As a rule, Democrats aren't good at waging cultural battles. We generally don't involved in letter or email writing campaigns to TV networks complaining about programming, or demanding that something doesn't air.
In part, because that's just not our style. We ironically tend to take more of a market-driven approach to censorship. We think that if you don't like something you see on television, well, that's why they invented remote controls.
But the other reason is that for the most part, TV reflects much of who we are. Democrats are generally more prominent in the entertainment industry than conservatives (unless you're talking about high-placed executives), and as a result TV programs tend to reflect our sensibilities.
But tonight NBC is airing the premiere of "The Book Of Daniel," and it has become the center of a firestorm of complains from conservatives.
NBC stations have in many cases recieved thousands of complaints, all of them demanding the network not air the show. At this point, only two stations have pulled the show, but it is an issue at every NBC station nationally.
Why the furor? Well, imagine "Desperate Housewives," recast as a drama about a minister who is hooked on Vicodin and talks to Jesus. A Jesus who seems to be more likely to be hanging out at a Phish concert than motivating the faithful. It's a drama which includes every possible sexual and racial stereotype, all mixed into one extremely troubled family.
As you might imagine, casting Jesus as the wacky sidekick of a drug-addled minister doesn't please conservative Christians, and seeing how they organize their forces, I can't help thinking that we have a tendency to let their complaints stand unchallenged.
So take a minute or two today and zip off an email to your local NBC affiliate. Thank them for taking a chance on "The Book Of Daniel"
To be honest, "Daniel" is not a great show. But it deserves to be seen and discussed. Like the recent "Let's Save Christmas" campaign, this is as much about politics as personal preferences or religious beliefs. But just as with the Happy Holidays controversy, if we remove ourselves from the cultural battle, we lose a chance to make our voices heard.
It's easy to take the stance that the complaints are just the result of some wingnut campaign, and laugh it off. But TV networks do pay attention to feedback, even while they understand much of it is the result of some organized campaign.
We are engaged now in more than just a political battle for 2006 or 2008. We are in the midst of a cultural war, and this is one small way to join the battle.