Eric Forman: Today's Tom Sawyer

Back in the day when we were in English class we used to read these things called books. I know that sounds strange to kids of today, but it was required by law that we go to school, and that included English class. Back then we read authors like Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens really) and books about protypical American boys like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. At the time , we thought it was just a story like the one's we told our friends and didn't really think about it in terms of reputation and money. At the same time we watched other All -American guys on TV, like little Opie from the Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham from Happy Days. We figured that was TV's version of the 50's and 60's Tom Sawyer. Back then we didn't realize it but, as it turned out, we were the Eric Forman's of the late 70's and early 80's. Mind you we watched TV every Tuesday wondering what Richie and Fonzie would be up to this week (provided it wasn't a re-run), just like kids today watch Everybody Hates Chris or re-runs of "That 70's Show." It is true, that we knew that we were kinda the Richie Cunningham's of the 70's and 80's but we figured that was as American as Apple Pie. Little did we know what challenges would face "Apple Pie" in the future. Now remember kids, Hollywood is a money-making industry focused on profit, if it sells they keep it on and they make money. The same was true for Mark Twain, who profited more from the stories about Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn than the real Tow Sawyer's probably ever did. Heck, they even gave Twain an honorary doctorate. It seems that in America if you write about the Tom Sawyer's, Richie Cunnignham's, and Eric Forman's of America, then you get all the honors, and usually, all the dough. Same goes for the actor's that play them. Now us real Tom Sawyer's , Richie Cunningham's, and Eric Forman's are still out there, but now we are all grown up, but, with an economy in shambles,we are struggling and are left wondering, does America still like us? And if so why not? All of those shows were hits and made dough for Hollywood, but a broken economy and lingering world conflicts, have left the real Tom's and Richie's and Eric's out in the cold. This is despite all our education and achievements (I personally have a Ph.D.). So the next time, you find yourself worshipping Mark Twain, Topher Grace, Ron Howard, or some other rich guy for playing a or writing about a character in Hollywood, remember that they wouldn't be able to make all that money if we weren't out there living our lives every single day of the week. Maybe instead of worshipping the Hollywood millionaires, you should show a little respect to the real Richie's, Tom's, Huck's, and Eric's of the world...You never know, they might just live next door and be in their 40's by now.

And that is why we keep asking, Y R People Messing with All Americans?