When I visit parishioners in the various hospitals I am careful to use the disinfectant provided both coming and going from rooms and then as I depart the institutions . There are lots of nasty communicable "bugs" out there and it makes sense to be careful. Despite that caution I can't help but feel that the media are creating a state of alarm bordering on hysteria regarding Swine Flu or Mexican Flu or whatever we are supposed to call this influenza.
Obviously this flu is having a major impact on Mexico and the deaths and infections are very real. But the charts listing incidents in other countries are rather limited and of the two dozen or so "victims" in Canada, not a single person has been hospitalized, let alone died. After SARS, world health organizations are choosing to respond immediately and publicly but fomenting panic doesn't strike me as helpful.
I have seen photos of Mexicans praying in church although many churches have cancelled worship to reduce contact. The cathedral in Mexico City dusted off a sculpture called The Lord of Health for the first time in 300 years to call on God's help in these difficult times. We know that in ages past believers have invoked God's healing presence in the face of plagues and epidemics. While the church can't claim expertise in infectious diseases, it has specialized in encouraging people to seek peace in difficult times. The Lord of Health in our current situation is the Christ who encourages us to live beyond fear.
The United Church does have a pandemic plan and you can take a look at it online: http://www.united-church.ca/local/duty/emergency.
Do you think that the media have incited fear in this situation? Any opinions on the faith connection?
Fear is used to keep people in line. Fear has been used over the years to tell people what to do, what to believe, how to act. Governments and religion have used fear very successfully to keep control of the masses. I think fear is one of the evils in this world.
ReplyDeleteFear is a commodity that has always sold easily. There is definately a profit associated with fear, not just in regards to selling news but also merchandise and services. We have been called several times by a security company who would like us to either try or buy their security system for our home. It makes us feel as if there are crimminals hovering around our neighborhood just biding their time to get us, as if the company knows this for sure and is even now keeping tabs on things for us. (Sometimes they just want you to let them put a sign on your lawn, even though you don't have the system. I have been told that the sign can be enough to set these cloak and dagger types fleeing, and this is presented always in a comforting consoling manner as if we are dim witted and in need of "special" care) Not to mention the endless calls about extending warranties on applainces we bought 10 years ago. There is also insurance for every conceivable "act of God" and, of course, the constant barage of threats to our persoanl appearance. ( I need that regenerating skin cream, really I do but even so I could do without the constant reminder that even my skin needs insurance)
ReplyDeleteYes, I think the media is creating fear in regards to the flu.