. . . Frankenstein. . . [articulates] the public’s visceral fears of scientific and technological innovation. Indeed, the pejorative prefix Franken- has taken on a life of its own, attaching itself to many instances where innovation has outpaced our comfort zone, most prominently in the area genetically modified organisms (GMO)—also known as “Frankenfoods.”
More often than not, however, this anti-GMO characterization does not echo scientific reality. GMO foodstuffs have been around for decades and are grown in both developed and developing countries around the world by millions of farmers. . . .
. . . [P]erhaps we ought to be looking at another. . .literary parallel from the film adaptations: the enraged mob of terrified townspeople acting impulsively against the unnatural creation. . . .
This mob mentality hinders a thorough examination of the valid ethical, legal, and social concerns associated with GMOs. . . .
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Related on the SLP
Rather than relying on the current antagonistic framing of the opposition as either an ethically clueless science or an irrational mob, perhaps trusted and independent third parties can provide transparent. . . even-handed assessments for each GMO. . . .
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[W]e think that at a minimum society ought not simply brush off this promising technology. . .The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Opinion: GMOs Are Not “Frankenfoods”
