"Pornography's" Greek etymology is "describing prostitutes"and has always carried the connotation of sexual stimulation, but we use it to cover things that aren't sexual. For example, many refer to horror/gore movies as a type of "porn."

I think a better definition of pornography is more like "vertigo"-- the sensation of motion in the absence of actual motion. So porn becomes something that elicits extreme sensations without any physical reality. And, of course, only in yourself (the experiencer.) In this way, horror movies are porn because they are explicit and excite the senses, with no payoff (pardon the pun.)

So "pornography of the self" becomes a titillating, explicit description of a self that is actually not real, and serves only to stimulate that invented individual.

The term is great. I sue it everywhere (with proper credit, of course!)

http://thelastpsychiatrist.com

Kudos to the Seattlest!
Excellent entry there.Right on target regarding how this blog is becoming a voice for mental illness, in an area of advocacy that is very limited. The blog is reaching beyond the NAMI type of pharma-funded advocacy groups, and challenging consumers(patients) to be proactive in their care. Giving patients knowledge beyond pre-printed "fact sheets" that promote medication brand names.

Good work! You know I'm weirdly emotionally tied up in seeing this blog get the recognition it deserves, because you have mass appeal Philip, your prose is for anyone who values the word, and that's so needed in the mental health arena, where we are usually marginalized or "specialized", barely tolerated and ultimately pitied and ghettoized. As you command respect we all benefit, and you did it by letting the audience come to you. A lesson there too I reckon.

Never stop.

.."As you command respect we all benefit."

Exactly!
thank you!