Genetically Modified Food Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Food Essay Genetically engineered food is an epidemic all around the world. There are factors that make these types of foods undesirable for many reasons. Public opinions on how genetically engineered foods will effect the consumer market and farmers cannot afford the new seeds that are genetically altered. There are many cons of genetically engineered food that have long term and short term risks. Some risks have been found by scientists while other risks are still unknown and will remain so unless a researcher tests for them. These foods have become very common in America as well as other countries. Almost every grocery store in the United States carries a wide array of food that has been genetically modified. Most of the genetically engineered foods in markets are not labeled to tell consumers they were altered in any way. Environmental risks are also a concern for genetically engineered food. Different animals, including farm animals or insects can be harmed from genetically engineered food. Genetically engineered food has negative effects on the human population. Genetically engineered food was first introduced into society in the early 1990’s. Many people today do not know what kind of extensive research and development goes into making these types of foods. Sharon Palmer, a reporter, writes that genetic engineering is either â€Å"Doomsday tech† or â€Å"biotechnology for the future† (Palmer 1). The process of altering an organism completely changes the original organism and transforms it into something new. This new way of altering an organism’s genetic makeup bypasses common breeding methods used by scientists (Genetically Modified Foods 1). The process of creating genetically altered food usually involves â€Å"identifying the genes governing a desirable characteristic in one organism, nd inserting them into another in the expectation that the trait will be transferred† (Genetically Modified Foods 1). Sometimes the process of creating these organisms does not work so scientists have to do the process over again until they get a transformed organism. In 1973 scientists were able to achieve using another organism as a vector which essentially was the beginning of the development of genetically engineered foods. Although genetically engineered foods were not fully introduced until the early 1990s, they were in the process of becoming what society knows today. Newer techniques have been introduced that make it easier for gene insertion. This new method is the use of DNA bullets where â€Å"microscopic metal beads can be coated with DNA fragments, and then â€Å"fired† from a miniature gun into the host cell, where DNA may integrate into the genome† (Genetically Modified Foods 1). A few of the genetically engineered foods are soybeans, corn, canola, cotton, squash and papaya (Palmer 1). There are many other foods that people see on the shelves in grocery stores that may be genetically altered but these are some main ones. Statistics show that â€Å"an estimated 70 to 75 percent of all processed foods in U. S. rocery stores probably contain ingredients from GE plants† (Palmer 6). Many foods have been genetically altered to make them â€Å"better† or resistant to herbicides. Despite the fact that scientists consider these foods to be revolutionary there are hidden consequences to the development of such organisms. The public opinion on genetically engineered food is that it is not a good improvement. Many citizens believe that the introduction of altered foods is going to have negative side effects on everything. People feel that genetically engineered foods should not be put on the market until they have had adequate testing (Current Issues 3). Many of the alterations done to food have not had extensive research conducted to find harmful effects that they might have on humans and animals. Any research that had been done usually had negative effects but scientists found a way to â€Å"throw out† the research so that it would not go against genetically engineered food. Andrew Simms states that the â€Å"evidence of harm is not evidence of the absence of harm† (Simms 1). In Simm’s article he describes how consumers do not need genetically modified food. Scientists brought genetically engineered foods into the market and advertised them as a way to help the world. Different techniques can be used to approach the issue of world hunger. Introducing these foods to third world countries can only harm them not help them. There is a high cost of development for making genetically engineered foods. Also there is a monopoly involved with these foods. There are only a few corporations in the United States that are developing genetically altered seeds. This in turn drives up the price of the seed making it more expensive and poor farmers cannot afford to buy them (Current Issues 3). Farmers have lost billions of dollars because foreign buyers do not want to buy genetically engineered foods (Kupfer 1). Many states have passed legislation against having genetically modified foods. States do not think that genetically engineered foods can help anything except make things worse (Kupfer 2). Foods are altered to have different traits that would normally take a few generations to make but with genetically engineering their DNA scientists are able to do a lot more. Scientist use genetic engineering to make crops or animals drought tolerant and be able to tolerate pests. Consumers do not want crops that are mutations. They want natural crops and animals. Other public opinions on worldwide hunger are that GM crops will not change it. â€Å"People go hungry because they’re either poor, powerless, both, or have no land to grow food on† (Simms 2). Public opinion on genetically engineered food is that they do not want it. Many factors have led people to choose not to accept genetically engineered foods into their lives. Genetically engineered food effects everything in a negative way. There are cons to the development and introduction of genetically engineered foods into civilization. There are many risks involved with these types of foods that are unknown to the public. Scientists try to cover up the experiments they had on genetically altered foods because they had negative outcomes. In one study scientists fed corn to rats and then checked the rats’ livers and kidneys, particularly males, and the study revealed adverse effects. In another study conducted on GM foods many of the mice that ate the food developed health problems or even died during the experiment (Current Issues 4). The introduction of genetically engineered foods has been linked to the rising levels of food allergies in the United States. Genetically modified foods can effect organic foods if they are processed in the same place. Allergic reactions are greater since genetically engineered foods have been introduced (Smith 1). There are many environmental concerns as well. Although long term impact is unknown many researchers can conclude some of the negative side effects. A few difficulties have already developed. Plants can cross-pollinate with other plants around them which may seem like a great thing but it is not. Some plants are engineered to be pest resistant which seems good but in all actuality those plants can cross-pollinate with the weeds around them which in turn makes the weeds stronger and become more resistant to herbicides. The cross-pollination of plants creates a problem for farmers who then have to spend additional money to buy more herbicide to kill new weeds (Current Issues 3). Another common modification is adding a gene called Bacillus thuringiensis which is a bacterium that helps that plant develop poison that kills pests such as bollworms and stem borers. This seemed like a good modification by scientists but in fact the plant emits these toxins into the environment and it is deadly to all insects, not just the pests. Reports have been shown that these toxins from the crops also killed a large amount of butterflies (Current Issues 1). U. S. Government does not require reviews on genetically engineered foods. Genetically altered foods are not FDA regulated either. Foods are being modified without having adequate testing and then put on grocery shelves. People are eating food that they do not know whether or not it is safe. There are many other potential concerns with genetic engineering like an organisms genetic makeup, anti-nutrients, viral DNA, antibiotic resistant genes, absorbing genes, and allergic responses. Many genetically altered foods have been used as feed for animals as well. These animals have shown effects on body growth, changes in blood, kidney, pancreas, liver, erosion and necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract, and alterations in reproduction, development and mortality (Palmer 6). There are many unknown risks of genetically engineered foods. Unknown long term health risks have not been identified and cannot be identified until researchers conduct more research. Genetically modified foods are not something people should rely on in the future as their base food. There are risks today and also many other unknown risks. Genetically engineered food is a hazard to the human population. This creation was introduced to try and stop world hunger, make food cheaper to buy and many other reasons. These issues have not changed because of the introduction of genetically engineered food. The effects these types of foods have on humans and even animals can be harmful. Research shows that there are long term risks involved with genetically engineered foods. Potential cancers, diseases, environmental changes, and possibly a rising cost in food are all negative factors of genetically engineered food. Genetically engineered foods should be eliminated from people and animal’s diets.

David Hume’s Two Definitions of Cause Essay -- Philosophy Essays

David Hume’s Two Definitions of Cause David Hume’s two definitions of cause found in both A Treatise of Human Nature, and An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding have been the center of much controversy in regards to his actual view of causation. Much of the debate centers on the lack of consistency between the two definitions and also with the definitions as a part of the greater text. As for the latter objection, much of the inconsistency can be remedied by sticking to the account presented in the Enquiry, as Hume makes explicit in the Author’s Advertisement that the Treatise was a â€Å"work which the Author [Hume] had projected before he left College, and which he wrote and published not long after. But not finding it successful, he was sensible of his error in going to the press to early, and he cast the whole anew in the following pieces, where some negligence in his former reasoning and more in the expression, are, he hopes, corrected.† (Hume 1772, xxxi) Generally the inconsistencies are cit ed from the Treatise, which fails to recognize the purpose of the Enquiry. This brings us to the possible tension between the two definitions. J.A. Robinson, for example, believes the two definitions cannot refer to the same thing. Don Garrett feels that the two definitions are possible, but only with further interpretation. I will argue that the tension arises from a possible forgetfulness on the part of the reader about Hume’s aims as a philosopher, and that Hume’s Enquiry stands on its own without any need for a critic’s extrapolations. To understand Hume’s interpretation of causation and the arguments against it, we must first follow the steps Hume took to come to his conclusion. This requires brief consideration of Hume’s copy princi... ...place. If both definitions of ‘cause’ are necessary for a full understanding of the word, and an absolute reading becomes problematic and unnecessary, then neither Robinson’s nor Garrett’s interpretations are correct. If my account of Hume’s mitigated skepticism is correct, then I see no need to go any further than the Enquiry to understand Hume’s theory of causation. As a philosopher, Hume recognized the constraints of our reasoning, and as a man, he was able to give an explanation for our actions. Works Cited Hume, David, 1772 (reprinted in 2004) An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (New York, Barnes and Noble) Garrett, Don, 1997. Cognition and Commitment in Hume’s Philosophy (New York, Oxford) Robinson, J.A., 1962. â€Å"Hume’s Two Definitions of â€Å"Cause.† The Philosophical Quarterly, Vol. 12, No. 47, 162-171. 1 Modern Philosophy lecture. 3/30/05. Dr. Ott

Lars and the Real Girls Essay

In the film Lars and the real girl by Craig Gillespie, an important character developed is Lars. Lars lives in a tight knit community based in a small American town. Lars has a fear of human contact which results in him suffering form a delusional disorder where he falls I love with, Bianca, a life sized ‘real’ doll. Through his relationship with Bianca he is provided with unconditional love and lack of criticism he desires. This inurn helps him gain confidence he requires to engage in his community and begin to relate to those around him. Gillespie shows the development Lars undergoes through the techniques setting, costume and dialogue. In the opening-establishing scene we are introduced to images of barren landscapes, harsh white lighting and a thick layer of snow that covers anything vibrant. The ‘cold’, ‘still’ environment provokes a disconsolate mood, which parallels to our first introduction of Lars. We are introduced to Lars through a frosted girded window. The window is symbolic to Lars’s initial mental state, as he appears emotionally frozen. The squares grids on the window enforce a restriction between him and the audience. The dark lighting behind him contrast with the white painted grids on the window, making him look imprisoned this reinforces the literal barriers he puts up from the rest of the community. His facial expression is monotonous which harmonizes with the setting. The barriers put between the audience and Lars is a way Gillespie. Costume is another technique Gillespie uses to establish Lars personality.in the opening scene Lars is introduced wearing excessive layers of winter jumpers, long trousers, and chunky scarfs. This reinforces the visual barriers Lars puts up due to his fear of literal and emotional human contact. The clothing is all natural tones, the absence of color adds to the ominous feeling Gillespie uses minimal dialogue to portray Lars’s character as socially recluse. Limited dialogue helps the viewer to understand Lars is introverted because he is afraid to socially interact with other people. The lack of dialogue also helps us appreciate the dialogue he does say, â€Å"I thought the snow was over. Knowing that it has been carefully selected by the director to contribute or develop and important idea. Often Lars character substitutes words by awkwardly squinting his eyes shut. This happens when Lars is uncomfortable in the social situation. The audience is manipulated to feel sympathetic towards him. Its important that this sympathetic connection is made early on, so the audience is engaged in his development. Upon the arrival of Bianca, we see a false thaw in the weather. As Lars introduce Bianca to Karin (Lars’s sister in law) and Gus(Lars’s brother) the false thaw signifies Lars begging to open himself up to Karin and Gus through the arrival of Bianca. The deceptive thaw, a few patches grass and a glimmer of sunlight, symbolizes Lars emotional retrieval. Through the unconditional love and lack of criticism he desires Bianca provides him, Lars begins to interact with the community having Bianca close by as a protective armor. However it is only false thaw, as Bianca is only plastic and will never be able to provide him with true fulfillment. However the way the community plays along with Bianca gives lars the chance to find his own identity in his own time and in his own way. As an audience we see the immense healing power a community can have if the come together to support an individual. Costume further shows Lars development, as Lars shows love interest for Margo (Lars colleague). This shows a huge transition in his character as it shows he has gained the confidence to obtain a mature healthy relationship with a real person. Costume enhances this conversion, as he isn’t wearing as many layers, showing he is more comfortable around her. By eliminating the armor like clothing, we see he is emotionally ready to let people close to him. Lars is also starting to wear colors, pink in particular, which is the color we associate Margo with because she always dresses in it. This shows the positive influence Margo has on Lars. Wearing warm colors like pink purposely triggers positive connotations to the viewer, which makes his development more obvious and contrasts with the ominous mood at the beginning. Through therapy session Lars confesses finally ready to let Bianca go because he has developed into a mature man who has a place in society and no longer needs Bianca to provide him with a armor like strong front when socially interacting. He realizes his love for Bianca will never be able to provide him with true fulfillment. He announces the death of Bianca to Karin and Gus and the community hold a funeral in respect of Bianca but also to morn the attachment the made with her through Lars. The compassion on love of the community at Bianca’s funeral shows Lars he is not alone, and has the support of those around him. Dialogue Shows us his full development when he says to Margo after the funeral, â€Å"do you want to go for a walk?† this is the first time Lars is initiating human interaction. In the film Lars and the real girl by Craig Gillespie, costume, setting and dialogue help to develop the protagonist Lars. We originally see Lars is introverted, withdrawn and a social recluse, but through the unconditional love and lack of criticism provided by Bianca, a life sized ‘real’ doll, we see him grow into a mature man who has found his place in society. The support the community shows, offers Lars the encouragement needed to develop healthier relationships with real people. Gillespie challenges the audience to accept those around us who may not fit in. He makes it our job to not give up on people, even when they have given up on themselves. As an audience we come to appreciate the healing power that one community can have.

Function Of Shakespeare s Hamlet - 1735 Words

Travis Hedgepeth Kimberly Joyner Hon. English IV 11 December, 2015 Function of the soliloquies in Hamlet The soliloquy is a tool that helps reflect the inner thought of characters throughout the story, they bring out the thought process which could not be said in a normal conversation . This speech to the audience can be in the presence of other characters in the story plot but since it is one’s inner thought , they can not hear it. Shakespeare uses this method to advance his plot in almost every play he ever written. The soliloquies function to advance the plot ,reflect inner thought and create the atmosphere of the play. The soliloquy was a technique used by playwrights to give insight to what†¦show more content†¦The depression that hamlet had been holding in his heart had been replaced with his unconstrained lust for revenge. In his sporadic chain of events he seems dazed and confused saying thing more than once, trying to process what just went on. â€Å"This is duplicative, contains much tautology, and is fr agmented and confused. To reveal his state of shock he uses rhetorical questions, short phrases, dashes, and exclamations, and jumps from subject to subject.† (Hamlet’s seven soliloquies) Hamlet in his second soliloquy hamlet not only tells us how he feels about the news,he also tells us what he is going to do about it . This sets up the purpose of the rest of the play. The atmosphere he provides is Revenge. He damns his uncle for his actions. †Ã¢â‚¬ When he says, †now to my word†¦I have sworn it† , he is letting the audience know that he will avenge his father’s death therefore creating anticipation as the audience wonders how he will achieve his retribution.†Ã¢â‚¬ (St. Rosemary Educational institution) Through the first two soliloquies provides Hamlet’s reaction to the remarriage of his mother and the discovery of his father’s murderer. The previous two soliloquies were more of an introduction into the story and to get the wheels turning for plot and atmosphere. Coming into the third installment, Hamlet is depressed at his lack of action against his treacherous uncle. â€Å"here he