Often, I'm spending months with a person in a very…
“Often, I'm spending months with a person in a very intimate context, getting to know the ins and outs of what they ate for breakfast, not to mention dredging up the most traumatic experiences of their lives, digging through their documents and photographs from difficult times, all of that. And that process, I think, can be extraordinarily strange for subjects who've never been interviewed before, especially if you don't acquaint them from the get-go with what you're trying to do, what it entails, and why you care.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Interviewing intimate subjects requires clear consent and context to avoid harm.
In simple terms: Explain purpose before interviewing.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize informed consent.
Themes
ethics
interviewing
trust
Mood
cautious
empathetic
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- research interviews
- therapy sessions
- documentary making
Key Concepts
journalism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure participants feel safe?
- What boundaries are essential?
A Different Perspective
Subjects may feel exploited if not prepared.