In Alaska, the Old Believers send our Society a message

by Alan Mairson on January 31, 2013 5 Comments

National Geographic Old Believers cold reception Homer TribuneRead the whole thing here.

This article raises a host of new questions:

  • How is it possible that two producers from National Geographic could begin work on a “docu-series” that’s almost identical to Meet The Hutterites, yet have no idea the series even exists? Given the controversy surrounding what happened last year in Montana, why didn’t the two producers say something like: Yes, of course we know about the Hutterite series. David Lyle, CEO of the National Geographic Channel, has insisted that all producers watch it, study it, and learn about what went wrong with that production. We have learned. And we stand before you tonight with a solemn pledge that as we produce this series about the Old Believers, we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.
  • Why did National Geographic producers tell the media to leave the meeting? If the “docu-series” is, in fact, a documentary, and there are no “reality” TV stunts awaiting the Old Believers, then why is it necessary to whisper behind closed doors? Why the secrecy? Why not relieve the community’s fears by opening up the doors and windows to let the sun shine in?
  • Does the National Geographic Channel think the painful legacy of Meet The Hutterites is going to simply fade away?

We’ll keep you posted.

  • Kathy Stahl

    These people need to know that the Society took a culture, the Hutterite culture, and totally ripped it to shreds with what THEY wanted to portray. It was a travesty and the Old Believers need to Run, run, run…..or at least somebody get to these people and help them deal with the disaster knocking at their door…..I know, I have witnessed first hand what The National Geograpic Society are capable of….it is disgusting.

    • http://societymatters.org/ Alan Mairson

      Kathy – I’ve been told that this production is going to be different. That National Geographic Television – the TV production arm of the National Geographic Society — is producing this show for the National Geographic Channel (majority owned by News Corp). Whereas Meet The Hutterites was produced by the Channel for the Channel. The idea, I guess, is that the standards and quality control are different; that the Society adheres to higher standards than does the Channel. That this time, you can trust us.

      Consider me (very) skeptical.

      Thanks for your message… and for stopping by.

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  • Anthony Wurthmann

    We are a private community. Worldly thing are not welcomed in our lives. We find worldly ways sinfull. Please with all due respect, STAY AWAY.

    • http://societymatters.org/ Alan Mairson

      Anthony – I hear your plea. But I’m afraid the National Geographic producers are not going to stay away. They will find willing participants, and carry on with the show. My hope is that it ends better than it did with the Hutterites.

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