A few on here (and of course many on the Ex-JW Reddit forum) have mentioned that WT HQ just recently (like in the past couple months) put out a video warning against the praising of JW actors, taking photos with them, etc. To not do it anymore. It was narrated by Geoffrey Jackson.
Why the backpedaling after years of videos showing them basically being worshiped and celebrated when they'd arrive at International Conventions, Assemblies, etc with greeting lines, photo lines, green handshakes, etc?
The answer is simple, and I've
been saying this for a long time now. This Org is completely on the
defensive. Every single thing they put out for consumption by the rank-n-file Sheeple is completely reactionary. They are never
PRO-active, they are RE-active. Ex-members were pointing out this
blatant idolatry to their still PIMI friends and family, and it finally got back to the WT HQ how it looked,
and hence the warning against it. (all in the name of humility of
course. lol)
Basically, their IT trolls who comb thru these forums compiling the grievances of the ex-members put forth a list to them of the top stuff ex-members are bringing to the forefront of the public and PIMQ members.
So, in response, we have the following changes, almost directly in response to former (and still in) members "murmuring":
1. TOMO 3 tossed out on his ass after "BottleGate" and many, MANY other public displays of arrogance and drunkenness. (including at WT HQ)
2. Dress and Grooming. Beards and slacks for women now allowed, ties and suits not even necessary, no more dressing like 1950's vacuum salesman.
3. Loosening of how to treat / greet DF'd ones. Yes, gotta at least treat these ones as human in hopes of gaining them back because their money is just as good as any "adherent" in good standing.
4. Jesus video series. Gotta at least give the IMPRESSION of giving Jesus the lip service treatment, even though we all know The Governing Body is running this show. By putting out this series, they can still at least claim to be "Christian" while selling off Kingdom Halls and raking in profits on real estate and Investment Portfolios and Hedge Funds.
5. Notice how Robert Hendricks got "the boot" from the Public Information Department (PID) (for having an affair, lol) and we haven't heard a peep about his replacement? Notice how all that BS got shut down and we don't see jack shit from them? Recently, a letter from WT HQ went around to even the Convention Committee's basically shutting down all public statements, etc. The message from WT HQ: "STFU! You're making us look bad!" It's true.....every time Hendricks or one of his clowns opened their mouths, it gave the ex-JW movement more ammunition. Better to say nothing and appear impotent, than open your mouth and appear the fool. SPOILER ALERT: They're both.
What
will the future hold? My guess: Birthdays first, and then possibly
light holidays like Thanksgiving and (gasp!) then even Christmas, as
long as no one is going overboard. Eventually..........everyone gets a
Heavenly Hope......144,000 will be "figurative" just like Christendom. Don't worry, The
Governing Body will always be in charge as "The Faithful and Discreet
Slave."