The GMO Technology
The emerging Genetically Modified Organisms technology is actually a controversial subject that raises cultural and social questions along with the ethical and moral issues. A number of countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America have restricted GMO technology whereas countries within the same region such as Spain, China, and India have accepted this technology. Genetically modified foods are also widespread in Canada and United States. In various parts of the earth, the role that GMO technology plays in the agriculture largely depends on how this technology is perceived culturally. The science- bolts and nuts of GM –is apparently crucial for understanding its risks and possibilities. Nonetheless, it is also grounded within the social and political contexts.
Considering the merits and demerits of GMO technology, it is clear that this technology is really a bridge to a common ground and not a bridge to segregation despite it been restricted by a number of countries. With millions of people and especially in third world countries dying every day because of hunger, GMO is the best solution to this burning issue. For that reason, Genetic engineering is essentially a crucial step towards feeding growing population throughout the world.
I also see this technology as a bridge to common ground due to its role in preventing diseases. In simple terms, through this technology, we can prevent diseases through detecting plants, animals, or people that are really genetically prone to particular hereditary diseases, and most importantly preparing for inevitable. In addition, the infectious diseases can essentially be treated through implanting genes, which code for the antiviral proteins precise to every antigen.
Moreover, global warming threat is becoming a bridge to segregation as people and even nations are blaming one another because of the activities that they engage themselves in and that result to this problem. However, with GMO technology, genes can in fact be manipulated in the trees for instance, to absorb extra carbon dioxide and this will reduce global warming threat hence this proves that this technology is truly a bridge to common ground.
GMO technology is actually a new technology hence quite a number of individuals are not familiar with it. The media has a substantial impact on the formation of public opinion in the cases where the knowledge of such public is low. Media coverage that is extensive can contribute to the heightened risk perceptions. There have been several surveys and studies, which have been conducted to determine whether there exists a correlation between how GMOs are perceived and what media projects. It has been established that media portrays GMO technology negatively as these studies have revealed that many individuals disapproves GM foods especially in Europe.
Moral and ethical implications
GMO technology has provoked mixed reactions on moral and ethical concepts. In my opinion, this technology is not wrong at all. Despite the complaints about it being unethical, I do not find anything wrong with this technology. GMO technology long term effects are yet to be recognized hence I do not see anything wrong with this technology at all.
Religion views on GMO technology have in fact been mixed, albeit there are no any GM foods that have been considered unacceptable by the religious authorities. For instance, in Judaism religion GMO technology is accepted as they believe that it prolongs and saves human life in addition to increasing the quantity and quality of food supply in the world. In Islamic religion, varying perspectives about GMO technology exist. Some argue that there are not any laws within the Islam that bar this technology, whereas others disapprove it.
The Christianity religion to a great extent favors this technology as modifying genes of animals and plants is theoretically acceptable according to Vatican. However, there is a small section of Christians who are against this technology due to human cloning and modification. From the above discussion, it is true that religion has played important roles in promoting GMO technology.
