If you are doing a piece about somebody, even if you…
![“If you are doing a piece about somebody, even if you admire them tremendously and express that in the piece, express that admiration, if they're not used to being written about, if they're civilians, [...] they're not used to seeing themselves through other people's eyes. So you will always see…” quote by Joan Didion](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/d61/joan-didion-497_admiration_if-you-are-doing-a-piece-about-somebody_2985641.jpg)
“If you are doing a piece about somebody, even if you admire them tremendously and express that in the piece, express that admiration, if they're not used to being written about, if they're civilians, [...] they're not used to seeing themselves through other people's eyes. So you will always see them from a slightly different angle than they see themselves, and they feel a little betrayed by that.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing about private individuals can unintentionally expose them to perspectives they never chose, causing feelings of betrayal.
In simple terms: Writing about people may betray them.
Key Takeaway
Consider subjects' comfort before publishing.
Themes
privacy
ethics
perspective
trust
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
ethical
analytical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- biography
- profile pieces
Key Concepts
subjectivity
public eye
authorial responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How might you balance honesty with respect for privacy?
- What responsibilities do writers have to their subjects?