Why the Secrecy?

I was really interested by the different answers the anthropologist received when he asked about why the religious ceremonies couldn't be filmed. The first one, that the presence of cameras and flashes would detract from the sacredness of the ceremony seemed to be understandable. After all, many religious ceremonies believe cameras and flash to be disrespectful. However, it was interesting that tourist were still allowed to watch by and observe, and that didn't seem to bother the participants.

I was also really interested in the second reason, that the images of the cult's activities would cause prejudice from people who would see only their foreign and seemingly primitive practices instead of taking the time to understand the meaning behind it. The participants and adherents of the cult were very aware of how what they were doing could be perceived. Did they choose to uphold a standard of secrecy because of negative feedback? Was it really so profound that they veiled their entire religious beliefs because of it? I also wonder how they look at other "primitive" African practices. Do they empathize with the way they are viewed by Western society or do they see themselves as above them in some way?

The third explanation, that people shouldn't make profits on the images and not give any back to the Candomblé was reasonable, I thought. But then, if this was the only reason, why wouldn't they have their own videos made and sold so they could regulate the output as well as keep the money?

The lack of reason for the secrecy was interesting. The fact that people would believe so whole-heartedly in something that they didn't entirely understand is interesting but not foreign. Could it speak to their religious success?