In the midst of the recent influenza epidemic, some referred to the
illness as "Mexican Flu". New arrivals from Mexico were shunned as
disease carriers or encouraged to wear masks over their mouths and
noses. Blaming particular immigrant groups as responsible for epidemics
is a recurring phenomenon in U.S. history – the Irish for cholera in
1832, the Italians for polio in 1916. However, during the influenza
pandemic of 1918, also a peak period of immigration, no immigrant group
was singled out for blame in most cities. Why? Alan Kraut, Professor of
History at American University, explores the fascinating double helix
of health and fear. This program will last approximately 90 minutes.

In Time of Fear is part of a series titled The American
Experiment: How Immigration Has Created a Country Unique in the History
of the World, which is made possible with funding from Martin L. and
Rona Schneider.