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Blame Quote by Susan Sontag

“Societies need to have one illness which becomes identified with evil, and attaches blame to its victims.” quote by Susan Sontag
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“Societies need to have one illness which becomes identified with evil, and attaches blame to its victims.”

Susan Sontag

About This Quote

Source Essay: “Illness as Metaphor,” 1978

Societies often label a disease as evil, blaming sufferers and stigmatizing them.

In simple terms: Illness is unfairly blamed.

Key Takeaway

Challenge stigma.

Themes

health society stigma

Mood

empathetic critical

Type

social political

When to use this quote

  • public health policy
  • patient advocacy
  • media representation
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

metaphor blame victimhood

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does stigma affect patient care?
  • What can reduce disease‑related blame?
A Different Perspective

Not all illnesses are socially constructed.

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