The Man Gene and Swine Flu
Regular readers of this blog have learned much about The Man Gene (click here, here and here) and how it can adversely affect the workplace. One reader recently joked that she thought there was a connection between The Man Gene and swine flu, since all men are pigs. As a report in the New York Times suggests, her joke contains more truth than humor.
The current flu outbreak shows how complex and mysterious the evolution of viruses is. A virus like swine flu encodes genes and represents life reduced to its essentials. A gene-encoded virus reproduces by disintegrating and reforming. It manipulates human cells, mixes genes and quickly mutates. Recent scientific developments show that viruses infected the earliest primordial microbes, one of which was surely The Man Gene.
What’s more troubling is that viruses mix their genes into a genetic blur and run at top speed at human body temperature. There then occurs the combination of the gene trifecta: swine genes, bird genes and human genes. As one scientist concludes: “[Gene-encoded viruses] have managed to exploit our modern culture and spread around the world.”
So, employers should heed all the advice they’ve been receiving about preventing an outbreak of swine flu in their workplaces. There’s the usual reason: keeping your employees healthy and safe. Apparently, there’s another one this time: containing The Man Gene as it mutates, disintegrates, reforms, mixes and exploits at a blinding, furious speed. Code red. High alert. God help us.
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About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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Not everyone appreciates my attempt at humor on this subject. I’ll take your comment as a sign of some appreciation. Thanks.