Disease is not a metaphor

[firecat]

I can't even begin to describe how brilliant this is. I really hope you go read the whole thing.

http://blackgirldangerous.org/new-blog/2013/7/29/disease-is-not-a-metaphor
"Disease Is Not A Metaphor" by Cyree Jarelle Johnson

Excerpt:

Disease is not a metaphor for some crude and unnamed other. Disease is not capitalism, nor is it communism. Disease is not anarchy, nor is it the threat of anarchy. Except for when the body is chaotic and unknowable. Disease is not a virus in the system. Disease is not the body, not the whole, but a part. Disease is not a test from god. Disease is not a fiery furnace, a wall to climb over, a home to be lifted out of by rope. Disease is not a battle to be won or lost in death. Disease is not a metaphor. Disease is not hyperbole. Disease is neither metonym nor synonym. Disease is a condition of the body. Disease is a visitor. Disease is a backseat driver who climbs up front and takes the wheel.

Comments

[jae]

Disease is not a metaphor, but it is a visitor, and a backseat driver?

-J

[kaberett]

Yessss. I loved the introduction to Sontag's Illness As Metaphor, and I love it whenever I come across people discussing this kind of thing.

[akycha]

That was lovely. And thank you for introducing me to the site.

[hitchhiker.livejournal.com]

brilliant indeed. thanks for sharing it!