Last weekend Richard Dreyfuss was in town to promote The Dreyfuss Civics Initiative. I had the opportunity to talk to the Hollywood legend about his work during his appearance at Days of the Dead Horror and Pop Culture Con at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

The TDCI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with the goal of returning the teaching of civics in American public education. Dreyfuss stated, “The goal is to teach our kids how to run our country before they are called upon to run our country. If we don’t, someone else will run our country.”

Dreyfuss discussed how American history is not being taught thoroughly enough. In many places there are movements to eliminate the teaching of much of American history. He stated, “Teachers are not the problem. Teachers are the solution.” Teachers need to be taught, though. They need to be brought up learning all of American history to be able to properly educate the youth so they can move forward.

Dreyfuss continued, “America was one of the first political bodies that gave its subjects distinct individual freedoms, which are outlined in the Bill of Rights.” The nation dependent on the sovereignty of the people should be a strength. We are turning that strength into a weakness by not properly equipping future generations with the knowledge and the ability to properly be part of a sovereign body that elects representatives and impacts policies.

Starting with his first uncredited role in The Graduate, Dreyfuss has built a legendary career, despite battling bipolar disorder. Dreyfuss earned a showcase of awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor.

While still active in movies, Dreyfuss devotes much of his time, energy and money to TDCI. In a time of much political division, without taking sides, TDCI aims to better the situation through education. Dreyfuss concluded with, “This foundation of properly educated students will help address the problems we are experiencing today and begin to create the successful future we desire for our posterity.”

— John Wroblewski, online writer