This is a topic I can never really see both sides of.
If I run a theater, I'm in business of selling entertainment to the public. I don't care what color they are, I don't care what policital party they belong to, I don't care what religion they are.
I do care that they come to my theater, buy my concessions, and not abuse my equipment. I NEVER want to alienate anyone, in any way, for any reason.
I want to sell tickets. Tickets pay for my retirement, put food on my table, and buy things for me and my family.
What IDIOT would use his business to intentionally alienate his customer base? Why not simply take half of the night's proceeds and burn them in the street?
Of course, the IMAX theaters are going to show ONLY movies that draw people in to see their show, that present absolutely no controversy, and appeal to as broad of a base as humanly possible. IMAX theaters are expensive, the films are expensive and the ticket prices are premium.
Would you rather show "The North Pole Express in 3D", or a show on "Darwin"? One will appeal to just about everyone, the other will alienate a percentage of your audience. If they don't see your show tonight, will they visit again next week?
Many of these theaters are in science museums and they have a responsbility to educate accurately. That's what's so disturbing about this.
I absolutely agree. This always flabbergasts me.
Television takes the same approach. With Bush winning the election and receiving 62 million votes, network TV seems to center much of its humor on how stupid Republicans are. THIS is how they present themselves to the public -- while (not coincidentally) losing market share. Idiots.