Deliver Us From Evil is probably one of the most influential and awakening documentary films to have been made on such a sensitive subject. I personally was raised Muslim and don’t know very much about the Catholic religion except for what I have read in the history books and now from this documentary. I have always believed that religion is our deepest root to salvation and purity. That our religion and our practices will keep us humane, giving us hope, peace, and tranquility. Watching this documentary gave me chills with the hairs on my arms literally standing up straight. When O’Grady speaks about the details of the abuse towards the young girls, I can feel the pain, the fear, the helplessness of the young girls. The fact that O’Grady can speak with barely any emotion on his face about the incidents, makes me tremble with disgust and astonishment. How could such evil exist in what we perceive and believe is pure and sacred?
It is because of documentary films like this, that people are brought to attention by the wrongdoings of people all over the world. Deliver Us From Evil has brought comfort to others who have been abused but were left in silence because of fear and embarrassment. Knowing that you are not alone in this fight is something that can alter a life. Parents who watched this documentary are made aware, which will hopefully caution them with their children, not only towards the church, but overall to anyone. You can never be too sure of anyone in this world, because if you cannot even trust your church, the place of the divine, there is little hope for anyone else.
Media is always perceived according to each individual. One may look at this document and see the media being corrupt and unjust for exposing the secrets of the churches, causing outrage. Another may look at the film as rude awakening that must be followed with awareness and organized groups against such corrupt behavior. Many blogs and websites are organized daily against abusers worldwide. Not only abusers in the church but in the government, or your next door neighbor. A blog called Abuse Tracker was formed by Kelly Shaw that exposes the allegations from the some of the highest holding powers. Websites and any other form of media do create meaningful communities through communication and awareness. Ignorance is everywhere, but with the help of people speaking out, makes each step towards a better world (if there will ever be such a concept achieved), a little easier.
Link: http://www.bishop-accountability.org/AbuseTracker/
Thank you for contributing a very different perspective on this film. It is somehow humbling to hear a more tolerant, humane reaction to such inhumane abuses by alleged holy men dedicated to their God and his commandments.
ReplyDeleteYou make a universal point when you write 'Ignorance is everywhere...' The voice of moderation is not often heard in traditional media. The current climate of fear & intolerance creates its own self perpetuating black hole of oblivion online aka Becky in Jesus Camp & the many examples from week to week in our viewing assignments.
The most horrifying of images and opinions can be presented in the most seductive of formats. Even now it is difficult to tear your eyes away from the Nazi's and their cinema graphic presentation of pageantry, the beauty of the human form & the message of racial superiority. Or in this instance the image of socio-path and his collaborator talking like a Mr. Roger from hell, and smiling at the camera, completely devoid of any remorse or repentance.