Ebola Crisis

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/world/africa/because-of-ebola-ambulance-work-in-liberia-is-a-busy-and-lonely-business.html?ref=world 

After watching this video on the New York Times, it really hit me that Ebola is horrifying and that we can be the next victims of this outbreak.  Some people might think that this is just a disease that will eventually have a cure and others might be clueless on what this truly is. Not everyone knows that this is reality and the truth.

What I have noticed while watching this video is the lack of protection gear helpers have. Yes, they are wearing protective wear and making sure to cleanse themselves and around but is it enough? I feel like the gear protection that they wear is too little for them to not get sick. They should wear much thicker and sturdier gear so that it is less likely for them to get contained. This does not only imply to practices in Liberia but also around the world. Wearing plastic all over your body doesn`t necessarily protect you. It may be a bit pricey to buy suitable gear but it can be worth it in the end.

I also realized that Liberia can not handle this themselves. For this virus to not spread all over the world,  countries should help out. The United States has been sending out military troops to help out but I believe that it would be more effective if they sent doctors with the right technologic devices and aid for help. It may be a risk, but you never know until you try right? If countries don`t want their own residents and citizens to get sick from Ebola, they should be helping around areas most affected, where this all began.

The fact that Liberia cannot handle this alone connects to the idea that education is important. Malala Yousafzai claims that education is first and the only key to justice and I believe that she is right. Although she was directing this claim to the idea of human rights, I think that this also implies to the spread of Ebola. If less developed countries, such as Liberia and other countries infected with Ebola, had better education opportunities, it wouldn`t have spread this dramatically. If they had more educated citizens, they possibly would have found treatments and cures by themselves. They also would have more doctors and health officials who are professionally trained and prepared. Though, it has already spread, it is never too late for leaders to take action for education opportunities in these less fortunate countries.

Community Post #1 Response: "Exposing Hidden Biases at Google to Improve Diversity"

In the article,"Exposing Hidden Biases at Google to Improve Diversity," recent studies and statistics reveal where Google stands in the topic of gender and diversity. These studies prove the gender imbalance and lack of diversity not only in Google but the majority of the big-branded companies dominating the business world. 

According to the article, seven out of ten who work at Google are male. With men taking up large percentages of these jobs, women are left with limited spots in the industry. These types of statistics probably cause women, who have the same capabilities as men, to have second thoughts about applying. Other women might feel offended and less worthy. As a female myself, I find it unfair that men are getting most of the jobs. It makes me feel like I have less chances of getting a stable job. Perhaps some men  are more advanced and skillful than I am but companies should give everyone a chance and not only base employees by their intelligence but also other factors, like "googliness".

Google is also having a problem with their underrepresentation of different races. With majority of the working force being immigrants from different places around the world, the fact that they aren`t diverse sets out a bad image of the company and signal to workers seeking employment. The question is why do they have an underrepresentation of different races? Does it just happen to be so that other races apply for these kind of jobs or an on purpose act? Whatever the reason is, in the end, companies should know that jobs aren`t favored by race but by how cooperative and well individuals do their work.

 Just like any work place, there will be obstacles to overcome and for Google it`s gender equality in their work force and diversity. In the New York Times Article, it states that Google is making attempts to fix these problems.  Stating that they are doing something to prevent these problems to occur does not cut it. Yes, they are taking workshops and other programs to increase gender and race diversity but is it really taking an effect? Statistics, opinions of workers, and other evidence could be helpful and greatly appreciated by the public but unfortunately there seems to be no outcome besides statements. 

People don`t realize it but sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination have been occuring since the beginning. It just so happens that it increases popularity and notice throughout time. Hopefully, at one point, these problems will come to an end or the future will continue to go through complications we started.

http://www.texasenterprise.utexas.edu/2014/02/11/leadership/gender-diversity-mindset