Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood by Maureen Ryan - 4 stars

[Jen]

An examination of problematic history and current practices in the movie and tv industry in general industry terms as well as specific situations where problems exist(ed) in popular pop-culture. I can remember hearing of rumblings about conditions during work on Lost, and it seems like headlines about SNL pop up regularly even now, but Ryan's in depth exploration and connections made around behaviors from people that have touched multiple projects was interesting and disturbing.

As a fan of many of the projects mentioned, it's a little hard to come away from this book without feeling some guilt regarding continuing to enjoy those projects. Not unlike trying to reconcile (or maybe separate?) the issues I have with JK Rowling or the Disney Company while still finding joy in the worlds they've created, I think it'll be a struggle that I'll have to determine for myself. I am glad to know that things seem to be getting better in many ways, and as a consumer, being better aware can certainly help with making me more deliberate in my choices of entertainment to pursue.