http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,472011
LDS Polynesian Cultural Center Changing a few things
Been enjoying the Islands of Hawaii and have been a frequent visitor to the PCC over the last few decades. On the temple tour they used to have a clip showing that all of the islanders originated from Father Lehi. GONE!
Several times they mentioned that the early Polynesians had no written language and that is why preserving their song and dance is so important. NO REFORMED EGYPTIAN mentioned anymore!!!
The night show no longer teaches about Joseph Smith's first vision (in Hawaiian). Tourists unknowingly used to get the first discussion in song and dance. It's now more like the Lion King's circle of life theme with islanders.
Several smoking spots were available throughout the park. Caffeinated Pepsi was put in front of all guests To drink with dinner. They also had plenty of coffee available with dessert.
A followup post by Dr Simon Southerton:
Interestingly, the doctrine that the Polynesians are Lamanites was created by the first missionaries who taught in the Pacific. Joseph Smith made no recorded declarations on the subject.
The first recorded statement by a missionary linking Polynesians with Lehi was in the 1850 missionary diary of Louisa Pratt, wife of Addison Pratt. George Q. Cannon served in Polynesia at the same time and was ordained an apostle in 1860 and later joined the First Presidency.
The prophets jumped on board the myth once they saw how popular it was. It wasn't until 1858 that Brigham Young declared the Polynesians were "of the House of Israel". Now we have the church and its apologists distancing themselves from the myth.
That's what happens when you allow your EMOTIONS to tell you what is TRUE.
The whitewashing continues.
One of the things that bugs me is his statement "Tourists unknowingly used to get the first discussion in song and dance." This is very true about the Mormon Cult - trickery. I recall the 2002 Winter Olympics and getting tickets through my very TBM inlaws for a special celebration of Olympics in the Cult owned great and spacious building. Everything was Olympics - there was no hint as to what the real program was.
What was it? It was a trick. The whole thing was a very VERY whitewashed Mormon view of Joseph Smith and Brigham and the Mormons traveling to Utah.
I was pissed. I got up halfway through, threw my tickets on the isle and walked out. Shame on me, I should have known better.