In Dhruv Khullar’s article, “The Trouble with Medicine’s Metaphors”, he takes a dive into the thought-provoking usage of military language when referring to illnesses. Does it affect the way patients feel about their conditions? Khullar suggests that using military references can actually do more harm than good as patients may feel that their condition is a battle that they must win, and that can be extremely daunting. He brings to his reader’s attention the numerous studies that credited or discredited this idea. Khullar also mentions how metaphors, in general, are designed to help us conceptualize complex ideas. With that in mind, some doctors feel that it eases the mind of their patient when discussing their condition, while others see it as an emotional barrier that disables them to feel anything but positive thoughts in front of others.

Metaphors have been used since long before our time, dating back to the early Shakespearean years. Language is all around us; it allows us to express how we feel and to communicate with others. It can have an array of impacts on our physical and mental wellbeing, some being positive while others may be negative. Dhruv Khullar discusses how language directly influences our perception of illnesses. When using military-inspired language in reference to medical conditions and illnesses it can be inspiring to some but I believe it comes with a daunting obligation to hide real emotions and only show positive emotions about serious illnesses. While being optimistic about tough medical conditions is important, the patient should equally be able to express their true feelings about it. Sometimes the obligatory optimism can suppress one’s true feelings which may lead to other consequences such as anxiety and/or depression. Geary and Erard both agree that metaphors are all around us and they help us to clarify what we have difficulty understanding. Language is interpreted in so many different ways and depends on things such as culture, values, experiences, and preferences.

“See Through Words“- “…the right metaphor must speak to inclusion and community, and suggest some benefit, such as health or opportunity that’s more widely shared.” I chose this quote because it connects all three readings’ ideas that metaphors are sensitive to how they will be perceived.

“Metaphorically Speaking“- “Metaphor matters because it’s around us every day, all the time. Metaphor matters because it creates expectations.” This quote from James Geary stood out to me because I thought it connected really well with Dhruv Kullar’s idea behind military-based metaphors and how they can create this expectation that illnesses are battles that one either wins or loses. It creates the expectation that the patient has to conquer their sickness with all their might and strength.

“The Trouble With Medicine’s Metaphors“- “We subtly place an unfair burden on patient and doctor, when in reality, even the most courageous soldier guided by the most effective strategy is too often unsuccessful against an aggressive invader with nothing to lose.” I chose this quote from Khullar because it recognizes that metaphors really can affect how people perceive things which can affect their physical and mental wellbeing.