Document Type
Article
Version
Author's Preliminary Manuscript
Publication Title
Social Work in Health Care
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract
Philosopher Hannah Arendt maintains that everyone has the right to appear in public as an embodied, singular individual. Because of the stigma attached to epilepsy, many with this condition are denied this right. Using grounded theory techniques, the authors analyze uploads of epilepsy on YouTube. The authors argue that personal uploads on YouTube are the only mass media examples in which those with epilepsy can exercise their right to appear without the interpretation of intermediaries. Emerging themes relating to ”the right to appear” allow social workers to deepen understanding of this and other devastating, often invisible and sometimes life-threatening illnesses.
Publisher's Statement
Published version at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00981389.2012.712634
Citation
Lawrence Kerson and Toba Kerson, "Epilepsy Postings on You Tube: Exercising Individuals' and Organizations' Right to Appear," Social Work in Health Care51.10, 2012, pp. 927-943
DOI
10.1080/00981389.2012.712634