This is a great post.
Just wanted to add, The “church” also sends conflicting messages. While many people celebrated Oaks bringing up BLM at BYU last year, he also brought up protests resulting in damage to private property. Those who support the status quo couldn’t have been any happier. While I don’t condone the destruction of private property, the fight for racial equality and social justice are not the same. Insurance can rebuild buildings but insurance cannot rebuild the lives that have been destroyed by racist attitudes, policies, and practices. The message he was (attempting) to convey was an anti-racist message. But it became conflicted when he brought up private property damage. Another example was Oaks April conference talk about the constitution which was celebrated by Trumpers and progressives alike. I think it does the church and society a disservice being so vague and cryptic in messaging.
Imagine if I got up during a sacrament meeting commemorating Joseph Smith and gave a talk about him being a martyr but also attacking him for destroying the printing press or raping 14 year old girls. Would members think I was sending out conflicting messages? Am I doing the church or society a solid if I’m cryptic in my messaging about “past mistakes” made by the church?
Furthermore, it’s not like a light switch was pressed in 1978. It wasn’t like racist attitudes were eliminated because the church sent out a message saying that the priesthood ban had been lifted. In my experience, Utah Mormons are very racist, they’re just very subtle about it. They won’t say the N word but bring up Ryan Smith’s scholarship program. I dare you. Bring it up on Facebook. The responses you get will be eye-opening.