Reading Reflection
I was awestruck by the revelation that some companies and individuals have the audacity to put profits before the safety of consumers and that they are willing to engage in unethical practices provided they advance their selfish agendas. In every ecosystem, the weakest members tend to suffer the most; in the readings, it is disheartening to learn that some multinational organizations have implemented policies and trade pacts that put the poorest members of society in harm’s way. Understandably, a rapidly expanding global population demands that new and innovative practices of food production be implemented to ensure food security for all. However, it is equally important to safeguard the people and ensure that all developments and inventions are safe. As the world grapples with numerous challenges that include food shortages occasioned by the falling quality of soil and the depletion of arable lands, the quest to increase food production through scientific means should be ethical, safe, and considerate of the most vulnerable members of society.
Despite knowledge about the inherent dangers and risks in genetically modified foods, it is perplexing to see some individuals and organizations put up a spirited campaign in defense of such technology. The fervor with which they defend GM technology raises eyebrows; it is apparent such individuals and organizations have stakes they would like to protect at all costs. In essence, it is paramount for people with knowledge to use their esteemed positions to educate fellow beings who might not have the advantage of accessing the said information. The issue of GM technology is a complex one that requires scientific interrogation. As a result, it is scary to see scientists and reputable institutions provide fundamentally different views and perspectives on GM technology. On the one hand, some say that the safety of GM foods is above doubt and that consumers should use them without reservations. On the other hand, others intimate the products are harmful both to human beings and other animals. There is a need for a unified approach when interpreting GM foods and technology to ensure consumers make decisions from positions of knowledge.
One saddening discovery is the rising rate of suicides among poor farmers in India and other parts of the world, who have no option but to purchase expensive seeds from multinational companies. From the readings, one gets the idea that such companies engage in predatory behavior in total disregard of the welfare of the poorest people. Importantly, it demonstrates and affirms their preoccupation with profiteering at the expense of human life. It is important for governments and international institutions to evaluate the authenticity of some of the GM companies and ensure they conduct their business affairs in a morally sound manner. In reality, the readings confirm the adverse effects of poverty and resultant inequalities. Poor people must not be exposed to the adversarial effects of globalization and competition.
The readings have been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and enabling me to appreciate the challenges some people undergo in their quest for food. I understand that the world needs to be food-secure, and that new approaches to food production are required. However, I believe there is a need for a paradigm shift that would ensure the food people consume is safe. It is equally important to cushion the world’s poorest communities from harm by ensuring they do not live under the captivity of multinational GM companies. The continued food production techniques are untenable because they do not meet the threshold for sustainability. However, it is imperative to guarantee the safety of consumers and to ensure that the pursuit for profitability does not blind some individuals and organizations to the risks they expose to unsuspecting consumers.