A good effort

iancualice

I recommend this documentary!

The film documents American Evangelicals "at work" in Uganda, spreading homophobia and other "good news", such as abstinence-only programs. To the detriment of the Ugandan people and the growth of the Evangelical cause, influence and donations. It also shows a Catholic bishop (if I am not mistaken) who has been excommunicated for refusing to "condemn the gays". It clearly shows the connection between some Evangelical groups and growing homophobia, as well as growing religious political influence.

I thought the connection between American Evangelicals and growing homophobia was clear and the connection was MONEY and POLITICAL INFLUENCE.

If white rich Americans show at your doorstep and you are poor and face many troubles, particularly if their donations are tied to you spreading their ideology/religion, most of the time you will tell them what they want to hear. Something that is presented pretty straightforward in the film. It is only the privileged who can afford to disregard such a simple fact!! It is only the privileged who can be blind to their power and to the massive inequality between the parties involved! Sure, these Evangelicals build schools, wells and what not and send in wide-eyed enthusiastic youth, and in return they get their "army", their views validated, their status increased. They get to be heard in Parliament, show up in the media and dump all their venomous frustrations and ignorance far away from their home or (until recently) prying eyes. At the expense of the lives, health and safety of Ugandan LGBT.

The amount of hatred, ignorance and bigotry spewed by American Evangelicals, their sponsored supporters and their recruited followers is chilling. The fact that they scapegoat an already marginalized group is absolutely absolutely disgusting. It is revolting to see just such an imbalance of power, between a poor HIV ridden country and a frightened LGBT community on one side, and the blissfully enthusiastic ignorant American Christians on the other. Such an abuse of power.

I thought the film was too soft on Christian Evangelical groups and I thought even gentle in its approach. I was screaming at the screen sometimes frustrated with how restrained the tone was. But I think I understand why this was and I am aware the play field is highly unequal.

I expect all those Evangelicals&co involved to be held accountable for their spread of hate speech and violations of basic human rights and dignity. I won't hold my breath though.

I applaud with all my heart the makers of this film. I don't want to give away too much. Just watch it.

score 10/10

iancualice 30 April 2014

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3007561/