#6860
Mentioned in 5 episodes
Illness As Metaphor
Book • 1978
In 'Illness as Metaphor,' Susan Sontag critiques the use of metaphors in describing illnesses, particularly focusing on tuberculosis and cancer.
She argues that these metaphors lead to victim-blaming and stigmatization of patients, suggesting that diseases are often seen as reflections of personal psychological traits or moral failings.
Sontag advocates for a more literal and medical understanding of illness, free from punitive or sentimental fantasies.
The book contrasts the historical and cultural perspectives on these diseases, highlighting how they have been symbolically interpreted in different eras and societies.
She argues that these metaphors lead to victim-blaming and stigmatization of patients, suggesting that diseases are often seen as reflections of personal psychological traits or moral failings.
Sontag advocates for a more literal and medical understanding of illness, free from punitive or sentimental fantasies.
The book contrasts the historical and cultural perspectives on these diseases, highlighting how they have been symbolically interpreted in different eras and societies.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 5 episodes
Mentioned by 
Stephen West as the author of "Illness as Metaphor", discussing her critique of metaphors used in understanding illness.
Stephen West as the author of "Illness as Metaphor", discussing her critique of metaphors used in understanding illness.
128 snips
Episode #178 ... Susan Sontag - How Much Is Your View Of Everything Affected By Metaphors?
Mentioned by Jonathan Rosen in a discussion about the metaphorical use of illness and its impact on understanding mental health.
24 snips
‘My Friend’s Descent into Madness and Bloodshed’: An American Tragedy
Mentioned by 
Olivia Laing in relation to her book "Illness as Metaphor" and its connection to Wilhelm Reich's ideas.
Olivia Laing in relation to her book "Illness as Metaphor" and its connection to Wilhelm Reich's ideas.
Freedom, and what it means to have a body
