1. How does Paul Revere relate to Darnell McGee?
Paul Revere and Darnell McGee were both catalysts in social epidemics. Both of them served as examples on how the "tipping point" is being described by the author (Malcolm Gladwell) in the book. They both showed how different kinds of behaviors can spread just like a virus and how it affects the society.
2. In what ways are their roles in epidemics the same?
Paul Revere spread information through the "word of mouth." He lived in the North End of Boston. A boy suddenly told him that the British people were to make a big move (they will be marching to the town of Lexington). In order to let people know about the move, Revere and his close friend, Joseph Warren, warned the people by spreading the news. This strengthened Lexington's resistance against the British people on the nineteenth.
On the other hand, Darnell McGee was a six-feet tall and charming man. He attracted many girls, not only with his charm but with his talent in skating. He was then able to fool girls (as young as 13 and 14) into having sex with him. It is said that he had a total of 100 women whom he slept with and 30 of these he infected with HIV. This kind of social epidemics makes disease tip (as stated in the book). People like McGee act as catalysts by using their charms and social skills in order to attain self-satisfaction. In the end is results to the spread of a disease (like HIV) rapidly.
3. How do they differ?
Paul Revere and Darnell McGee, obviously, differ from each other in how they spread social epidemics. Paul Revere's goal was to protect Lexington from the British people while Darnell McGee's goal was to have many girls to sleep with. Paul's goal was good in nature (the good of humans) while McGee's goal was selfish in nature (it even led to the spread of HIV).
Paul Revere spread information while Darnell McGee spread disease.
