Recently I was given the task to sit through a docudrama called “And the Band Played On.” There were some positive aspects, it was entertaining, good acting, educational and helps one understand that we all are people and we all have needs. Also, we can’t just ignore others because of his or her beliefs. However, overall I was disappointed.
Concerns
Being made in 1993, it documented the beginnings of the AIDS epidemic. While the topic was interesting, I left feeling quite sad. Why? because the use of entertainment to promote a devious worldview. Here are my main concerns:
Desensitization
The movie presented itself as a “docudrama,” however, it seemed that they wanted to minimally desensitize people to same-sex relationships if not totally make it out as if one is immoral if one says it is sin.
Emotions in the place of arguments
Since it was a docudrama, they made arguments in a “pathos”, or emotionally appealing way, to convince the listener. They sidestepped rational and moral arguments by tickling one’s emotions. In other words, they circumvent the intellect via the emotions. If one is not prepared for this or has been desensitized already, one will fall pray to this rhetoric.
One sided, ungodly agenda
Third, they seemed to have an one sided agenda in both politics and religion. While some of these steps were incognito, others were quite open shots against Christianity and the “political right.” This also included a number of scenes where where there was the lack of modest attire and immoral conversation. Sadly they could do this all in the name of entertainment with a dash of “documentary.”
The common Joe
Regretfully, most watching this type of movie wouldn’t know the difference between right and wrong, or they have been so desensitized to immorality that they have lost their moral compass. When one has a biblical truth foundation and is one who is able to see and cut through this type of rhetoric, one is prepared for untruth and those that oppose this truth.
After watching this docudrama, one can understand the reason why those around, even those who claim to be Christian, don’t follow the motto “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). How can we change the world, and be a light and salt if we allow filthy and worldly rhetoric to be part of our lives?
