The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 9 - Masonic and Anti-Masonic Literature
assisting him in this. According to CME, "the Taxil hoax is one of the most
remarkable of history." 1874
Although Freemasonry is a secretive society it has made its way into folk-art.
It has been mocked at and ridiculed by painters and cartoonists, by authors,
dramatists, and song writers. Many forms of superstition can be found in the
outcome of such artists' work. Thus, we find several books or journals among
Masonic literature containing jokes and satire.
Furthermore, the media often mention Masonry, even if the audience is not
always aware of this fact. Sometimes, only a few Masonic symbols or jewels are
displayed. At other times, secret signs or initiation ceremonies are performed. A
special Internet link provides a list of Masonic references in movies (e.g., in
"Hello Dolly," "Jack the Ripper," "The Man Who Would Be King," etc.), 1875 as
well as a list of Masonic references in television (e.g., in "Monty Python" and
"The Simpsons"). 1876 There is, for example, a satire on the Masons in an episode
of "The Simpsons," called "Homer the Great." In this episode, Homer joins a
secret society, the "Stonecutters." Although they are intentionally not named
"Masons," many allusions to the Craft can be found. A lodge room, regalia, and
lodge procedures are shown, and the alleged nepotism is humorously illustrated.
For example, in a traffic jam, Masons have access to an extra route in order to
overtake the profane drivers. Or, Masons always find a reserved parking lot.
This shows that subliminal, Freemasonry is present in daily life, even if many
profanes are unconscious of it. Freemasonry is either mocked in these films, or
taken as granted and as belonging to the social status. The Internet itself is a
treasure trove for Masonic studies. Many Grand Lodges and lodges have posted
their homepages. The same is valid for Masonic museums. Contact addresses are
given, Masonic regalia and literature can be purchased, research data is
published, even the rituals of the three degrees of Craft Masonry can be found if
one searches long enough. Valuable links for historical and linguistic Masonic
research are, for example, http://www.bessel.org/ and
http://www.freemasonry.bc.ca/. Anti-Masons are not behind in presenting
corresponding material, for example the homepage of Chick Publications,
http://www.chick.com.
Generally speaking, jokes and satire have no place in Freemasonry, the
"Royal Art," because this institution claims to be above such triviality. However,
Freemasonry is not always stern. At Masonic banquets the brethren are entitled
to amusement just as anybody else. Thus, Peter Buchanan states in his book of
collected Masonic jokes, Masonic Gags & Gavels: "Many brethren could be
forgiven for thinking that freemasonry [sic] is a solemn and cheerless institution
[...]. Certainly masonic [sic] ceremonies are to be taken seriously, but out of the
temple there is often time for a more lighthearted approach, especially at the
1874 Ibid. The illustration is reproduced from Valmy, p. 128.
1875 Cf. http://www.freemasonry.bc.ca/fiction/cinema
1876 Cf. http://www.freemasonry.bc.ca/fiction/tv