Mennonite Weekly Review

Fear and misinformation concerning the H1N1 virus — swine flu — are leading to discrimination against immigrants in the United States.

In the past few weeks, several anti-immigrant groups have used public health concerns to stir up prejudice. Radio talk shows have suggested closing the border, stopping immigration and travel from Mexico, and even that “illegal aliens” are entering the nation with this “Mexican” virus planted by terrorists.

We all should continue to take appropriate action to control the spread of the virus, but at the same time church members should discuss the historical and current fears and assumptions that plague our society. We should strive to ensure that Christ’s compassion and welcome, not prejudice, infuse our congregations and communities.

The Bible tell us Jesus compassionately reached out to a person considered untouchable and incurable, and to other people in his world who were marginalized because of nationalistic and sexist boundaries.

These people were welcomed, restored personally and in their communities, and healed. In the name of Christ, can the church do less?

One misrepresentation of facts is that immigrants are the only ones bringing the H1N1 virus to the United States. However, U.S. tourists and visitors to Mexico have also carried the virus home.

Another idea is that the virus is Mexican in origin. According to Michael Shaw, a microbiologist with the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, the new H1N1 flu strain and some of the circulatory, seasonal human flu viruses can be traced back to the H1N1 virus that sparked the 1918 flu pandemic. Random mutation can change the virus, meaning H1N1 viruses can look and behave differently.

Epidemics often release the latent need to blame. Due to prejudice and racism, this blame often targets immigrant and minority populations.

History reveals this pattern. The medieval Europeans blamed Jews during the Black Plague and a cholera pandemic. In the beginning stages of the HIV/AIDS virus, Haitians and gay men were labeled as socially undesirable. In 2003, the H5N1 virus, known as SARS or bird flu, stigmatized Asians, especially the Chinese.

Blame and fear are dangerous and counterproductive during disease outbreaks. The stigmatized will be more reluctant to seek medical care, which could help to propagate the sickness.