By Zachary Otte, Communications Intern

On April 29 the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert for the H1N1 flu virus from phase 4 to phase 5.  The alert is meant to warn the international community of the dangers of the disease and allow for preventative measures.  Unfortunately much of the media here in the U.S. (particularly those on the right side of the spectrum) has latched onto the flu.  Exploiting the fear disease can induce, they are promoting anti-immigrant sentiment across the airwaves.

The H1N1 flu virus (or swine flu as it is commonly referred to) reveals another virus that is unfortunately still rampant within in the U.S. – xenophobia, racism and a fear of the “other”.  Civil rights groups and immigrant advocates across the country and around the globe (organizations like IISTL) are working hard to combat the fictitious and malicious anti-immigrant rhetoric.

This anti-immigrant sentiment is not only unfounded, but it is also counterproductive.  According to Liany Arroyo, director of the Institute for Hispanic Health at the National Council of La Raza (an advocacy group based in Washington D.C.), “The risk of demonizing and stigmatizing a group of people is you risk alienating them and making them afraid to seek health services and that can continue the outbreak.” The few who manage to avoid the massive cracks of our healthcare system are only made reluctant to seek medical attention for fear of being deported, quarantined, stigmatized or harmed by the swine flu hysteria.

The sensational media coverage is designed to create a manufactured sense of fear—as xenophobia and racism operate under the guise of “national security”.  Someone seems to have taken cue from the Bush administrations plan for Iraq; if you scare people enough their open minds begin to close and one can get away with war mongering (be it the invasion and occupation of Iraq or a domestic ideological “war” on immigrants).

I am by no means attempting to diminish the severity of this flu, it is indeed a dangerous disease. It is important, however, to see through the political maneuvering and recognize the H1N1 flu as a public health issue—not an immigration issue.  After all, the virus knows no borders and has no nationality.

Our two most recent Communications Interns reflect on their past semester at the IISTL:

Reflections on an Internship

By Jessica Fox, Communications Intern

When I started here at the International Institute of St. Louis I was very surprised at the diversity and how open everybody was.  It was very inspiring to me because this was the first time in my life that I had ever been around such an exciting, creative, and caring environment.  Even to this day every time I walk into the institute I am overwhelmed by how many people are willing to help each other out.  It is a great thing to watch and experience.

            I am glad that I got to work here as an intern even if it was only for 4 months.  I feel like as I person I have grown.  I feel as though I am more accepting of different people and different cultures than I was before I worked here.  When I move on to my next job whatever that may be, I want to work in an environment that is open to all and accepting of all.  This is one thing that the International Institute has shown me is possible in a work environment. 

            My mind has opened to a whole new different world that I would like to be involved with.  Even though I will miss this place I am happy that I learned so much about people and on thing this place has taught me is patience and acceptance.

            I thought working on the monthly podcast were very informative.  Both Laura and I researched things that we had never known about.  For example, Obama’s immigration policies, and the history of St. Louis immigration.  I was astounded by all the facts and little that I knew.  I learned a lot from people watching here at the institute.  I appreciated how open communication was with everybody I never felt like I couldn’t ask a questions or clarify something I didn’t understand, that means a lot to me.  I am happy I got the opportunity to work here and I know the experience I had here with benefit my future in a positive way.

My Internship & My New Hometown
By Laura Eschbacher, Communications Intern

My time at the International Institute has gone by fast, but I’ve grown a lot this semester because of this internship. There are three lessons that I think I will remember most from my time here.

1. Be safe, but don’t live in fear.
2. Don’t assume anything from appearances.
3. Get involved in your community, or at least be aware of it.

As far as being safe goes, my trips to the Institute twice a week got me over my fear of city driving. I come from a town where it was big news when we got our first stoplight a few years ago. With my newfound driving confidence, I took my little Buick Skylark and started exploring St. Louis. Jessica and I went to an I-Squared dinner together, and picked up an order of food for an IISTL conference in a part of town I’d never been before. I had to drive further South on Grand once to drop off some pants for the Institute’s sewing class. (By the way, the students did an excellent job in lengthening my khakis! My mom is a seamstress, and she was impressed!)
Of course I took the necessary precautions, like leaving nothing in my car so people aren’t tempted to break in. I made sure I locked my doors every day. But I stopped living in paranoia that this area was “terribly dangerous.” As long as you’re respectful and smart, you shouldn’t run into problems.

That leads me to the next point–assuming nothing. I know many people who, post 9-11, are afraid of anyone who doesn’t look exactly like them. Fear breeds hate. But understanding breeds love! It might take some courage to put yourself out there, but when you do, you see that we’re all similar.
I remember how terrified and nervous I was when I came in for my interview here, back in December. I sat in the lobby for fifteen minutes before meeting my supervisor. My heart was pounding. But then a woman walked in with her little baby. The baby was dressed head to toe in pink and just couldn’t stop smiling at me and giggling. I waved and smiled back. Her mom then leaned over, put the baby on her back, and wrapped a cloth around her body so she could carry the baby like a backpack. She said goodbye and left. As they walked off, I kept smiling at that baby and thought, “This is a good place to be.”

Finally, this place has gotten me in touch with the community of St. Louis. I always considered Sullivan, MO to be my home, but St. Louis is a great place. There are agencies, non-profits, musicians, artists, and people who just like to have a good time, who come together for festivals in STL. If we could abandon our SUVs and chores just for a weekend, we could see many aspects of St. Louis that we didn’t know existed!
Support local businesses. Eat food of a completely different culture; maybe even buy clothing from a different culture! Attend a music festival in a neighborhood you’ve never been to. Hang out in Forest Park. Come to the Festival of Nations. St. Louis is small enough that we have the potential to be a strong community. The International Institute seems to acknowledge that, and I’m so proud that my eyes have been opened to it. All it takes is the events section of the newspaper and a little guts! (Events calendar: www.riverfronttimes.com)

I can’t stress enough how much this internship has helped me to become a citizen of St. Louis, and how much I have learned about myself. I promise you that if you do something out of the ordinary and shake up life a little bit, you’ll be interested in what you find.

I wish everyone at the Institute good luck in their future endeavors. Thank you for letting me spend time with you!

By Laura Eschbacher

At the beginning of my junior year in high school, I boarded a plane at the St. Louis airport with a few suitcases and a desire to experience the world. I had been accepted to participate in the International Fellowship Class in Marbach, Germany. Kids from thirteen different countries came together for lessons in English and a year of learning about the German language and culture through total submersion.

Class discussions were fascinating. We were a young, small-scale sampling of the big world around us. I heard Thai opinions of the U.S. affirmative action law. I heard Finnish opinions of the post-WWII German culture. I saw firsthand how the U.S. media permeates the globe, and I even lost pop-culture trivia battles with my Romanian friend, who could quote Cartoon Network better than any American kid I know. My teacher asked me to do a presentation on the Ku Klux Klan because some of the Italians and Lithuanians had never heard of it. I was reprimanded for referring to the United States as “America,” by Argentineans who sternly reminded me that they are ‘Americans’ too. The good U.S. stereotypes were mentioned: hard-working, humanitarian, generous, even “cool.” But I also heard the bad: overweight, overly capitalist, power-hungry, and obsessed with war.

Living in Missouri, you could drive an entire day in any direction and still end up in the USA. So, there’s not a pressing need for Midwesterners to know a second language, or to be able to name the president of Latvia, for example. But the interesting thing is that the rest of the world does concern itself with United States culture, history, and politics. It was fascinating to see what the world decides to keep tabs on.

If I had never opened myself to new ideas, such thoughts would have never crossed my mind. It’s so interesting to listen to others’ points of view because you hear things you never could have dreamed up on your own. Different ideas give you perspective when dealing with your own life and nation. The poetry, traditions, advice, and values of other cultures help you to get a taste of what the world has to offer. And the best part is that you don’t even have to travel outside your city to experience it all. We have people from everywhere right here in St. Louis, many who would love to share their culture with those who are genuinely curious. (Festival of Nations! wink, nudge.)

My time in Germany showed me just how big (and small) the United States is in relationship to the rest of the world. It also fostered my fascination with travel and with international foods, languages, and ideas.

by Laura Eschbacher, Communications Intern

Today, like any other day, I went to the staff lunchroom to eat my sandwich. But this time, I found an older man and a young woman in there. He was helping her take an English test on a story she’d just read. Both looked up at me, and I smiled to assure them that I would be as quiet as possible, and try not to disturb them. I got my bag from the fridge and sat down, observing the lesson as I ate.
The tutor reminded me a lot of my grandfather. He was supportive and helpful with each question she didn’t quite understand. I wondered how he’d first heard of the International Institute, and how he came to be an English tutor here. He seemed to really love the work.
She was eager to learn and kept asking questions. She laughed when he reminded her jokingly, “now, I can’t give you the answer, that’s not the point!” She smiled in between her concentration faces. She looked up at me a few times, and I smiled back and kept chewing quietly.
Neither of them spoke to me directly, but I was still excited to have witnessed the English lesson. The man was a volunteer tutor, genuinely enjoying helping the young woman, and you could see the appreciation in her face, and the happiness when she came across the correct answer. It was a simple, but remarkable interaction to watch.
——————————————-
At times during my internship, I’ve wished that I had a more active role in directly helping the people in the classes on the floor below me. (Jessica and I went to sit in on an English class once, but couldn’t stay long because the teacher was sick that day.) But when I really thought about my role here, I came to the conclusion that I’m helping out in the place where I fit best. My job is to spread the word about the Institute so that these teachers and students have financial and societal support and can continue with everything they do. I’ve never been a tutor before and I can’t speak Vietnamese, but I have written and edited blogs and audio presentations. That is my area of expertise. I’m content with my role behind the scenes. I’m happy to be the quiet, supportive person in the lunchroom, because I know that I’m helping in a way that’s hidden, but still necessary.

By Laura Eschbacher

My ancestors settled in the general St. Louis area, in Missouri and Illinois. My family history includes German, French, Sicilian, Irish, and Cherokee Native American. I’m living proof of the rich history of immigration to Missouri.

The United States was founded by people looking for a better life, wanting to create their own destinies for their families. Even President Obama has said it: No matter where immigrants came from, or still come from today, the reason people immigrate to the States is the hope of a better future. Historically, the U.S. is willing to accept immigrants of all backgrounds and beliefs. That is a characteristic of this country that I’m very proud of.
But some American’s don’t want to welcome newcomers. Why not? Our generation would not be here if it weren’t for the original newcomers that established this country. Americans whose families have been here for many generations sometimes overlook the fact that one or two hundred years ago, their great-great-great-great-great grandfather came to America with his great-great-great-great-great grandchildren’s best interests in mind. We are those grandchildren. If we say that immigrants have no right to be here, doesn’t that also mean that we have no right to be here?

Why would it be a bad idea for established Americans to learn another language— Spanish, for example? How could it be a bad thing to have bilingual citizens? Don’t forget that just 100 years ago, many St. Louisans still attended schools taught entirely in German.
More than half of European citizens in the EU can speak two languages. Learning another language brings not only the obvious communication skills, but also insight into the culture of the people who speak that language. Some words exist that aren’t translatable into English. How did such words come into being? What developments in this other society’s culture created a word that we don’t even have in our dictionary? I think learning a new language is more interesting than it is threatening. If we understood each other better, a lot of fear would disappear, and respect could take its place.
This is not to say that learning English shouldn’t be required (English is a vital part of American culture!), but at the same time, I see immigrants at the International Institute working so hard to integrate themselves by learning our language, customs, social norms, professional behaviors, and more. They are truly making an effort to become one of us. Why wouldn’t we make an effort to be receptive and welcoming towards them? They just want to be American citizens too.
Our ancestors couldn’t have survived alone when they first arrived in the U.S. They needed a support group, and they found it in each other. The International Institute is that support group for today’s immigrants, linking them to each other and to the rest of St. Louis. How awesome it is, that we can continue that welcoming of new generations of Americans. Why not try a little understanding?

Obama on Immigrants http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/06/obamas_remarks_to_naleo.html
St. Louis’ Multi-Lingual History
http://stlouis.missouri.org/government/heritage/history/immigrant.htm
Language Skills of Europeans
http://www.euractiv.com/en/culture/europeans-language-skills-rise/article-152828