Speaking of...

In the March 16 post, titled 'On Communications, generally' I posted an article in the comments which made mention of the 'virulent anti-Catholicism' prevalent in the media today [excerpt: Introvigne said he believes that "The Da Vinci Code" has had such enormous success because it "brings together two types of social 'tastes' which appear to be quite widespread": "on the one hand, the notion of 'conspiracies' and secret societies that dominate the world; and, on the other hand, an increasingly unashamed and virulent anti-Catholicism."]

In the March 13 issue of the OSV, I found confirmation of this observation in the editorial written by Colleen Carroll Campbell, "Defending the Church: America's new anti-Catholicism must be challenged by strong, courageous Catholics."

She refers to recent examples in the culture such as The DaVinci Code, Hitler's Pope, Chocolat, Stigmata, and Dogma. She then goes on to say that "many Catholics feel angry but helpless, and they choose to look away rather than to voice their disapproval. Others support the offensive films, books and art, fancying themselves 'open-minded' Catholics who do not mind when their Church is attacked. Still others defend the faith publicly and find themselves vilified as 'fundamentalists' who oppose 'free speech.' Catholics, the critics say, should not be so sensitive...
While the guardians of political correctness pounce at any sign of racism, sexism, anti-Semitism or any other religious or ethnic prejudice they detect in popular culture...they are noticeably silent when the Church comes under attack [which silence may be attributed] to their resentment of the Church's teachings, particularly its staunch defense of traditional morality.
As informed, committed Catholics, we are in a unique position to remind our fellow Americans that the ideal of fairness and equality applies to Catholics, too. We must challenge anti-Catholicism in our conversations and our culture, not only becuase we love our Church but also because we love our country."

Hear, hear!