In the medical field, military metaphors, such as “fighting” a disease or a patient is a “fighter,” are quite commonplace. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? The answer isn’t black and white. These metaphors can help people work through their illnesses while it may be a detriment to others. Metaphors are difficult. No one knows what their exact effect will be from individual to individual. But that’s language. We say what we say to exchange our thoughts with others, and metaphors just another part of that. Sometimes our thoughts don’t make it to the other person as we intend, and that gives them different ideas or feelings. Metaphor is a vital part of our language, and the effects of metaphor cannot be known before it is used. This can be quite a problem when it comes to the emotional state of a medical patient. Metaphor is used to help understand their situation. It may have unforeseen effects, but its overall interpretation and effect is up the patient.

Take 2

Our current use of metaphors within medicine has historically been related to militaristic terms. Things that relate patients with fighters or disease with a battle.These militaristic metaphors help in the understanding of their situation, but can leave a detrimental effect emotionally. With this in mind, I pose a question: is the continued use of this style of metaphor a good way of informing a patient of their situation? There is not a definite yes or no for this question. The detrimental side-effects may or may not affect a patient. In fact these metaphors can be a boon for some of them. Most people have had someone they love in medical care. How are these metaphors affecting them? How is it helping them understand their situation and affecting their overall mental and emotional state? Metaphors are a vital part of the language and provision of understanding. However the side-effects of these military metaphors in medicine are varied from patient to patient that there should be some alternatives.