Project Statement

Our project is focused with the scope of American “glocalization.” Our goal is to examine on the historical and sociological perspective of Mormonism in America and investigate how these perspectives are going to frame the campaigns of two potential LDS presidential candidates, Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman. In order to understand and comprehend the unique relationship between mainstream society and Mormonism, it is vital to gain an insightful historical overview.

Mormonism originated in the New York state in the early 1800s. The initial Latter Day prophet, Joseph Smith Jr., brought about the new wave Mormon movement. In order to create a separate and Mormon society Smith took the following members to Ohio then to the state of Missouri, a place where he figured his group would steer clear of harassment and persecution. The people of Missouri responded to the strange and socially unacceptable practices, teachings and illegal practice of polygamy with violence and protest. The boiling point occurred in 1838 with the 1838 Mormon War, in which, by state order, the people of Missouri drove the Mormon settlers out of Missouri. Still unable to find a spot to establish a religious community and being expelled from multiple areas, the settlers established an identity in Nauvoo, Illinois. Shortly after the move, the persecution of Mormons continued with the assassination of its leader Joseph Smith. The torch of leadership was handed to another prominent figure in Mormonism, Brigham Young.

Despite heavy persecution and alienation, Mormons continued to preach the teachings of the Book of Mormon and the illegal practice of polygamy. But because of issues with continuing persecution in Illinois, the Church’s new leader decided to move the community to somewhere isolated. They wandered through the Midwest to get away from mainstream society in order to practice their faith freely. The Mormon exodus ended when the Mormon settlers found their “Zion,” in the Great Salt Lake Valley. Brigham Young set up colonies across the then Mexican territory and established a substantial community. When the territory became an American territory, the United States government granted governorship to Brigham Young. Shortly after, clashes again erupted between Mormons and the government because of Mormons insistence of theocracy and polygamy. They were viewed as un-American, abnormal, and cancers to American society. The problem worsened when the public of America started hearing that the religion was spreading and spreading its polygamous ways.

American President James Buchanan, deeming the Mormon movement a “rebellion,” sent troops to the territory in an attempt to squash the “uprising.” When the citizens of Salt Lake City heard that troops were approaching they preemptively attacked passing by innocent immigrants. This incident provided even worse publicity for the already struggling to fit in religion. Young surrendered to the troops and to appease the wishes of the United States government, the LDS Church banned its practice of polygamy.

Utah still remains the epicenter of Mormon culture and practice. Though the practice of polygamy still exists, it is in rare instances and most Mormons remain monogamous. Though the most controversial aspect of the religion has been excised, Mormons still remain countercultural. Most Mormons remain modest in lifestyle. The Church has a strict policy against premarital sex, as well as a strict ban against imbibing alcohol. They also maintain a very aggressive mission style of recruiting those globally around the world and the populace across the United States.

The early struggles and social perspectives reinforced amongst the populace of the time have remained intact today. The religion has become heavily stigmatized and stereotyped because of its roots in polygamy and the modest countercultural lifestyle. These kinds of impressions have created an unfair ideology and negative or distorted feeling towards Mormonism in mainstream culture. As one of the fastest growing religions in the world, Mormonism has started to permeate many aspects of modern society, lately developing prominence in the world of politics.

As the 2012 election creeps closer, two potentially serious candidates identify themselves as Mormons. Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, has already announced that he will run, and many have speculated Jon Huntsman Jr., former Governor of Utah and current Ambassador to China, will run as well. Both candidates are well qualified and competent in politics. Romney was a well-liked Governor and was in charge of running the very successful 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Jon Huntsman Jr. speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, was praised as Governor of Utah and was appointed Ambassador to China by Barack Obama in 2009.

While these candidates are politically qualified and adept at their jobs, the focus of their campaigns and political image has been of their faith. Politics as a spectator sport shifts the focus of candidates’ stances on issues to their personal electibility. Religion is a part of this electibility and both candidates understand that the aforementioned stereotypes, ideologies, and stigmas surrounded in their Mormon faith may be a liability. Jon Huntsman Jr., in a recent article has already had to dance around his faith:

“I’m a very spiritual person and proud of my Mormon roots,” Huntsman told TIME magazine in the interview. Pressed on whether he is still a member, he said, “That’s tough to define. There are varying degrees. I come from a long line of saloonkeepers and proselytizers, and I draw from both sides. (Gehrke, p.1)”

Mitt Romney can see the role that his father’s faith played in his attempt to run for president in 1968. The Salt Lake Tribune recently ran an article highlighting the struggle of previous candidates struggles to overcome the hurdle of Mormonism in political society. Mitt’s father, George Romney, had his run at the presidency come to a halt because of the perceived notion that Mormons have been historically racist, “But questions still arose about Romney’s religion and whether it made him a racist because the LDS Church, at the time, did not ordain blacks to its all-male priesthood. (Davidson, p.1) “

While history tends to say that Mormonism has been a hindrance in the presidential runs of candidates, a new PEW statistic states that 68 % of Americans say that it would not matter to them if a presidential candidate were Mormon, 25 % state that they would be less likely to vote for a Mormon and 5 % stated they would be more likely to vote for a Mormon (http://people-press.org/2011/06/02/section-2-candidate-traits-and-experience/#mormon). This trend reflects the growing prominence of Mormonism in American society; people are coming to understand that not all Mormons are racists and polygamists. Because of the rapid growth of Mormonism, the religion may be starting to shed the stigmas once heavily attached. This is good news for these two candidates who hope to run for commander-in-chief without having to deal with the ignorance and preconceived ideas of mainstream society.

Now, we play the waiting game. It will be interesting to see how this inherent religion in politics will play out for the 2012 elections. It is important to keep perspective on politics, in terms of judging a candidate on his political stances and style of facilitating rather than his religious affiliation. If history serves as any indication Huntsman and Romney’s religions will be targeted and serve as hurdles for their run, but if the PEW statistics show a growing trend these politicians will have a legitimate a shot at the seat in the oval office.