The HBO miniseries John Adams is one of the best television experiences I have ever had. For me, it went way beyond good entertainment, like the rest of the shows on TV. It was educational, like a History Channel special, mixed with inspiration, like a LDS General Conference, and drama, better than LOST, if you ask me.
One of the main reasons that I enjoyed the show so much was the portrayal of John Adams. Many times we hear the Founders referred to as demigods, yet this series shows Adams as a simple yet passionate man. He struggled with pride, a bad temper, and family difficulties. It was inspiring for me to see him struggle with all of his challenges, all the while holding to his ideals and remaining true to his duty to his country and people.
After watching the entire series, I decided to dedicate myself to being a better American. Watching this show reminded me that I too have a responsibility to serve my country and fellow citizens, and being passive about it will amount to nothing. John Adams was a man, despite his many flaws, who was not passive. He fought to create this country, and he fought to maintain it.
Sometimes, I think, “If I had lived in those times, I would have done the same. I would have been one of the leaders, pushing for change and good.” Then I have to ask myself, Am I doing that now? Am I pushing for change now? Am I willing to sacrifice for something bigger and better than myself? And at times, I have to honestly answer myself with a no.
The portrayal of John Adams in this miniseries has encouraged me to be more active, and it is for that reason, I say that it is a good show.
Even though the HBO John Adams was a Hollywood interpretation of historical events, I feel that they were true to the spirit of the Revolution. There are so many different, politicized accounts of what occurred during the founding of America. As a matter of fact, when I was watching the miniseries at home over Christmas break, my liberal grandfather was visiting, and he was very critical of the series because he felt that it venerated Adams too much and did Jefferson a disservice. I thought about what he said, and see where he was coming from.
For me, however, as I have already mentioned a bit, the series was about plain people who recognized that change needed to occur and set about making sure that it was good change. Jefferson was undoubtedly a significant figure in the Founding, and his ideals for government certainly influenced the outcome. What was magnificent about the Founding, and what remains magnificent about the government today is that it is a collection of ideas that are used to counterbalance and compliment each other.
Following this thought, I see that my involvement in government does not need to be perfect. I do not need to have everything figured out. I do not need to be right. I simply need to bring uplifting and positive ideas to the table, where they can be matched with the ideas of others to produce a part of the whole. The whole is greater than the sum of the part.
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