When work goes against your beliefs

[StuckinKalifornia]

I'm really bummed out right now. I've found myself in a moral dilema of some sorts. I feel like I'm selling out, but if I say no to the work, I would burn a major bridge.

I'm an actor, and my service has booked me for a "gun violence public service announcement commercial. I can't say too much about it because I will sign a confidentiality agreement. I know I haven't signed it yet, but there are other details about the shoot that bother me that I can't talk about.

I know it's going to be hard to keep my mouth shut on set. It's really going to be hard to hide my disgust as well.

Some might say it shouldn't bother me but that's just not me. For better or worse, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I've played parts that like criminals and what not, but the fact that this is a commercial promoting something that I am not in favor of, to say the least, makes this different.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions?

[JackRydden224]

Work is work. If you are in the entertainment business then you know the believes before you started. I have friends who are in the same business as you and they just treat work as work. If you are going to burn some bridges that puts you out of work that also means you will be out of the Pro-2A fight. You can't fight without money.

You don't want to end up without a job.

[Spyguy]

It can't be too hard to come up with a viable excuse -- unrelated to your views on gun rights -- that will allow you to gracefully decline the gig without burning any professional bridges.

Don't sell your soul to the devil.

[Spyguy]

Work is work.

Money is replaceable. One's principles are not.

[coma13]

It can't be too hard to come up with a viable excuse -- unrelated to your views on gun rights -- that will allow you to gracefully decline the gig without burning any professional bridges.

Don't sell your soul to the devil.

Agreed.

[njineermike]

Money is replaceable. One's principles are not.

Well put.

[Johnnykck]

I have burned bridges because of my beliefs/morals/values, some times it has cost me but I feel that I was true to myself. It all depends on how much something bothers you and as they say "will you still be able to look at yourself in the mirror". Make your choices depending on what you think is right, that is always the most important thing. My 2 cents.

[redcliff]

We're all against Gun Violence.

But without knowing the details only you can decide if the message you are presenting to the public is honest and something you're willing to use your face to represent.

I've made mistakes I regret in my life but also have stood up for my values at great financial cost too. I don't lose sleep over doing the right things; only over doing the wrong things in my life.

[NorCalFocus]

Um yeah I'd find some way to excuse yourself if you can.

[readysetgo]

Tough call. All points above make sense.

Here's how I'd view it, if it were a cinematic type role, meaning for the art or entertainment, I'd say do it and donate some to NRA. If it's a PSA type thing that's being used as brain washing, gotta turn my back on principle but maneuver around the bridges if possible. If not, f'em, dignity > dollars.

[readysetgo]

I don't lose sleep over doing the right things; only over doing the wrong things in my life.

Well said too! QFT

[POLICESTATE]

Too bad you're getting that root canal or whatever that week!

Yeah **** that ****, all I gotta say.

On the other hand, artists are all whores so maybe just swallow that pride and take the money.

Flip a coin?

[StuckinKalifornia]

Good discussion here. If I get paid a higher than normal rate, I think donating some to preserve and restore the 2A would be a good idea. That, and fully taking advantage of the craft services

[DontTreadOnMeBro714]

While I know you are greatly out numbered in HW, I know there are more like you lurking in the shadows afraid to be outted and out of work. There has to be a way for you all to come together and be able to express your values, express why they are important to you, and that despite what the others in HW believe, you are just as entitled to your beliefs as they are. How can the HW elite preach tolerance yet be so intolerant to any view but theirs? They can make all the violent movies they want but then blame gun owners for all the rampant violence in America. I dunno...the hypocrisy is thick.

Ever hear of The Friends of Abe?

[SWalt]

Ask yourself what would Tom Selleck do?

Depends on the announcement and what it is trying to really accomplish. A call for gang bangers to stop the gun violence or something along these lines.....



If its like the above video then find a convenient excuse or reason not to sign.