Starving Art Ep. 7: Susan Sontag and Illness as Metaphor

This time on the Starving Art Podcast we're diving into the story of Susan Sontag, whose cancer diagnosis spurred a pair of essays that dissect the myths and metaphors surrounding illness. Illness as Metaphor and AIDS and its Metaphors tackle the complex associations we form with different illnesses, and how we can distinguish stereotype from the true experience of illness. I dig into some of the prevalent myths around different illnesses, and offer up my view on how we've already begun to make a myth out of the COVID epidemic. 

 

This episode challenged my writing skills, and so much was left out in the attempt to convey a succinct narrative. I highly recommend you read this except of the book! Link here

 

Please rate, review, and share the show with your friends! I hope to keep providing new stories, past and present, of artists who rose to the occasion and created enduring, meaningful work. Your support means the world, and gets more ears listening!

 

Strength and Love,

-Aidan