You nailed it. While Junior's son Josh is a chip off the old block, Eric is like New Blood - an enlightened one - like WHERE does this come from? In a community where DNA or indoctrination keep perpetuating barbarism, animal cruelty, the mentality that we should put up and shut up rather than challenge evil or stand up for the vulnerable, and turn a blind eye... somehow, Eric emerges from his horrible childhood with a conscience, a sense of compassion. I don't doubt this. I just keep wondering how the Erics of the world somehow rise above their origins and become better than what tradition would have them be.
Even when his peers mock him, he doesn't bend. He just doesn't reveal his true feelings.