From Swine Flu to Bubonic Plague, Epidemics Have Always Stirred Fear and Terror - Essay Example

What works for me in the story, besides its interesting paradoxical nature, is the subtle restraint of emotions by the author. Hughes, instead of describing the sentiments of the protagonist, expounds on the surroundings of the character, mainly using verbs to push the story forward and into transition. This then makes the reader read between the lines and more sensitive to what the main character would feel given the circumstances, hence what the author asks of his audience is to be human and to feel for the person if he or she was placed in a particular situation. Because of this, I could relate to the story as I have experienced waiting for something that will never seem to come. Characteristically human as well, I have lied to myself and others to suppress what I am feeling inside of me. Human nature is generally paradoxical in this way: hope is simultaneously our strength and weakness. Though waiting only gives me disappointment, I still wait for something to save me; I still hope that it is coming, my salvation.

Discussion 2

The article that I have chosen has the heading “From Swine Flu to Bubonic Plague, Epidemics have always stirred Fear and Terror” by Richard Martin, a staff writer from the St. Petersburg Times. His introductory lines go: “So far, swine flu has infected fewer than 200 people, scattered across the United States. Most haven't needed hospitalization. But the signs of fear are everywhere.” Many have been doing necessary, or as the writer might imply, unnecessary precautionary measures to avoid swine flu such as wearing surgical masks in public places, keeping away from crowded areas, and cancellation of school and events even without having a confirmed case of the virus. The media has widely exaggerated reality and the fear that is spreading among the people is far worse than the flu virus.

People are so scared because every new pandemic calls to mind the collective experience of the bubonic plague, more commonly called as the Black Death during the 1300s. Among other pandemics are the Spanish flu, the Polio epidemic, AIDS, SARS, and Bird Flu, and people tend to envision the worst when it comes to diseases such as those mentioned. Nevertheless, according to a doctor of public health, the story these epidemics are told are driven by unfounded claims of expectations, hopes, and fears and it would be best to just stick with the facts.

In reality, there are risks that people go through every day that are more likely to kill a person such as obesity, smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise, yet we do not fear these things because we have control over them and that is what scares people, the lack of control over something. In the end, doctors assure us that there is no cause for panic and medical advancements are sure to help solve diseases of the future. Read More