Posted by Elizabeth on December 06, 1997 at 23:58:34:
In Reply to: Re: Eric's Interview posted by Myrrh on December 01, 1997 at 20:31:24:
: I had a reaction similar to that of Rich and Elaine when I read this interview. I, too, really "want to like" Eric. In this culture I think we tend to assume that physically beautiful people are automatically beautiful on the inside, and it's a shock when we see something disturbing in them, like the anger that is so apparent in Eric's words.
: After reading the interview, my heart/mind began searching for possible explanations. Thanks, Chris, for expressing some of what my over-worked mind was trying to formulate.
: Eric does appear in this interview to talk off the top of his head/emotions most of the time. There can be a big difference in a person between the ages of 25 and 30 (which he now is). I only hope the negativity Joy mentioned (and which hit me upside the head too) has been tempered by some positive experiences and the wisdom we all gain slowly but surely.
: At the same time, as Chris mentioned, I can forgive his anger when I remember what he's been through and what Indian people as a whole have been subjected to. And, let's not forget that Russell Means is a force to be reckoned with--reading his book gave me a good dose of both historical reality and the havoc it has wreaked in Indian people as individuals. I bet if I lived in a trailer with Mr. Means for a few months my radical side would blossom too!
: The content of this article seems a bit more extreme than the other things I've read--though actual interviews with him seem very scarce (the only other one I've seen being the one from American Indian Review). The other pieces I've seen have been mostly the writer's impressions of the man, not his actual words.
: My last comment: A lot of actors (most?) are good at presenting themselves in a way that will endear them to people, or at least, not disturb people. I imagine it's one of the most exhausting parts of being a celebrity. Perhaps at home, at the kitchen table, with a glass of beer and an intimate friend close by, more of them would sound like Eric than we think.
: I'd like to hear from Elizabeth on this interview. She has met and interviewed him. Elizabeth?? Help us out, here!
: Myrrh
Hi all!
WOW! I'll bet Eric would be thrilled to know he has all of you thinking! Personally I find him to be an extremely intelligent and sensitive young man who has gone through some dreadful times. His concerns for the rights of ALL people may focus largely on the native peoples but realistically that isn't so difficult to understand. It is a prejudice he is quite familar with. I feel the more things like the discrimination against native actors in "Hollywood" is discussed openly, the more likely things will change. But I believe Eric's concerns do not relate exclusively to Hollywood or actors, but to prejudice at large. He certainly is NOT anti-white. I'm pretty white and he has always been very polite and kind to me and my family. Now I haven't read all these postings because quite honestly arguing over an interview that is several years old seems a bit much. My best advice is this; give his words some thought and ask yourself what exactly it is about his words that disturbs you. My sincere hope is that we will see more of this very fine actor in the near future, doing what he does so well, and that his outspokeness doesn't condemn him to obscurity because, like it or not, there is prejudice in this world and "Hollywood" is far from exempt. Keep thinking! Peace, Elizabeth