We all know that the Watchtower's doctrines have been loony from day one, and that the organization is increasingly a victim of bad publicity due to it adhering to those set of beliefs. However, with all the wackiness that has been playing out recently it makes me wonder if there are some awake persons with influence in PR / media operations trying to really turn the spotlight on the organization so as to wake up others / turn away potential recruits.
My reasoning is based on these crazy examples of video productions among many others in recent times:
The anti-masturbation video for deaf persons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QReUbe4kp-o
As with everything presented to the public, I'm sure it was thoroughly vetted. At the upper levels of approval didn't anyone realize that the sign language gestures for masturbation used repeatedly in one video presentation could paint a negative impression?
The bunker video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wackkicmf4k
Literalism at it's finest. The problem for them is that we live in an age where the video's imagery paints the image of JWs as fanatical 'doomsday preppers'. I have nothing against persons being prepared for disasters, but there are extremists when it comes to everything, and the negative stereotype is who the public has in mind when it sees that kind of imagery. Not to mention Heaven's Gate, Jone's Town, and Waco as negative examples of what happens when cults physically congregate prepared for 'the end'. How many persons did this go through before it went to the GB to be approved? Have those persons been living in a complete media vacuum for the last 4 decades?
2016 Convention Shunning Propaganda Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5LsyndC1mE
In the real world, when children who've left the house call parents out of the blue they are quick to answer, even if they have become estranged. It could be an emergency. In fact the child could have died and someone on the scene could be using their phone to call home. Attendees on the fence about what they are 'learning' will leave with a sour taste in their mouth after seeing this.
The Anti-Gay Kids Cartoon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnk52bU92oE
We get that the WT is anti-gay, but didn't anyone realise that preaching that message so blatantly, especially to young ones would attract flak, especially in an era where the developed world has been moving towards tolerance and human rights? Hasn't anyone at HQ been paying attention to the negative press received by the Westboro Baptist Church for their openly anti-gay stance?
The Paradise Video (last video) - RC 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d43EyGZTXL4
All of the imagery in this video screams cult. It's all too airy, and looks like a commercial for the new season of The Path. From the odd clothes, to the breathtaking nature vistas, to the fake smiles, to the music. The interesting thing about the music is:
They used the song "Eternal Flame" by Paul Dinletir". Yes, a WORDLY, non-JW song. Something I find pretty out of character for them. They usually make use of a remix of one of their official songs.
I'd love to know the chain of command when it comes to approving video releases.
What do you think is going on?