With
the upcoming release of The Lone Ranger, Disney has been at work heading off much of the expected controversy that is sure to follow Johnny Depp as he plays the iconic
figure of Tonto. Depp who has stated that he believes he is Native American
(many actually prefer the westernized term of Indian and many Native peoples such
as me now prefer Original American) has not been able to give proof to that
claim other than recently joining the Comanche tribe after a blessing from one
of its elders. Even among Original American peoples, the concept of purity in
ones blood line is debated. I must give a full disclaimer that my own heritage
includes a strong back ground including Cherokee peoples, while my bloodline,
from the Eastern Band of Cherokees is not pure, it is enough that many in my
family still carry on Original American traits and looks. After years of
research and study, I am also aware of how the Original Americans have been
portrayed in Cinema.
Many
may not understand the issues many Original Americans have with a non Original
American’s playing the part of an Indian in cinema. Many hold it cat amount to a
white actor playing the part of an African American actor in black-face There
is also the recognition that there are many qualified Original American actors
that could have played the part of Tonto. It is not to detract from Depp’s
ability, but as noted, it has been clear there are issues by Depp’s own efforts
to seek recognition and speak out on the subject as well as Disney’s attempt to
address the issue, albeit quietly over the last months.
One
of the reasons many Original Americans and others have taken issue is centered
around, not only the roles often being played by non Original American’s, but
also the way they have been portrayed as savages and non educated peoples. The
negative portrayals of Original American Peoples over the years continue to
show a need of understanding. While there are still many unfortunate portrayals
of the people, there have also thankfully been over recent years somewhat of an
understanding and respect given Original American’s in film.
Some
of the recent portrayals and positive images show the strong family nature of
many Original American people, also portrayed though is the strong emphasis on
their faith and spirituality. The importance of faith, among many tribes and
people and the early acceptance of Christianity has played and presented in a
significant way.
Various
races and partial blooded Original American People have taken up the cause to
help the plight among Original Americans and those efforts still continues. Depp has garnished the blessings of many for
his portrayal of Tonto, which Disney has also rewritten. Tonto will not be
presented in the same way, speaking broken English in the way he did in the
original television series; instead Depp is reported to bring the character meaning.
This has garnished the praise of many within Original American circles, but
also Chris Eyre, the most noted Original American Director in Hollywood.
Whether Depp’s own persistence to receive the blessings of Original Americans and
to portray a character the people will be proud of is yet to be seen. While
Depp has at times been involved in some questionable behavior, he seems to have
tried to remain faithful to the things he supports outside of Hollywood
including the blessings of Original Americans in his own portrayal of Tonto.
As
a person whom has enough Original American Blood to claim full Indian Rights, I
anxiously await the release of The Lone Ranger. I am also hopeful the film
shows the deep spiritual leanings of the Original American’s. While I am
certain the Christian influence that existed rather strongly isn’t portrayed as
accurately or as much as it should be, hopefully people of all faiths can at a
minimum, consider the racism that has and still exists towards Original American
Peoples. I hope that especially Christians, because of their own racist
practices of the past take the time need to reconsider the damage done not only
to the cause of Christianity but also for the ways we treated and tried to
convert to a Westernized mindset the Original Americans reached out to among
various missionary groups. As
Christians, we don’t have a good track record in how we treated Original
Americans. It would be hypocritical for us to ignore the plight which still
continue, but also the plight which many of our forefathers within the realms
of Christendom perpetuated on Original American Peoples, from reintegration
programs, to schools that taught Original Americans to forget their past and
history and to adapt to being “White.”
The hope is that not only Hollywood will show a fair and accurate
presentation of history but also the Christian community can research and
understand its history in the damage that was done among Original American
Peoples. There is a reason many missionaries in America are having difficulty
reaching the Reservations that still exist, we only have to look into the
mirror of our history to understand. Hopefully, Depp’s presentation of Tonto in
The Lone Ranger will help us in that understanding and in the process, help
tear down the walls of separation, which in many places still exists among the
peoples.
To see how many Native, Original Americans Have Been Portrayed in the Movies, Click on the Following Video, if the Video Doesn't Appear, Click on the Link
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
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The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Over the years I have been infatuated with Dreams. I think
because I have had to dream and gone after my own dre
ams. After growing up in
the streets, having at best a dysfunctional life, I realized that for myself
there were dreams I had to obtain, they weren’t options, they were necessities.
Finishing high school, going to college and ultimately being successful in the
things I did, from working with bands to leading mental health agencies and now
plowing ahead in ministry, with the poorest of the poor in America, all dreams
I felt the need to go after.
Like many other parents I have found myself also dreaming
for my family. There comes a point in time where one recognizes the
possibilities and obstacles in obtaining their dreams. When family is involved,
sacrifice is required, not just from the individual going for their dreams, but
also those involved in life with that person. More times than not when others
are involved, dreams are threaded together like a fine needlepoint tapestry.
One person noted for accomplishing their dreams, for their
perseverance is Kurt Warner. The former Northern Iowa Quarterback was given a second
opportunity to play professional football while playing for the Arena Football
League Team, The Iowa Barnstormers. He had been drafted as a free agent by the
Green Bay Packers, didn’t make the team and went on to play for the
Barnstorm
ers while also working at the local Hy-Vee Grocery store sacking and
carrying out groceries. The St. Louis Rams signed him and his story became what
many consider one of the great stories in the history of sports. Kurt Warner
went on to play for 3 NFL teams, winning the Super Bowl and being the Leagues
MVP two times. He knows what it means to accomplish his dreams.
The USA Network recently started a new reality television
program called The Moment. The series, hosted by Kurt Warner follows different
individuals who for one reason or another, had given up on their dreams. The
first episode of the season followed Robert Capita, a father and former sailor
who had dreamed of becoming a professional Yacht Captain. Warner hooks him up
with an America’s Cup legend and Capita begins training for 2 weeks. At the
conclusion of his training, depending on how he has done, he may be offered an
opportunity to captain an America’s Cup Yacht. Without giving the program away,
it was exceptional at showing the reality and sacrifice of chasing ones dream.
Many want to see their dreams come true but often don’t consider the
sacrifice.
I had the opportunity last week to speak to Kurt Warner
about football, dreams and of course his new show.The following is a transcript of that
interview.
Mike Furches (MF): Hey Kurt, it is an honor to speak to you,
I played football in college plus your new project with The Moment is something
that also hits home for me.
Kurt Warner (KW): Well thank you, I am excited about it.
MF: I left a career in mental health and music where I was
doing quite well to go back into ministry and work with the homeless. I went
from a pretty good salary down to $18,000 a year, asking them after coming on
board to reduce it to $15,000 year because they couldn’t afford it.
KW: Wow, that’s awesome.
MF: I used to coach and used to quote the Langston Hughes
poem, Dreams. Don’t know if you know the poem or not?
KW: No, I don’t know it.
MF: Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken winged bird
That cannot fly.
Kurt, I appreciate your work with your new project.
KW: Wow, thank you.
MF: Some of my friends knew I was going to be speaking to
you and a few of my questions today are from them. One is: What do you think of the current NFL rule
changes and the way the game is played now as opposed to the way it was played
15 – 20 years ago?
KW: I’m a firm believer in the rule changes. For me the
greatest commodity in football is the player. The only thing that is going to
allow this game to thrive like it is right now is to continually find ways to
protect the player. Even though we may change certain aspects of how the game
is played now, it is important to make sure that we make health and safety
first and foremost. I still think this is the greatest game and greatest team
sport that there is. It’s going to thrive and continue to do well even with
small rule changes like we’re making. It is also important that those rule
changes start at a very young age and that we get back to teaching technique
and make sure that we focus in on teaching things that will keep people safe
from a very early age. We need to also see to it that we provide the knowledge
of how to play the game with technique but also the knowledge of injuries,
specifically head injuries. We need to make sure on what to do for coaches,
players and parents, that they are knowledgeable about what to look for and
what to see, what to do, what the protocol is when those things happen. I think
this has to start at the earliest age and has to be continued through to the highest
level of the NFL. We are making some good moves and good strides in the right
direction. I am fully behind those decisions at whatever level as long as they
have the players’ interest in mind which I believe they do.
MF: Your faith has been discussed quite a bit in the public
and you have been open about it. You also see players like Tim Tebow who has been
outspoken about his faith. Sometimes we see mixed reactions of fans towards
people like you and Tebow. You have some fans who love you, others who can’t
stand you and are critical. Can you share your thoughts when a fan is critical
of a player who shares their faith?
KW: It’s one of those things. People don’t understand it and
it’s not the way they are. They are going to be the first ones to criticize in
whatever way, shape or form. I think we see that with faith because it is such a
dividing line. You either believe it, understand it and have it, or you don’t. It
is one of those things where people have certain perspectives of Christians or
people of faith. A lot of times, maybe they have had bad experiences with those
individuals, may a wrong or a negative perception about those who are outspoken
about their faith. When you’re in the public eye and you do what we do and you
are outspoken about your faith, you have to understand that not everybody is
going to agree with it. Not everyone is going to agree with what you believe
in, not everybody is going to agree with how you practice or do it.It is like we are in a firestorm, especially
in this day and age with social media. You can’t allow that to deter you from
who you are and what you believe. You have to stand firm and I think that is
one reason so many people dump on Tim Tebow. He seems to be the same guy
regardless of the situation, he wears his faith on his sleeve and I think you
find people who believe in the same things and loves that he is a kind of hero
in the faith to them. Then there are others who may not believe the same things
but they appreciate his consistency and his stance and they can respect that,
so they become a fan because of that.Then
like I said, there are other people who are just looking for something to
criticize. Faith is definitely a lightening rod for that.
MF: You played college ball at Northern Iowa, is that
correct?
KW: Yes I did.
MF: What conference were you in.
KW: We bounced around a bit, we were in the Gateway
Conference when I played, but I know the basketball is in the Missouri
Valley.
MF: Do you follow College Basketball at all?
KW: I don’t follow it a lot.
MF: I live in Wichita Kansas now and our cities team,
Wichita State University from the Missouri Conference just completed their run
at the Final 4. We have several players on our team that are quite noteworthy
for going after their dreams. One player, Carl Hall takes his life into his
hands every time he steps on the court due to a heart condition and two other
players had to pay their way and tuition for the first year as walk-on’s in order
to accomplish their dreams of playing for a team that had a chance at a
national championship. I know your new television series deals with helping
people accomplish their dreams.
KW: That’s really cool
MF: In regards to sports and in life, why is it important
for people to go after their dreams?
KW: I believe that if your dream is rooted in being who God
created you to be, and the gifts that God gave you, I don’t believe we become
fully alive until we’re living in those things that we are passionate about. I
don’t believe we become who God created us to be without living and becoming what
he put inside of us. I think we see it everyday. The greatest impact of people
is when they are sharing their passions with others. One can be passionate as a
teacher, a president, a football player whatever it is, across the board. I
believe that when we live in our passions it has tremendous impact it is
clearly so genuine to people that it truly inspires and impacts them. I truly
believe that kind of like your situation, regardless of the amount of money
that you make, regardless of the struggles that you go through, regardless of the
circle of influence that you have, when you live in your passions, you have the
greatest opportunity to be who God created you to be and have the type of
impact God created you to have. That’s why for me it is so important that we
make sure that our passions and our dreams continue to stay alive.
MF: It’s kind of like in the movie Chariots of Fire:
KW: Oh Yeah!
MF: It’s like the character of Eric Liddell says when he
tells his sister that he feels closest to God when he is doing the things he
believes God created him to do. He feels God’s pleasure when he runs and he
knows he was created to run.
KW: Exactly!
MF: Would you say that God has created each of us to be
uniquely different with unique talents and it is only as we are doing those
things that we find and experience the pleasure of living?
KW: I would totally agree.
MF: Can you tell us some about the television show The
Moment?
KW: It’s on the USA network starting April 11. The time it
airs depends on the time zone you are in but you can check with your local
cable or television listings for that. The premise of the show is on
individuals who were chasing their dreams and somehow, life got in the way and
threw them a curveball.It took them
down a path that was kind of out of their control and there was a decision or a
choice they had to make that forced them to step away from their dreams. I come
back in at a later date in their life present them with an opportunity to chase
their dream again. For me, each episode is kind of like a mini Rocky movie. We
show up, we let them know that this opportunity is ready and available for you,
do you want to chase your dream? If they choose to go after their dream then we
take them through the training, hooking them up with a mentor or a coach who trains
them through the process. They push them to their limits and take them through
different exercises and skills that they are going to need if they intend on
winning their title fight. At the end of each episode they will have an
audition or an interview ready for them in their field of expertise or
experience, a great job with a great company in their field where they are
going to have to convince them about what they have accomplished. They have to
show and prove to themselves that they deserve a second chance. If they get the
second chance then they get the job and it is up to them from there if they get
the job on what they do with the job, where they go and how far they can go. One
of the things I love so much about this show is that we’re not giving away a
dream, we are simply giving away an opportunity for them to chase it again. What
happens, how far they go and what they accomplish is truly up to them. I love that
part of it because I think that is what life is. It presents us with opportunities
all of the time, but what do we do with it? Are we prepared, will we chase
after it?Can we convince people that we
deserve to be there? Are we willing to accept the sacrifices that it takes to
be great?
That’s kind of the show in a nutshell. I am excited about it
from that stand point. Very seldom are we giving anything away, or are we
giving or getting anything for free. We’ve got to earn everything that we have.
That’s what this show is. We provide the opportunity but it is up to you to see
how far we can take it.
MF: And you’ve lived that life?
KW: Yeah, exactly! It has been up close and personal for me.
I know about living it and going for it very well.
MF: Kurt thanks much.I always enjoyed watching you play, your story, and the fact that you
are open about your faith.
KW:Thank you Mike
and take care.
As I finished my interview I had to admit, my initial
thoughts was this was going to be another same ol same ol kind of show. I
decided to watch it though and was I ever pleasantly surprised. We see a host
of a show that knows about what the individuals on the show are going through. What
I really liked though was the reality of this program that so many “reality”
shows seems to so often miss. We see the struggle and the difficulty of one
obtaining their dreams. We also see passion and in that passion because the
show is so real, we are inspired and moved. It was a joy speaking with one who
had themselves gone after and accomplished their dreams. Hopefully, and I
believe it will, The Moment will inspire others to go after their own dreams
when the opportunity presents itself. In a world where there seems to be a lost
hope of dreams coming true, with The Moment, hope is rediscovered and we can
all see that once again, dreams can become reality.
To see the video opening of The Moment, Click the video below, if the video doesn't appear, click the link:
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by
the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to
give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on
the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita
which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount
you can contribute to help with this ministry.Believe me there is much more going on than most realize.I will also provide information to verify the
ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.Thanks and feel free to share any material
from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to
the original site with the material is provided.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the
archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone
Kid at mike@furches.orgYou
can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs
or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and
by all means, spread the word.Here
is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual
Pew
Welcome to my review page. You will find reviews for everything from books to music, but especially movies. Enjoy the page and don't forget while you are at it to check out all of the other blogs I do as well as my web site www.furches.org and www.thevirtualpew.com where you will find message boards that have open discussion about all kinds of issues related to faith.
Mike Furches heads up The Virtual Pew, some say, the first Online Church. He speaks nationally on various topics and; is a freelance writer. He has published 2 books titled The Keystone Kid which has received rave reviews and thechildren's book with his late wife Mary Jane, Herald The Angel.. The short film, The Long Walk is also based on the book The Keystone Kid. Mike’s ministry is to those often called The Last, The Lost, and; The Least. Mike has worked with some top music artists and has an active interest in film. He is also an inductee into the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Blues Musician from the State of Kansas. He is available for speaking on a various topics. Mike has also been in some capacity as a pastor at various churches over the years. Thus the name Pastor Mike, which is a part of his Blues Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band which has been endorsed by numerous Blues Hall of Fame Members from across the world.
As
a person whom has enough Original American Blood to claim full Indian Rights, I
anxiously await the release of The Lone Ranger. I am also hopeful the film
shows the deep spiritual leanings of the Original American’s. While I am
certain the Christian influence that existed rather strongly isn’t portrayed as
accurately or as much as it should be, hopefully people of all faiths can at a
minimum, consider the racism that has and still exists towards Original American
Peoples. I hope that especially Christians, because of their own racist
practices of the past take the time need to reconsider the damage done not only
to the cause of Christianity but also for the ways we treated and tried to
convert to a Westernized mindset the Original Americans reached out to among
various missionary groups. As
Christians, we don’t have a good track record in how we treated Original
Americans. It would be hypocritical for us to ignore the plight which still
continue, but also the plight which many of our forefathers within the realms
of Christendom perpetuated on Original American Peoples, from reintegration
programs, to schools that taught Original Americans to forget their past and
history and to adapt to being “White.”
The hope is that not only Hollywood will show a fair and accurate
presentation of history but also the Christian community can research and
understand its history in the damage that was done among Original American
Peoples. There is a reason many missionaries in America are having difficulty
reaching the Reservations that still exist, we only have to look into the
mirror of our history to understand. Hopefully, Depp’s presentation of Tonto in
The Lone Ranger will help us in that understanding and in the process, help
tear down the walls of separation, which in many places still exists among the
peoples. 
