According to a press release issued by GQ, writer Kaylin spent a long time learning about Scientology, including participating in Scientology tutorials with Cruise's sister Lee Anne Devette before she sat down with the superstar to discuss his belief in Scientology.
Cruise explained in the interview how dyslexia led him to Scientology. Cruise says in the interview, "You know, when they said, 'You learn a different way,' I was like, Why? I want to know. Why couldn't I learn? Dyslexia - what is it? No one really knew. And then when I realized that there's a book called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and they voted on what goes in it, I said, 'This is bulls**t.'" Cruise adds, "I tried everything. And then I learned about this study technology. When I started out, quite honestly I wasn't like 'This is it.' But you know, you're hoping. ..."
Cruise even spoke to Kaylin about Scientology's assault on the psychiatric profession and the use of drugs like ADD and Ritalin. "You know, we have eight and a half million kids on drugs," says Cruise in the GQ interview. "It's a human-rights issue: electroshock, prefrontal lobotomies, and drugging, which is mental straitjacketing. And I feel for the parents. It's a betrayal of them, because they are inundated with propaganda about how this is going to help your child and calm him down. It's a catastrophe of epic proportions."
Cruise told Kaylin he's well aware of the controversy surrounding Scientology. "I really don't care what people say. Here's the thing you've got to understand: I'm not looking for approval from anyone," Cruise said. "Because I know when my head hits the pillow at night, I'm doing everything I can to make the world a better place."
Asked by Kaylin if he ever stops to think about his megastar status, Cruise responded, "Are you kidding me? We laugh hysterically. My mom, my sisters -- we piss ourselves with laughter. You know, even now, sometimes we go from country to country, and I'll be there with Lee Anne, and I'm getting on my airplane. And it's just that look of 'Can you f**king believe this?'" Cruise continued, "I don't think I will ever not be giddy about that. It may sound funny but ... there's just an appreciation. A true damn appreciation for it."
SOURCE: GQ
