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Metaphoric Stammers and Embodied Speakers
  • ISSN: 2057-0341
  • E-ISSN: 2057-035X

Abstract

This paper seeks both to expand the range of what as political action for dysfluent voices and to find resources that can generate critical breaks within neo-liberal modes of power. With the Cynics, I suggest that some truths – like dysfluent lives are worth living – cannot be told by a talking head. I accordingly map three possible modes of truth-telling within the lexicon of parrhesia: therapeutic, Platonic and Cynic. Therapeutic truth-telling is an apolitical enunciation that indexes a model of authenticity and is limited to speaking truth about oneself and the world in a normalizing register. Platonic parrhesia is a form of equality-based political discourse that aims at inclusion. In this mode, the parrhesiastes, like the talking head, must fashion their body as a pure vessel of truth to be recognized as such. Cynic truth-telling, finally, is a radical of critique that seeks rupture rather than understanding. Taking up the motto of the Cynics – ‘deface the currency’ – perhaps dysfluent voices can find resources to ‘de-face’ speech and its mythic power that has become entwined with capital.

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/content/journals/10.1386/jivs_00024_1
2020-12-01
2025-06-18
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): disability; dysfluency; neo-liberalism; new media; parrhesia; political action
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