"I live in Los Angeles, work in the entertainment industry when I'm not moonlighting as a semi-reputable journalist and have done my fair share of lying or, more accurately, omitting the truth. One of the least pleasant experiences in town is being asked to give honest feedback to someone who is at best an acquaintance. It's worse yet if that person is a friend, lover or family member who actually takes your opinion seriously."
"Overall, the notion of offering honesty to a peer is akin to rubbing poison oak on your privates. And yet, despite knowing how gruesome this can be, I still solicit feedback on scripts, films and even nascent ideas I'm toying with. Naturally, I feel guilty doing it. I blubber about how gracious the person is for taking the time to engage with my creative output, how generous they are and how crucial this step is to any sort of actual success in the industry."
An entertainment-industry professional based in Los Angeles describes frequent omission of truth and occasional lying when requesting feedback. Honest critique from acquaintances, friends, lovers, or family is framed as uncomfortable and potentially damaging. The social norm in Hollywood prioritizes sparing feelings, passive-aggression, or sarcasm to protect reputations and future opportunities. Despite guilt and awareness of the emotional cost, the narrator continues to seek critique on scripts, films, and early ideas, pleading for gentleness and noting how jarring brutally candid responses can be within that environment.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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