1. Malcolm Gladwell argues that the American people are “in the grip of paranoia about viruses and diseases” and feel “a sense of helplessness” about them. He cites Laurie Garrett’s book as an example of such thinking. After reading the viewpoints of Garrett and Gladwell, do you believe that Garrett’s arguments are realistic or, as Gladwell believes, overly pessimistic about the threat of diseases? Explain your answer.

2. Malcolm Gladwell contends that the 1983 epidemic in Pennsylvania that killed 17 million chickens should not be viewed as a possible indicator for a similar event affecting humans. What reasons does he give for rejecting the analogy between that event and the public health of the people? Do these reasons, in your judgment, provide sufficient grounds for agreeing with his conclusion? Why or why not"

3. Ed Regis argues that fears of a worldwide viral...