Epistemological Interference and the Trope of the Veteran
Abstract: A literarily constructed trope of the veteran attributes experiential knowledge and authority to veteran-writers and immeasurably complicates their sense of audience and appropriate evidence, resulting in an epistemological dilemma for many that can lead to frustration, anger, silence, and even self-stereotyping speech that surrenders individuality for the easy eloquence that subservience to the trope enables.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …