In recent years, the entertainment industry has taken a troubling turn toward revisionist history, often vilifying great historical figures through woke narratives that distort facts to fit modern ideological agendas. The Netflix series American Primeval is a glaring example of this trend, portraying Brigham Young, the second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a one-dimensional, tyrannical figure. As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, former vegan, former socialist, and now a Christian conservative member of the LDS Church, I feel compelled to address this misrepresentation and shed light on the truth about Brigham Young—a man of vision, resilience, and extraordinary leadership.
The Challenges Brigham Young Faced
Brigham Young assumed leadership of the LDS Church during one of the most turbulent periods in its history. After the assassination of the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1844, the fledgling church faced persecution from mobs and governments alike. Driven out of Nauvoo, Illinois, and pursued across state lines, the Latter-day Saints needed a leader capable of not only guiding them to safety but also establishing a new home in the uncharted West. Brigham Young rose to this monumental challenge with remarkable courage and foresight.
Under his leadership, the Saints embarked on the largest and most organized westward migration in American history. Young’s decision to settle in the Salt Lake Valley—then a barren, arid desert—was inspired, transforming what was seen as inhospitable land into a thriving hub of industry, agriculture, and faith. His ability to envision a self-sustaining Zion in the wilderness is a testament to his practical genius and spiritual conviction.
Brigham Young’s Legacy of Building Communities
One of the most profound aspects of Brigham Young’s leadership was his emphasis on community-building. In stark contrast to the individualism that often defined the American frontier, he fostered a sense of collective responsibility and cooperation among the Saints. Under his guidance, irrigation systems were built to make the desert bloom, schools were established to educate future generations, and temples were constructed to serve as sacred places of worship.
Contrary to the caricature portrayed in American Primeval, Brigham Young was not an authoritarian oppressor but a leader deeply concerned with the welfare of his people. He instituted programs to help new settlers integrate into the community and ensured that widows, orphans, and the poor were cared for. His vision extended beyond the LDS community; Young encouraged peaceful relations with Native American tribes and advocated for fair treatment, urging settlers to feed rather than fight the indigenous peoples they encountered.
Addressing Controversies with Context
Critics of Brigham Young often point to his polygamy or alleged authoritarianism as reasons to dismiss his legacy. While it is true that Young practiced plural marriage, it is essential to view this within the historical and theological context of 19th-century Mormonism. Polygamy was seen as a commandment from God and a means to build and sustain a rapidly growing community. Dismissing him outright for this practice is anachronistic and ignores the broader contributions he made to society.
Similarly, accusations of authoritarianism fail to recognize the unique challenges Brigham Young faced as a leader. In a time when the Saints were repeatedly driven from their homes and threatened with violence, a firm hand was necessary to ensure survival. His leadership was not rooted in tyranny but in a deep sense of responsibility to protect and guide his people.
Woke Revisionism and the Erosion of Truth
The woke agenda, as exemplified by American Primeval, seeks to dismantle the foundations of Western civilization by vilifying its builders. Figures like Brigham Young, who embody the pioneering spirit and Christian values that made America great, are easy targets for those who wish to rewrite history through the lens of victimhood and oppression. However, this approach does a disservice to both the truth and the audience.
As someone who has witnessed firsthand the destruction wrought by ideologies that seek to erase cultural heritage—whether through Islamic extremism in the Middle East or Marxist socialism in the West—I find this trend deeply troubling. Brigham Young was not a perfect man, but he was a great man. His contributions to the development of the American West and his unwavering faith in God’s plan deserve respect and recognition, not mockery and distortion.
Conclusion: A Call to Preserve Truth
Brigham Young’s life and legacy are a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and visionary leadership. He was a man who, through sheer determination and divine guidance, transformed the lives of thousands and built a legacy that continues to inspire millions today. Let us not allow the woke revisionism of Hollywood to rob us of the truth about great men like Brigham Young. Instead, let us honor their memory by studying their lives in full context and preserving their stories for future generations.
Citations
- Leonard J. Arrington, Brigham Young: American Moses (University of Illinois Press, 1985).
- Richard E. Turley Jr., A History of the Latter-day Saints in the West (Deseret Book, 1997).
- James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard, The Story of the Latter-day Saints (Deseret Book, 1992).
- Netflix, American Primeval (2023).
- "Brigham Young's Contributions to the Settlement of the American West," Utah Historical Society, accessed January 24, 2025, https://history.utah.gov/brigham-young-contributions/.
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