Food and gmos: RELEVANT PASSAGES FROM THE NOVEL
Atwood expresses her opinions on the careless use of genetic modification as "The raknuks had begun [...] of the OrganInc biolab hotshots." (59). She later mentions the benefits of these genetically modified animals, "they had no foreign microbes [...] for the pigoons" (60). Her usual tone regarding genetically modified foods is one of disapproval which can be seen throughout these two quotations but she sometimes switches her tone , to light and playful, factual and authoritative. These different tones used for this issue gives the readers an understanding of her different viewpoints on the topic. (Isabella)
Margaret Atwood shows her perception of current Genetic Modification and how corporations mutate food for their own monetary benefit in two passages: “After awhile he finds he’s hungry [...] Or minerals, at least.” (181), and “This is the latest [...] They can undercut the price of everyone else.” (246-247). Especially in her second passage she emphasizes how scientists have morphed food into an unrecognizable state in order to fit corporate needs. These concerns have little to do with health health of the individual and are rather absorbed in their profit. These mutations are unnatural, but the scientists argue why must they be natural and disregard the well being of the specimen. This raises the question: are GMO foods unhealthy or more healthy, and how are the specimens themselves affected by these mutations? (Kaitlin)
Atwood’s overall argument about genetic engineering and genetically modified foods appears to be one of disapproval and disgust. In chapter two of Oryx and Crake, the reader learns about Jimmy’s father’s job at OrganInc Farms, a bioengineering facility. “The goal of [OrganInc Farms] pigoon .... lot of and care to grow a pigoon” (27-28). In this chapter Atwood paints the picture of a corporation that similar to other genetic modifying facilities strives to maximize potential profits from animals by genetically modifying them, to produce more organs, and meat, more efficiently. The second passage provides insight into one of the main arguments for genetically modified foods which is efficiency. “The wars were over the new Happicuppa bean... and harvested with machines” (217-18). In an effort to address the complexities of growing coffee beans, which “ripe[n] at different times and nee[d] to be handpicked and processed and shipped in small quantities” (217-18) OrganInc developed the “Happpicuppa coffee bush” (218) which is effectively, cheaper to produce, and more profitable. In Chapter Eight, the issue of concerned consumers was also raised in response to the “Happpicuppa” beans being brought to market, and parallels were established between consumer retaliation against genetic engineering companies, and consumer upheaval in response to genetically modified food issues such as labelling. (Justice)
“Still, as time went on and the coastal aquifers [...] Neither he nor they had a lot of say in what was going on” (29). This passage is part of the second chapter. Atwood introduces the argument of how consumers really don’t know what they’re eating due to the large amount of GMOs today. In Oryx and Crake, pigoon meat is replacing real meat but the consumer doesn’t know that for certain. There is no labelling on their food. Similar to our society, there are no labelling laws in Canada for any items containing GMOs. One of the arguments against GMOs is that people should be allowed to know what’s in their food. “They’ll be able to lever it open [...] They can smell him in there, smell his flesh” (322 - 323). This passage is part of the eleventh chapter. Atwood argues that GMOs can actually become more powerful and prominent than we had originally planned. She writes that if the pigoons had fingers, they’d rule the world. What was originally designed to be beneficial to society, can backfire and become a threat to society. (Abby)
Atwood explores the world of genetically modified foods through her novel Oryx and Crake as she hints about the unethical yet profit-making corporations who exist in this fictional story, which hauntingly exist in reality. She allows us to decipher the negative effects that can occur due to careless behavior in the lab of OrganInc, where Jimmy’s father works. “There’d been a lot of fooling around in those days: create-an-animal was so much fun, said the guys doing it; it made you feel like God” (59). This pleasure from feeling like a creator, was a trait that Crake encompassed as he created ChickenNobies; “What they were looking at was… another bulb was growing” (246). Atwood further pursues the argument of the ethics behind genetically modified foods in the real world by creating a fictional altered chicken, which allows us to identify this type of alteration (less severe) occurring in our world. Undoubtedly, this makes the audience grasp the fact that GMO’s are artificial, synthetic, and man-made products, defying the laws of nature. (Vanessa)
Atwood, near the beginning of the book, shows that genetically modified organisms (whether people or animals) are very helpful in overcoming many issues that we may have today. As humans become genetically modified, there becomes no need for certain items, like a computer mouse. Modifying people, in a sense, is a step back for the development of the human race. The people that Crake develops is like a reset to the race (no clothes, no major arguments between people). “The pigoon organs could be customized[...]identical with some of their own” (28-9). This passage shows that genetically modified organisms may be helpful, but there are the secrets that the companies hold behind closed doors (similar to the gmo food industry today). You do not necessarily know where traces of these GMOs might end up. For example, in the book they are rumored to be in the food. “If things had gone as Crake wanted[...]so they weren’t surprised by this” (122). This passage illustrates some of the benefits of genetically modified people. Crake altered the diet of his people, and by doing so there has been no competition for food and a steady food supply (GMO). Allowing the reader to ask the question, if we were to depend on genetically modified food how many problems could it solve (hunger, competition for food, etc.)? (Mia)
Atwood expresses her distaste and disapproval for genetically modified organisms through examples of the pigoons and genetically modified foods. “The goal of the pigoon project was to grow [...] gone into OrganInc Farms” (27-28). Pigoons are creatures that were made just to benefit humans and their objective is to produce organs and other parts as efficiently as possible to help prolong the human life. Also relating to my second passage, growing food as efficiently and quickly as possible for maximum production even at the cost of the food not looking the same any longer. “This is the latest [...] They can undercut the price of everyone else.” (246-247). The society within Atwood’s novel has few concerns about the health risks of GMOs and how they will affect society later on.
(Kayla)
In Oryx and Crake, Atwood creates a world where food is no longer the work of nature; instead, it has become a synthetic creation made by people in white lab coats. Her overall argument about genetically engineered food is that if taken too far, it can override ethical and safety concerns. Atwood does, however, acknowledge the benefits and advantages of GMO’s. For example, Crake tells Jimmy to “look at it realistically. You can’t couple a minimum access to food with an expanding population” (145). Following this, Atwood discusses the potential conflict and dangers that come along with genetically modified foods. Happicuppa coffee, for example, is an “improvement” of traditional coffee: “the individual coffee beans on each bush [no longer ripen] at different times,” thus no longer needing “to be hand picked and processed and shipped in small quantities” (217-8). While these do pose as advantages, the Happicuppa bean also leads lead to great violence. “[The Hapippicca War] [is] global”. Riots broke out, crops [are] burned, Happicuppa cafés [are] looted or shot by snipers or beaten to death by mobs; and, on the other side, peasants [are] massacred by the army” (218). Last, Atwood uses the example of ChickenNobies to further question the ethics behind genetically modified foods. When first seeing these alarmingly unnatural creations Jimmy is alarmed. “This is horrible,” he says, describing it as “a nightmare” and “an animal-protein tuber.” (246). This passage dives into the issue of how far is too far when it comes to GMOs? Atwood suggests that creating an essentially lifeless organism for the benefit of man has crossed the line. She implies that taking GMOs to such degree is simply unethical, unnatural and wrong. (Kate)
Atwood explores the world of genetically modified foods through her novel Oryx and Crake as she hints about the unethical yet profit-making corporations who exist in this fictional story, which hauntingly exist in reality. She allows us to decipher the negative effects that can occur due to careless behavior in the lab of OrganInc, where Jimmy’s father works. “There’d been a lot of fooling around in those days: create-an-animal was so much fun, said the guys doing it; it made you feel like God” (59). This pleasure from feeling like a creator, was a trait that Crake encompassed as he created ChickenNobies; “What they were looking at was… another bulb was growing” (246). Atwood further pursues the argument of the ethics behind genetically modified foods in the real world by creating a fictional altered chicken, which allows us to identify this type of alteration (less severe) occurring in our world. Undoubtedly, this makes the audience grasp the fact that GMO’s are artificial, synthetic, and man-made products, defying the laws of nature. (Vanessa)
Atwood, near the beginning of the book, shows that genetically modified organisms (whether people or animals) are very helpful in overcoming many issues that we may have today. As humans become genetically modified, there becomes no need for certain items, like a computer mouse. Modifying people, in a sense, is a step back for the development of the human race. The people that Crake develops is like a reset to the race (no clothes, no major arguments between people). “The pigoon organs could be customized[...]identical with some of their own” (28-9). This passage shows that genetically modified organisms may be helpful, but there are the secrets that the companies hold behind closed doors (similar to the gmo food industry today). You do not necessarily know where traces of these GMOs might end up. For example, in the book they are rumored to be in the food. “If things had gone as Crake wanted[...]so they weren’t surprised by this” (122). This passage illustrates some of the benefits of genetically modified people. Crake altered the diet of his people, and by doing so there has been no competition for food and a steady food supply (GMO). Allowing the reader to ask the question, if we were to depend on genetically modified food how many problems could it solve (hunger, competition for food, etc.)? (Mia)
Atwood expresses her distaste and disapproval for genetically modified organisms through examples of the pigoons and genetically modified foods. “The goal of the pigoon project was to grow [...] gone into OrganInc Farms” (27-28). Pigoons are creatures that were made just to benefit humans and their objective is to produce organs and other parts as efficiently as possible to help prolong the human life. Also relating to my second passage, growing food as efficiently and quickly as possible for maximum production even at the cost of the food not looking the same any longer. “This is the latest [...] They can undercut the price of everyone else.” (246-247). The society within Atwood’s novel has few concerns about the health risks of GMOs and how they will affect society later on.
(Kayla)
In Oryx and Crake, Atwood creates a world where food is no longer the work of nature; instead, it has become a synthetic creation made by people in white lab coats. Her overall argument about genetically engineered food is that if taken too far, it can override ethical and safety concerns. Atwood does, however, acknowledge the benefits and advantages of GMO’s. For example, Crake tells Jimmy to “look at it realistically. You can’t couple a minimum access to food with an expanding population” (145). Following this, Atwood discusses the potential conflict and dangers that come along with genetically modified foods. Happicuppa coffee, for example, is an “improvement” of traditional coffee: “the individual coffee beans on each bush [no longer ripen] at different times,” thus no longer needing “to be hand picked and processed and shipped in small quantities” (217-8). While these do pose as advantages, the Happicuppa bean also leads lead to great violence. “[The Hapippicca War] [is] global”. Riots broke out, crops [are] burned, Happicuppa cafés [are] looted or shot by snipers or beaten to death by mobs; and, on the other side, peasants [are] massacred by the army” (218). Last, Atwood uses the example of ChickenNobies to further question the ethics behind genetically modified foods. When first seeing these alarmingly unnatural creations Jimmy is alarmed. “This is horrible,” he says, describing it as “a nightmare” and “an animal-protein tuber.” (246). This passage dives into the issue of how far is too far when it comes to GMOs? Atwood suggests that creating an essentially lifeless organism for the benefit of man has crossed the line. She implies that taking GMOs to such degree is simply unethical, unnatural and wrong. (Kate)
food and gmos: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
“Deal reached on labels for genetically modified food.” CTVnews.ca. CTV News, 8 July 2011. Web. 3 March 2013.
This article provides information on the food labelling laws in Canada. This information is presented in opposing perspectives: those that support the current labelling laws and those that don’t. This article is helpful because it provides two clear perspectives with quotations. It's also relevant because it focusses on Canada and not other countries. The article is found on CTV News which is a reliable source. (Abby)
"CBC News Indepth: Genetic Modification." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 11 May 2004. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
CBC’s article offers an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified foods; it discusses the perspective from both normal citizens and governing agencies. This article offers a good starting point to understanding the conundrum of genetically modified foods in Canada and elsewhere in the world. The article is found in CBC – a reputable and credible source. (Kate)
"Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.
This article examines the criticisms against genetically modified foods including environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns. The website seems reliable because it is owned by the wellknown companies, ProQuest and CSA. There is no obvious bias in the article because it is mainly scientific facts and explanations. It is also helpful because it has subheadings dividing the information into easy sections. The controversies of GMOs are important to take into consideration when analyzing this topic to understand the different viewpoints. It has changed how I view my topic because now I am more aware of the concerns. (Isabella)
Kolata, Gina. "Ideas & Trends; When the Geneticists' Fingers Get in the Food." The New York Times - Health. New York Times, 20 Feb. 1994. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
The article that I found is titled “Ideas & Trends; When the Geneticists' Fingers Get in the Food,” written by Gina Kolata, an American science journalist for the New York Times. Ultimately, Ms. Kolata’s high position in the newspaper industry makes her credible and trustworthy, as she is knowledgeable in the field of science. This source greatly intrigued me as it brings up the negative aspects of genetically modified foods through many different voices, from scientists to concerned parents, which will allow me to make some good, consolidated arguments. Although the author concedes that GMOs allow small farmers to be more competitive in the large food industry, she makes her readers sympathize the poor and innocent cows that are directly facing GMOs. She shines a light on the bovine growth hormone, which does not change the cows milk itself, rather it “acts on the cow's brain, telling it to signal the mammary glands to go into overdrive, making them produce abundant quantities of milk.” In the end, I am confident that this article will create great discussion about this ongoing, controversial issue as it provides new and interesting perspectives on the matter. (Vanessa)
Pollack, Andrew. "That Fresh Look, Genetically Buffed."New York Times [New York] 12 Jul
2012, n. pag. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
Apples have evolved from eating from the core to having it sliced in pieces for you. This article describes the benefits and the drawbacks of having a more aesthetically pleasing apple or to have one that hasn’t been genetically modified. The natural apple that browns and bruises is not pleasing to look at especially in a world that prefers it’s apples sliced. I think that apples are more of a conversational topic than corn or wheat (other commonly GMO) would be, because we can pick up an apple anywhere and we are more familiar with them than grains. I know that this is a trustworthy news source because it’s from the New York Times a widely read and well trusted news paper. I am also very familiar with the New York Times and I haven’t experienced biased views other than in the opinions sections. (Kayla)
Pollack, Andrew. "That Fresh Look, Genetically Buffed."New York Times 12 Jul 2012, n. pag. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
From this source the reader is able to pick up many of the implications of introducing a genetically modified apple (does not brown) to the food industry. Including concerns such as: the spread of the gene (which bees can transfer), GMO foods do not need FDA approval, and the amount of people who oppose this introduction. This article would bring insight to the process that genetically modified foods need to be approved, also the implications along the way. The source is reputable because it is from a trustworthy newspaper (The New York Times), that quotes experts and people in that field (ex. John Rice of the Rice Fruit Company) (Mia)
Roberts, Dr. Paul Craig. "Polluted America: GMO Manmade Biological Threats, Plant Diseases, Germ Warfare | Global
Research." Global Research, 26 Feb. 2012. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
This article discusses the conspiracy present in all unregulated corporations. It presents the negative effects of recent Genetic Modification and the biased interests of the organizations that run them. The author, Dr. Roberts, is a well-renowned expert in federal finance. Furthermore, the ‘Polluted America’ journal is current and frequently edited by knowledgeable professionals. Although this information provides a strong perspective and single point of view it is full of factual evidence. It must be considered as a single perspective. (Kaitlin)
Weise, Elizabeth. "Calif. to vote on labeling genetically modified foods." USA Today. 28 Oct
2012. Web. 1 Mar 2013.
This article presents the opposing views on the issue of labeling genetically modified foods, and makes reference to the October 2012 decision made in California that may have implications for the rest of the United States. The issue comes down to if labelling genetically modified foods will result in an informed group of consumers, or a paranoid and hysterical one. The source provides opinions from various stakeholders, experts and members of the general public to give the reader a comprehensive overview of the issue. This article in addition to bringing the varying views about the reasons for labeling or not labeling GMO foods and the subsequent, benefits and drawbacks of these foods in general it also speaks to potential solutions in addressing genetically modified foods within the food supply. This source is likely to be very helpful to the project, as it presents the various positions on the issue, and perhaps more importantly, the implications that soon to be made decisions will have on the future of the food supply. (Justice)
This article provides information on the food labelling laws in Canada. This information is presented in opposing perspectives: those that support the current labelling laws and those that don’t. This article is helpful because it provides two clear perspectives with quotations. It's also relevant because it focusses on Canada and not other countries. The article is found on CTV News which is a reliable source. (Abby)
"CBC News Indepth: Genetic Modification." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 11 May 2004. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
CBC’s article offers an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified foods; it discusses the perspective from both normal citizens and governing agencies. This article offers a good starting point to understanding the conundrum of genetically modified foods in Canada and elsewhere in the world. The article is found in CBC – a reputable and credible source. (Kate)
"Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.
This article examines the criticisms against genetically modified foods including environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns. The website seems reliable because it is owned by the wellknown companies, ProQuest and CSA. There is no obvious bias in the article because it is mainly scientific facts and explanations. It is also helpful because it has subheadings dividing the information into easy sections. The controversies of GMOs are important to take into consideration when analyzing this topic to understand the different viewpoints. It has changed how I view my topic because now I am more aware of the concerns. (Isabella)
Kolata, Gina. "Ideas & Trends; When the Geneticists' Fingers Get in the Food." The New York Times - Health. New York Times, 20 Feb. 1994. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
The article that I found is titled “Ideas & Trends; When the Geneticists' Fingers Get in the Food,” written by Gina Kolata, an American science journalist for the New York Times. Ultimately, Ms. Kolata’s high position in the newspaper industry makes her credible and trustworthy, as she is knowledgeable in the field of science. This source greatly intrigued me as it brings up the negative aspects of genetically modified foods through many different voices, from scientists to concerned parents, which will allow me to make some good, consolidated arguments. Although the author concedes that GMOs allow small farmers to be more competitive in the large food industry, she makes her readers sympathize the poor and innocent cows that are directly facing GMOs. She shines a light on the bovine growth hormone, which does not change the cows milk itself, rather it “acts on the cow's brain, telling it to signal the mammary glands to go into overdrive, making them produce abundant quantities of milk.” In the end, I am confident that this article will create great discussion about this ongoing, controversial issue as it provides new and interesting perspectives on the matter. (Vanessa)
Pollack, Andrew. "That Fresh Look, Genetically Buffed."New York Times [New York] 12 Jul
2012, n. pag. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
Apples have evolved from eating from the core to having it sliced in pieces for you. This article describes the benefits and the drawbacks of having a more aesthetically pleasing apple or to have one that hasn’t been genetically modified. The natural apple that browns and bruises is not pleasing to look at especially in a world that prefers it’s apples sliced. I think that apples are more of a conversational topic than corn or wheat (other commonly GMO) would be, because we can pick up an apple anywhere and we are more familiar with them than grains. I know that this is a trustworthy news source because it’s from the New York Times a widely read and well trusted news paper. I am also very familiar with the New York Times and I haven’t experienced biased views other than in the opinions sections. (Kayla)
Pollack, Andrew. "That Fresh Look, Genetically Buffed."New York Times 12 Jul 2012, n. pag. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
From this source the reader is able to pick up many of the implications of introducing a genetically modified apple (does not brown) to the food industry. Including concerns such as: the spread of the gene (which bees can transfer), GMO foods do not need FDA approval, and the amount of people who oppose this introduction. This article would bring insight to the process that genetically modified foods need to be approved, also the implications along the way. The source is reputable because it is from a trustworthy newspaper (The New York Times), that quotes experts and people in that field (ex. John Rice of the Rice Fruit Company) (Mia)
Roberts, Dr. Paul Craig. "Polluted America: GMO Manmade Biological Threats, Plant Diseases, Germ Warfare | Global
Research." Global Research, 26 Feb. 2012. Web. 5 Mar. 2013.
This article discusses the conspiracy present in all unregulated corporations. It presents the negative effects of recent Genetic Modification and the biased interests of the organizations that run them. The author, Dr. Roberts, is a well-renowned expert in federal finance. Furthermore, the ‘Polluted America’ journal is current and frequently edited by knowledgeable professionals. Although this information provides a strong perspective and single point of view it is full of factual evidence. It must be considered as a single perspective. (Kaitlin)
Weise, Elizabeth. "Calif. to vote on labeling genetically modified foods." USA Today. 28 Oct
2012. Web. 1 Mar 2013.
This article presents the opposing views on the issue of labeling genetically modified foods, and makes reference to the October 2012 decision made in California that may have implications for the rest of the United States. The issue comes down to if labelling genetically modified foods will result in an informed group of consumers, or a paranoid and hysterical one. The source provides opinions from various stakeholders, experts and members of the general public to give the reader a comprehensive overview of the issue. This article in addition to bringing the varying views about the reasons for labeling or not labeling GMO foods and the subsequent, benefits and drawbacks of these foods in general it also speaks to potential solutions in addressing genetically modified foods within the food supply. This source is likely to be very helpful to the project, as it presents the various positions on the issue, and perhaps more importantly, the implications that soon to be made decisions will have on the future of the food supply. (Justice)