Boom-town Quote by John-Talmage Mathis
““Move aside Ebola, smallpox, and AIDS; make room for narcolepsy. I would become shunned and avoided. Perhaps the people at the casino thought that this fatigue disease was contagious. Just because I yawn and you yawn shortly after doesn’t mean that you have suddenly been infected with narcolepsy. It would be silly if they had in fact thought this.””
About This Quote
The narrator humorously likens narcolepsy to an infectious disease, fearing social stigma and misunderstanding, especially in a casino setting.
In simple terms: Narcolepsy feared as contagious, causing social avoidance.
Key Takeaway
Stigma around invisible illnesses.
Themes
health
stigma
social perception
mental health
Mood
wry
empathetic
Type
personal anecdote
social commentary
When to use this quote
- workplace accommodations
- healthcare provider communication
- media portrayal of rare conditions
Key Concepts
misinformation
public awareness
Practical Applications
- educational campaigns
- support group outreach
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor affect the seriousness of health stigma?
- What can reduce misconceptions about non‑contagious disorders?
A Different Perspective
Narcolepsy is not transmissible; the analogy may reinforce fear rather than empathy.
