, “vain and repetitious,” another part is thinking about the implications of prayer on television, especially for those who do not affiliate themselves with organized religion. Could the casual nature of prayer on television and repetition of certain phrases make personal prayer seem more accessible and mainstream to someone who has no spiritual background and may not know how to begin communion with their Father in Heaven? Like many things, there seems to be positive and negative repercussions of prayer on television, but hopefully it has proven helpful for someone.
Prayer, like most religious acts, is made fun of in various instances on TV. I also can think of several examples of a character in the act of prayer which is meant to be commical and irreverant. I cannot think of any instances where a character on TV gets on his knees and pleads with God for a righteous cause. Now I am sure there are, but from my experience, that would be the exception, not the norm. Having instances of prayer on TV could be a good thing, meaning that people are reminded that prayer is still done. However, I tend to think that people who see characters on TV praying are more or less viewing prayer as something silly that people do every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteTo respond to your question, I believe that the depiction of prayer on popular television undoubtedly reinforces the casual nature of prayer in modern society today. And quite frankly, I believe, more often than not, these depictions of the casual and irreverent practice of prayer in our daily lives are often very true (at least they have a great deal of truth to them).
ReplyDeleteI think we would all be lying if we said that even though the LDS faith does not partake in rehearsed/recited prayer practices (excluding the sacrament prayer and the beginning of various blessings given), there is definitely a commonplace/patterned prayer we often fall into... "Dear Heavenly Father, we're thankful for this/that. Please help me with this or that... In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." There's even a primary song that teaches young children the format to prayer. Although this song was written with good intentions and with the mindset to teach, I think it is undeniable that we, as a culture, have fallen into a habit of prayer... one that can oftentimes be labeled as "casual." So, for me, even analyzing this post in reference to our faith, it is a harsh reality.
To respond to Sherry Fairbank's first comment to this blog post, I would have to agree that hey, maybe any depiction of prayer is better than none at all. Perhaps this portrayal in the media offers some who have never tried prayer on a personal level a better understanding of what prayer CAN be. Maybe prayer is intimidating to some. Biblical language that incorporates the "thees and thous" is not always the easiest to understand and practice. Maybe this portrayal of prayer in the media offers the audience a sense of capability... "Maybe it is worth a try... even if I feel stupid," I'd imagine some think.
So although the portrayal of prayer in the media has become casual... increasingly so... but in most cases, isn't prayer and one's PERSONAL spirituality supposed to be a personal matter? Don't we all communicate with our Father in Heaven in our own unique way? I believe I do.
Logan Bradford said...
ReplyDeleteI believe the depiction of prayer in the media encourages and promulgates an ever-increasing use of casual "supplication" (to quote our dear friend, Mr. Colbert). While Colbert, indeed, may have been satirizing what prayer has become in today's society, and in fact is likely on my side, I do not feel his clip promotes the casualness of prayer, but instead highlights and criticizes it.
However, both the Simpsons and Full House clips encourage a sort of casualness in prayer. In the Simpsons clips, the producers and writers turned prayer into a comical act, rationalizing Homer's lackadaisical attitude. This of course makes viewers much more accepting of casualness toward prayer in their every day lives.
Similarly, the Full House clip uses a very common vernacular, as opposed to a formal one, in addressing Deity. Like The Simpsons' clip, this behavior also points viewers to a more relaxed, comfortable, and casual relationship with God.
This of course causes a bit of a schism in my mind, since on one hand, I believe we should indeed have a comfortable, loving, and warm relationship with our Heavenly Father. However, on the other hand, I also believe we need to treat and address Him with the due respect for such a Being as he is. An interesting blog idea for my own personal blog...
Sorry about the username....
-Logan Bradford
I think that this was a great post! It raises interesting thoughts about prayer in television. I wish that it could have focused more on the less satirical media to see the different ways prayer is depicted in different types of shows.
ReplyDeleteAs for satirical media I think they use religion in very rare occasions. And when they do use religion they address prayer more than specific religions because prayer is universal. Everyone can identify with prayer. Satirical media just pulls the irony out of prayers. An example would be that we often ask for things that are ridiculous; but, we ask because we can, just like Homer Simpson. Rather than making fun of a religion I think these clips poke fun at the people who use religion in these ways.