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Pathographics: Narrative Aesthetics, Contention, Community, and Graphic Medicine

Hassan Cox

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Published in PathoGraphics: Narrative Aesthetics Contention Community (Graphic Medicine 20)

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Pathographics: Narrative Aesthetics, Contention, Community, and Graphic Medicine is a groundbreaking work that explores the intersection of illness, narrative, and community through the lens of graphic medicine. This innovative field of study examines how graphic narratives, such as comics, graphic novels, and webcomics, can challenge traditional understandings of illness, foster empathy, and promote social change.

PathoGraphics: Narrative Aesthetics Contention Community (Graphic Medicine 20)

PathoGraphics: Narrative, Aesthetics, Contention, Community (Graphic Medicine Book 20)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	43954 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages

Edited by Susan Squier and Ian Williams, Pathographics features a diverse range of essays from scholars, artists, and activists who are working at the forefront of graphic medicine. The book is divided into four sections:

Narrative Aesthetics: This section explores the unique ways that graphic narratives can represent illness and the body.
Contention: This section examines the role of graphic medicine in challenging dominant narratives about illness and disability.
Community: This section explores how graphic medicine can foster community among people who are affected by illness.
Graphic Medicine: This section provides an overview of the field of graphic medicine and its potential for social change.

Narrative Aesthetics

The essays in the Narrative Aesthetics section explore the unique ways that graphic narratives can represent illness and the body. These essays examine how graphic narratives can use visual metaphors, symbolism, and other artistic devices to convey the complex and often ineffable experiences of illness.

For example, in her essay "The Body in Comics: Narrative Strategies for Representing Illness," scholar Hillary Chute examines how comics artists use a variety of techniques to represent the body in illness. Chute argues that comics artists can use close-ups, fragmentation, and other visual devices to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, which can help readers to better understand the experiences of people who are living with illness.

Contention

The essays in the Contention section examine the role of graphic medicine in challenging dominant narratives about illness and disability. These essays argue that graphic medicine can provide a platform for marginalized voices to speak out about their experiences and to challenge the stigma associated with illness.

For example, in her essay "Graphic Medicine and the Challenge to Dominant Narratives of Illness," scholar Barbara Rosenwein examines how graphic narratives can challenge the dominant medical model of illness. Rosenwein argues that graphic narratives can provide a more holistic and nuanced understanding of illness, which can help to break down the stigma associated with it.

Community

The essays in the Community section explore how graphic medicine can foster community among people who are affected by illness. These essays examine how graphic narratives can provide a sense of connection and support for people who are living with illness, and how they can help to build a sense of community.

For example, in her essay "Graphic Medicine and the Cancer Community," scholar Kimberly R. Myers examines how graphic narratives can provide a sense of community for people who are living with cancer. Myers argues that graphic narratives can help people to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, and that they can provide a sense of hope and support.

Graphic Medicine

The essays in the Graphic Medicine section provide an overview of the field of graphic medicine and its potential for social change. These essays examine the history and development of graphic medicine, and they discuss its potential for promoting health literacy, reducing stigma, and fostering empathy.

For example, in his essay "Graphic Medicine: A Primer," scholar Ian Williams provides an overview of the field of graphic medicine. Williams discusses the different types of graphic narratives that are used in graphic medicine, and he examines the potential of graphic medicine for social change.

Pathographics: Narrative Aesthetics, Contention, Community, and Graphic Medicine is a groundbreaking work that explores the intersection of illness, narrative, and community through the lens of graphic medicine. This innovative field of study has the potential to challenge traditional understandings of illness, foster empathy, and promote social change.

Pathographics is essential reading for anyone who is interested in graphic medicine, illness narrative, or community health. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, artists, activists, and anyone else who is interested in the power of storytelling to change the world.

PathoGraphics: Narrative, Aesthetics, Contention, Community (Graphic Medicine Book 20)

4.5 out of 5