How Mormons Influenced Pop Culture: A Deep Dive
The intersection of influencer culture and Mormon identity is rapidly reshaping the narrative surrounding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a phenomenon dubbed the “second Mormon Moment.” In a vibrant tableau of reality television, social media, and ancient traditions, figures like Jessi Draper and Hannah Neeleman have positioned themselves as the new faces of modern Mormonism, pushing forward a blend of spirituality and commercial success.
Mechanisms of Transformation: The Rise of Mormon Influence
The catalyst for this transformation is reality television, particularly Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which has become a touchpoint for many women navigating motherhood and identity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The show, which quickly surpassed franchises like “The Kardashians” in popularity, is indicative of a broader shift. It’s not merely about voyeuristic entertainment; it reveals a complex interplay of cultural representation, economic empowerment, and a revival of interest in Mormon values.
Here’s a look at the major players in this cultural phenomenon:
| Stakeholder | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Jessi Draper | Local hairstylist, minimal online presence | Reality star, salon owner, influencer with multiple streams of income |
| Hannah Neeleman | Local homesteader, limited audience | Influencer with an international following, e-commerce expansion |
| LDS Church | Perception of strict, traditional values | Embracing modern cultural narratives while maintaining core beliefs |
Influencer Culture: The Blend of Personal and Culturalization
The driving force behind this new Mormon identity is the cultural and economic power of female influencers. These women, once limited to suburban mom roles, showcase a blend of traditional values with modern aestheticism, demonstrating their versatility and influence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Draper, with her hair-extension empire, and Neeleman, known for Ballerina Farm, encapsulate this duality. Their lives are somewhat paradoxical; while they embrace traditional gender roles, they simultaneously reject the limits historically imposed by such roles.
Much of this change can be traced back to the shifting attitudes of the Mormon community itself. The traditional image of the pious, submissive wife is giving way to empowered women who leverage their experiences in motherhood as content creation. The impact is profound. As these women rise to the forefront, they take their faith with them, rebranding it for a new generation. The Church, despite its historic reluctance to embrace popular media, is benefiting from this attention, shaping the way Mormonism is perceived on a national scale.
Localized Ripple Effects: Wider Implications Across the U.S. and Beyond
The growing phenomenon of Mormon influencers is generating ripple effects that extend beyond Utah and capture national interest. Across the U.S., brands are beginning to notice the unique appeal of “non-controversial” family figures. Corporations seek out “Mormon” influencers to connect with conservative markets, especially those that align with family-centered branding. This trend is also visible in markets like Canada, where similar demographics are emerging, and even in the UK and Australia, where interest in alternative familial structures is on the rise.
Projected Outcomes: What Lies Ahead for Mormon Influencers
As the dust settles on this cultural reshuffling, several potential developments warrant close attention:
- Increased Church Engagement: The LDS Church may further embrace influencer culture, possibly even creating formal partnerships with key figures to enhance its appeal.
- Commercial Exploitation: The market for Mormon-themed products, from skincare to family-centered brands, will likely expand as influencers push for collaborations, resulting in an explosion of related business ventures.
- Continued Cultural Duality: We may see a heightened conflict within Mormonism itself as traditionalists grapple with a modern vision led by women who find strength in entrepreneurship while maintaining their faith.
In conclusion, the intersection between modernity and tradition within Mormonism is sparking an evolution in identity. As these women navigate their roles, both as influencers and as part of a religious community, they open pathways for dialogue, challenge preconceptions, and redefine what it means to be a member of the LDS Church today.
