Breakfast Quote by Sarah Stillman
“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
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.
![“Unless you've also had some experience dragging around a boat trailer, [topping off the gas tank] may not sound important. But trailer driver's know: a gas stop can be a traumatic experience. You need enough clearance on every possible side. You can't cut the turn too sharp or you'll clip the gas…” quote by Brad Alan Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/brad-alan-lewis-16353_boat_unless-you-ve-also-had-some-experience-d_153493.jpg)
