Stopping Ebola

The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa is something that the world should be concerned about and making sure the outbreak is contained should be a top priority for everyone. In the article, 'Window to Stop Ebola Outbreak is 'Closing Quickly,' Official Warns by Alexandra Sifferlin, it is clear that without continued transport to West Africa, containing Ebola will be even more difficult. Sifferlin states that "many airlines have stopped flying there" and as a result supplies and doctors are unable to get there. It is understandable that commercial airlines are not flying into the infected parts of West Africa, on the other hand the World Health Organization should be able to access military flights that could bring supplies. I did hear recently when listening to NPR that the WHO is severely limited on funding that it can use to aid in the Ebola crisis. It is 80% dependent on private funding and that many of those funds are donated with specific intent. Therefore, raising money for the aid it needs to provide is a huge setback at this point in time. Hopefully, it will become clear to the rest of the world the crisis that we all face and this virus can be brought under control. The people of West Africa deserve the aid and assistance of modern medicine.

Example Post of Summary/Response on the topic of: Reading Fiction and Being a Better Person

According to Cody Delistraty in "Does Reading Make You a Better Person? How Fiction Relates to Our Morality," reading a lot can help you become a more empathetic person. Apparently the human brain can be 'tricked' into thinking it is the protagonist in the story, meaning that we aren't merely relating to the character on a surface level, but we can empathize as though his/her struggles are our own. So, if we can relate to a character whose life and circumstances, maybe even culture, are very different from our own, we develop a stronger morality for others. An important message, however, is that reading alone doesn't make us better -- we have to socialize and interact with others in order to find benefit in our new found knowledge and understanding.

I believe there is something to be said for this. As an avid reader myself, I tried to think of the different books I have read and the ways that they have influenced me. Prior to living in Turkey I chose to read a couple novels by Orhan Pamuk to get a sense of Turkish culture. I certainly had a wider outlook on the culture I was heading to after seeing life through the eyes of his character.

While I may not like every character in books I have read, good writer's can really help me understand those character's choices -- whether I agree or not. I suppose I agree that reading high level fiction, as Delistraty calls it, can remind us that everyone's priorities are not always our own. But I am not sure that this quality cannot be learned by means other than through reading alone. What do you think?

Welcome!

Our class blog page will serve as a medium to access each individual's blog page. Consider blogging an opportunity to share ideas, think critically and creatively, and practice writing in English! Topics for blogging will be at your discretion, although I am happy to provide you with ideas and resources any time you are struggling to find something to write about. I will regularly post links to interesting pieces that you are more than welcome to respond to. On the other hand, I want you to consider blogging as your space, so don't feel obligated to write on subjects I propose. Enjoy!