In Jonathan Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn," the protagonist describes living with Tourette's syndrome as an ongoing game of tag. This metaphor highlights how the condition relentlessly challenges the individual's ability to navigate the world, creating a cycle of reaction and response. The brain constantly appoints the individual as "it," emphasizing the relentless nature of both the disorder and the human experience of responding to life's demands.

The quote underscores a shared understanding among those who have experienced being "it," suggesting a sense of solidarity and recognition of the struggle inherent in this condition. It reveals the complexities of living with Tourette's, illustrating that the condition is not just a series of tics but an intricate part of one's identity and interaction with the environment.