When I first read about this, I thought it must be an internet hoax/prank. But now they have video. Apparently, Bill Gates released a swarm of mosquitoes onto an unsuspecting crowd at the Technology, Entertainment, Design Conference.
"Malaria is spread by mosquitoes," Gates said while opening a jar onstage at the Technology, Entertainment, Design Conference — a gathering known to attract technology kings, politicians, and Hollywood stars.I know this was supposed to be a way to make a point about first-world people caring about third-world problems, but it was wrong. Self-righteous displays like this only serve to alienate the audience. If it were me there, Bill Gates would have accomplished only one thing - ensuring I never gave his foundation another nickel as long as I live.
"I brought some. Here I'll let them roam around. There is no reason only poor people should be infected."
...Gates then waited a minute or so before assuring the audience the freed insects were malaria-free.
But maybe that's just me. What is your reaction?
3 comments:
I'd just hang near Nomad. With him around, mosquitoes wouldn't bother to come toward me. ;-)
I think it's a good way of making a point. I'm sure that most people didn't react to it the way Nomad would. Making the crisis less about theory and more about reality is important; especially on issues like malaria which should have been dealt with a long time ago, but hasn't because people are only talking about it and not doing much of anything. Plus it's largely harmless.
I would have felt manipulated and angry.
Post a Comment