I . . . AM . . . OUTRAGED!

Outside of the cultural vacuum that is Utah, this probably barely made a ripple in the news, but inside, it made waves. Tidal waves. The HBO series Big Love decided to recreate a Mormon temple ceremony in an episode, much to the consternation of LDS members. Local news channels cut into their vital Idol recaps to talk about it, fueling fires that were already spreading from social circles. Local radio comedian talk show host Doug Wright spent a great deal of time over at least two days talking about it, freely admitting he had not seen it and most likely never intends to, inviting others to call in their own uneducated opinions on something they would not look at objectively.
What these people did, the news personalities and radio hosts, did exactly what the shows producers/writers/advertisers wanted them to do, create a buzz so people would watch it. It was just a ratings ploy, and they played right into it. But aside from this, the big argument is whether or not this is disrespectful to the church for showing their sacred ceremonies on television for anyone who wants to see. American culture has a history of depicting others sacred ceremonies as entertainment, or merely novelty.
As for this instance in particular, no one needed to get their feelings hurt or be 'outraged' as Mr. Wright was, because of several reasons. One: you do not watch and will not watch a show that is on a channel that is paid for, so the audience is limited. Boycotts and threats to change cable services are not necessary, these providers are not responsible for the content of individual shows on pay channels, particularly one that shows R-rated movies and shows on a regular basis. Two: this was a beautiful, integral part of the story that was woven in without making it a circus, like the media does. It was not disrespectful in any way, I personally watched it. In fact it was quite respectful of the ceremony itself and was depicted accurately as possible. Three: you show none of the same discomfort at the depiction of other religions and their ceremonies on television or in movies, because YOU don't believe in their faith. And if you do find it sacred in some ideological, obligatory way, congratulations.
The last point is the most important. Remember this the next time you see a Native American ritual acted out, or you watch a communion ceremony, or a confession scene, remember that what is sacred to you is not necessarily sacred to everyone else, and vice versa. So unless you ban all private religious ceremonies from the media, don't start getting all deeply offended. This brief blip on the entertainment time line is nothing compared to the problems Mormonism is currently facing, or will see in the future.

*Note: I was going to post a link to the scene, but HBO had YouTube remove all of them due to copyright issues. Sorry.*