I can understand Anderson residents being upset about the show, but they are too close to the situation to be objective. I’ve seen the show and I don’t think most viewers would assume the program represents the whole town; just a slice-of-life look at one group of its residents. The folks depicted in the show are miles away from my life, but I found it fascinating and a pretty true depiction of them and their lives. And, frankly, these aren’t the kind of people who get much attention normally, so good on HBO for producing the film.

My wife grew-up in a town in Central Mo very similar to Anderson. She was smart enough to leave as fast as she could while still young.

These towns offer very little for anyone and the people who live there seem addicted to the chaos and don’t realize the rediculous mess they are in.

Anyone who has kids in a town like this who loves their children needs to pack their bags and leave. There are plenty of jobs, excellent schools and people who can complete a sentence without the “F” word in many other places in this country.

One thing that I find strange, yet very revealing about people from these towns is that they are incredibly patriotic. In fact, our Armed Forces are loaded with sailors, soldiers and marines from places just like Anderson. For this I am greatful, but good grief, MOVE.

Fair enough….you could probably find a small enough sample size from ANY community and make it either look terrific or horrific.

Howver, as a youngster, PLEASE do yourself a favor and get an education. Go away to school….see how other people live and the values that they hold. Only then will you be able to hold an objective opinion and realize that Anderson is either for you or not.

In the event that you decide to move away, though, be prepared for some poeple who will call you “uppity” and a “sell out” when you come back to visit. Then, behind closed doors whisper in your ear that they wish that they could follow.

Happens to my wife all the time. She is now 36 years old and moved away when she was 20. Same people, still living in the same houses, and still saying and doing the same things.

I have watched “DIRTY DRIVING” about 5 times now and I am still laughing at the stars of the show! What hams!
I have also read about every comment posted on the net about the people in the documentary, their lives, the city of Anderson, and every other insulting comment that could be thought of to pass along.
I was born and raised in Anderson, Indiana. I graduated from the origional Anderson High School in 1984, then moved to Ft. Lewis, Washington State in 1986. My father was a GM employee for over forty years. Same as my grandfather and uncle.
Although the people in this film are very real and live in Anderson…they are only a small percentage of it’s population. The Anderson, Indiana that I grew up in was loaded with money, everyone bought new GM car each year, our homes were not less than 4000 sq ft, college was paid by our parents, and we all took yearly vacations to Florida. I spent springbreak 1981 in Paris, France!
My father passed away one month almost to the date of his retirement from GM in 2007. I remember his worried voice as we would talk on the phone about what might happen to GM and Delco Remy. He would speak over and over about the downward spiral of the factory and what he stood to loose after working his whole life for this company in this town. He was genuinely afraid of what was sure to happen. I never once thought the doors to GM and Delco would close forever turning this town into such dilapidated conditions as viewed on this documentary. This is culture shock at it’s best for me.
My father and younger brother loved building race cars together. They restored a couple classics, rebuilt countless motors, and turned a $100.00 hunk O’junk into something that actually could win a race! I even knew a couple of the boys interviwed on the film when they were young.
The people of this struggleing town have deep roots that will not be easy to pull up. These people are the youngest of many generations in the area. The hardest thing for anyone to do is leave. Leaving means chaos; leaving means no safety net if you fall too far from home; leaving means no familiarity; leaving means no family. Leaving, for most, is out of the question.
These people of Anderson have suffered tremendous loss, in one way or another, and to no fault of their own. The race cars, the speedway, the euphoria these drivers feel when race day rolls around…it is about the only thing they have left that they can actually control as a human-being. It keeps them going everyday of their lives no matter what life brings to them. Rediculous insults written about tattoos and bad dental hygiene only show the true ignorance of the writer. Death took three out of four children away from Sammy Hawkins. Can you imagine how he (and his family)suffered emotional heartbreak at such a loss? Can you imagine the irrevocable emotional pain he lives with everyday? And then to realize that he will soon loose his job with most likely no other prospects for him to take care of his family by his own hand!? You should be ashamed of yourself for such worthless comments. Nobody has the personal authority to be judge and jury of another person.
I have been gone from Anderson a lot of years but, I did make it home from military duty at least once a year. Not once was I ever called “uppity” or “sell out” or any other such nonsense for choosing to leave my community. At least I had the willpower to go in the first place. Many of the folks from small town America do not have the luxury to make such a decision. There is a big difference between being able to work with your mind vrs. a lifetime of working with your back. Anderson was filled with Union pride and the demand of solidarity! Proudest working class people in America!
My family has passed on now, but I will always be proud to say, “I am from Anderson, Indiana!”
….and I have all of my teeth, thank you very much.

Sammy,
I would be very proud to call you my friend and I will email you at the address you provided. Thank you.
I am sure it was very difficult for HBO to sort of “pick and choose” which parts of the documentary film to actually put together for the final project. In my opinion, the documentary was trying to get accross more than one idea to viewers by criss crossing back and forth the “fun” times with the “bad times” and how a few locals are dealing with it.
I would love to see a follow-up film sometime in the future!! I have a few funny stories of my own that I would love to share! They might involve a jar (or two!) of moonshine, as well!
I am so happy you and your family have been blessed with a new little boy and girl! Always remember those who have passed away, and smile.
Kind Regards,
ArmyGirl

WOW…this Doc. has been out a year! I loved this…real people not your glits and glam.
I see comments like Hillbilly so What I’m a Hillbilly. The term Redneck means blue color working class…so you fancy pants need to stop
and think with out the working class what will this country come to.

Not all of us have had sliver spoons handed to us! But guess what when times get bad we can make it how about you!!! Can you fish grow a garden or hunt?