I have, in some ways, saved characters that have been marginalized by society by playing them - and having them still have dignity and still survive, still get through it.

I think as an American society, when we're paying too many taxes or dealing with war, we don't want to see sad things at the movies.

But our society does not grant nontraditional forms of intelligence equal recognition, no matter how much it would help us get along or truly enrich our lives.

In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.

And I do believe that the way to change a society, to uplift people - not just their spirit, but to uplift their society and economic base - is through education.