Chp 1 summary

Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point is geared towards explaining the phenomenon of "epidemics" or how mass trends come to be and function in our lives. This subject directly affects everybody, but is sort of set aside in our minds, as it happens so much that it almost feels as a given. He does a very good job in the beginning of the book setting up this notion of epidemics with real life examples, From syphillus outbreaks in Maryland, to the popularization of hush puppies all over america. After the intro, he begins talking about three key factors in epidemics. First is the law of the few. This explores the fact that in order for a trend or virus to be become wide spread it does necessarily matter how many people it affects in the beginning, but that it comes in contact with a vital player in its progress. There are people in this world that have rare and powerful traits that can put something in motion more. The second trait is the stickiness factor. A commercial can be played at prime time on the highest rated network but will not necessarily be successful. He used the example of coke being the official olympic sponsor. After the olympics people were asked if they knew who the official sponsor was, and a surprisingly few viewers knew, and even more surprisingly a handful though pepsi was. This implys that in order for something to be effective, it must have a certain appeal that will cause it to perserve. The third is the power of context. Obviously, the message or virus that is being spread must be sound enough to carry its own weight through the process of being passed along. He used the example of PCP growing into a real problem as appossed to something our bodies used to be able to handle. This first chapter sets up the framework for his very valid and sound argument.