Ideology in My Controversy

In the blog post below, I will be answering questions on the controversy of genetically modified organisms in our food. After researching various types of sources, the questions can be answered in regards to my controversy as a whole.

LloydtheVoid. "Stop GMO." 1 January 2014 via Pixaboy. Free for commercial use.

1. Who is involved in the controversy? 

Everyone is affected in this controversy. Mainly, the opposition lies between major seed producing companies, like Monsanto, and concerned consumers who don't want to purchase unnatural food. This debate is not only limited to America either; other countries in Europe and even South America are struggling with the integration of bio-engineered food on the market. 

2. Who are some major speakers within these groups?

On the consumer side, many of the speakers voice their opinions in blogs and other comment threads.Even some medical specialists have blogs where they discuss the pros and cons of GMOs. Other major speakers include various news sources, like the New York Times or even CNN. They present  unbiased breakthroughs in the argument. Finally, Monsanto employees are a major proponent of this debate. They provide information on developments and even the benefits that have come from modifying seeds.

3. What kind of power does each group hold?

Consumers hold political, social and even economical power in this debate. Without willingness to buy these foods, major companies will suffer. The collective society of America has the biggest say in what goes on the market and what they don't want on the market because they are purchasing these goods. Also, social activists can arise from this debate in opposition to bio-engineered foods. On the other hand, Monsanto has power socially and economically as well. Without their mass production of goods, we wouldn't have access to as many products as we do. Because Monsanto is a major seed producing company, farmers rely on their product to cultivate their own. Therefore, consumers are willing to sacrifice personal health for sustenance and convenience. 

4. What resources are available to different positions?

There are academic journals available for those opposed to GMOs that discuss studies conducted by specialists who research the health benefits, as well as, risks of consuming GMOs. There are articles on the practices and history of companies like Monsanto, or those who want to know the motives of the company. In addition, there are articles that explain the research each company is involved in and how they feel their product will benefit society. 

5. What does each group value?

Concerned consumers value natural products. They care about their personal health and want to consume produce that will not be detrimental to them. In addition, people who oppose bio-engineering are concerned about the well being of others, plants and even animals. They don't want their food to be affected unnaturally with hormones and additives. Big seed producing companies care about profit and yield. By producing "weed-resistant seeds", companies like Monsanto will have more farmers' support because the farmer can save time and weed killer. Seed companies view agriculture as a business and are less concerned about the welfare of the consumers. 

6. What counts as evidence for the different positions?

Because companies like Monsanto continue to bio-engineer their products, we can identify their lack of concern for the opinions of consumers. Even in Europe, citizens are reluctant to purchase foods containing GMOs. Despite these oppositions, seed companies still alter their products. Because of farmers' support and profit of these companies, we can infer that they are still successful on the market. On the other hand, concerned consumers are trying avoid purchasing these products. With the development of organizations, such as the Non-GMO Project, we can identify consumers aversion to genetically modified foods. These activist groups are concrete evidence for the opposition to "unnatural" products on the market.

7. Is there any power differential between the groups?

Because Monsanto is such a major aspect of the agricultural industry, their products are necessary to farmers, consumers and the market. Without them, we would have a shortage of available produce. However, many consumers won't support these products anyway; therefore, these companies lose a portion of their profit and support. Without the products of seeding companies, we wouldn't have the market we do; but without the support of consumers, the companies wouldn't have the success they do. Therefore, we can consider the power differential a standstill because neither side would be without the other.

8. Is there any acknowledged common ground between the groups?

There isn't an acknowledged ground between these companies and consumers; it's more of an unsaid agreement and acceptance. 

9. Is there any unacknowledged common ground? 

The grounds between these groups is all unacknowledged. Like I said in question eight, there is an unsaid agreement between GMO producing companies and consumers. Consumers know that getting away from GMOs is nearly impossible, so many of them just accept the products produced anyway. Also, many consumers will continue to support foods with GMOs for convenience and economic reasons being they are so ubiquitous and usually cheaper than organic products. Seed companies know this as well; therefore they continue to produce and modify products anyway. 

10. Do the various groups listen to each other?

Apparently not. Companies disregard the opinions and concerns of consumers because they haven't stopped engineering products. Also, consumers opposed to GMOs won't consider the benefits of these products to farmers. There are continuous debates around the world and nothing seems to be resolved.