Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Foods Essay Technology has been responsible for bringing about some of the most noteworthy accomplishments of recent generations. Medical cures for deadly diseases, the World Wide Web, faster and more efficient travel options, and advanced irrigation systems are just a few of the recent successes which have all resulted from better technology. Like anything, though, technology can be problematic at best and detrimental at worst if not employed properly. One recent use of technology which leaves many conscientious people uncomfortable is genetically modified foods (GMF). These new food sources are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have undergone a molecular level change to their DNA by genetically engineering techniques (Gaskill et al. , 1999). Not everyone is convinced that GMF are a positive use of technology. In fact, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) encouraged all physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks† (Edwards, 2013). Many skeptics are concerned with the product’s health risks and environmental impact, along with the repercussions for local farmers, particularly those operating in developing countries. Nearly everyone is affected by GMF in one way or another, but some groups of people are more directly affected than others. They include local farmers, food manufacturers, food purchasers, environmentalists/ conservationists, and government agencies. Due to insufficient scientific data concerning the safety of GMF, and the possible catastrophic consequences resulting from the development and use of this product, they should be highly monitored by government agencies and immediately banned in order to protect the public at large. James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 4 Some studies have shown that GMF are potentially hazardous to consumers, especially children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Many scientists and healthcare professionals argue that GMF are a major contributor to the deteriorating health of people worldwide and possibly even a carcinogen (Edwards, 2013). An increase in blood pressure and heart disease is linked to the consumption of GMF, although these food products are too recent for most researches to be able to conclude anything decisive regarding their long-term effects. Dr. Stanley Ewen, a homeopathic physician, argues that a cauliflower virus oftentimes used in GMF could potentially increase the risk of both colon and stomach cancers. Even if one is able to completely avoid GMF, they are still not safe from the harmful effects. Water sources near crops of GMF are often contaminated by the runoff from the soil. Dr. Ewen maintains that this amount of exposure alone may hasten the growth of malignant tumors (Edwards, 2013). Other studies suggest that animals fed GMF suffer from severe illnesses and die faster than expected. In India, animals that grazed on genetically modified cotton plants died almost immediately. Cows in Germany that ate genetically modified corn products experienced the same fate. Scientists are attributing this phenomenon to GMF’s tendency to produce toxins and suppress the immune system (Kuiper et al, 2001). The Institute for Responsible Technology listed 65 health risks associated with GMF. Rats fed genetically modified potatoes developed precancerous cells in the digestive tract. These rats also showed signs of inhibited development of the brain, liver, and testicles, along with atrophy of the liver and immune system damage. Another study indicated that rats fed Monsanto’s genetically modified corn showed significant changes in their blood cells, livers, and kidneys. Not surprisingly, this mega-company denied James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 5 these findings and refused to conduct follow-up studies to confirm the safety of their food products (65 Health Risks, 2013). A second major drawback of GMF is their negative impact on the environment. As already stated, genetically modified crops pollute soil and water systems. This, in turn, causes adverse consequences on plants and animals (to include humans) that rely on these two natural resources. Insects that live in the soil are oftentimes negatively impacted and die due to chemical changes in the soil composition. The damage to the water affects nearly all animals, as most animals obtain their water from runoff systems (Dill, 2010). Additionally, GMF produce unnatural chemicals that give plants a new way to defend themselves and insects and animals that naturally consume these organisms die. Spiders, caterpillars, and other small insects are particularly vulnerable to these engineered chemicals. Unfortunately, many species are becoming endangered or threatened. Due to cross pollination, crops that are not genetically modified are becoming contaminated. Some scientists are concerned that if this trend is not halted, unaltered food species will become severely compromised and may even go extinct (Kuiper et al, 2001). One noteworthy example is North Dakota’s genetically modified canola plants. Scientists took thousands of random seed samples from across the whole state. Nearly every sample – whether wild or domesticated – contained genetically modified seeds. Further studies identified genetically modified canola seeds in locations as far-reaching as Japan and Ireland. Researchers interpret this data as suggestive of cross-pollination in the wild (Biello, 2010). Furthermore, scientists maintain the genetically modified crops greatly increase the amount of herbicide used. Farmers know that their crops are resistant to most herbicides. Therefore, they tend to use these toxic chemicals more liberally. Since genetically modified James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 6 crops are also modified to produce their own herbicides and pesticides, the end result is that even more toxins are added to the food supply, causing even more contamination (Dill, 2011). A final reason to ban GMF is the negative economic impact these food sources have on small farmers. Many local farmers, who pride themselves on naturally growing their products, are forced out of business due to rising food costs. They cannot compete with large farms that use genetically modified seeds and pesticides on their crops. As more and more organic farmers close their doors, the available unmodified, natural food sources decrease steadily. This, in turn, drives up the prices for consumers, making it harder for the average person to afford healthy alternatives. Local farmers oftentimes have their fields completely destroyed or are forced to forfeit their harvests due to cross pollination. Large seed companies, (such as Monsanto), patent their seeds. If these seeds contaminate the local farmers’ crops, then the mega-companies are legally permitted to confiscate the produce and destroy what remains. This is particularly problematic in developing countries. According to the Center for Food Safety, big seed companies attack and target any farmer who wants to save their seeds. This plan of attack consists of three stages: â€Å"investigations; coerced settlements; and, if that fails, litigation† (Lo, 2013). In the United States alone, Monsanto has sued 410 independent farmers and 56 small business owners for violations of seed patents (Lo, 2013). Unfortunately, this mega-company won every case to date. This resulted in their receiving over $24 million from small time farmers and businesses. Countless other businesses have been forced to close their doors due to threats from Monsanto and other mega-seed corporations (Lo, 2013). Presently, many companies are working to produce even more genetically modified plants and food sources that are even more resilient to predators. Also, many large companies James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 7 are lobbying policy makers in order to have stricter laws and regulations enacted to protect their modified products (Lo, 2013). If these companies are allowed to continue with their agenda, there will be dire consequences. More people will develop horrific illnesses and diseases, the environment will suffer terribly, and local farmers will be forced out of business. The Union of Concerned Scientists (2013) has proposed five ways to prevent these hazardous products from further contaminating consumers’ food supply. First, they suggest that research funding for public crop breeding programs be expanded to help subsidize the cost of producing unaltered, natural food products. Second, they advocate public research funding to develop agro-ecologically based systems of farming. Third, they propose changing patent laws to allow independent companies to experiment on GMF without legal repercussions. Fourth, they maintain that stricter controls should be placed on GMF so that these products do not come to market until scientists and private researchers can better understand their health risks. Lastly, they support food labeling laws that mandate all GMF be labeled appropriately. In conclusion, GMF are detrimental to society as a whole. They are extremely unsafe for human consumption, pose huge risks to the natural environment, and place unfair and unnecessary stressors on local farmers. Due to the numerous uncertainties associated with GMF and the data that supports their harmful side effects, these products should be heavily monitored by government agencies and banned from the public market. It would be wise for the government to adopt the five suggestions put forth by the Union of Concerned Scientists in order to better protect its people. Unfortunately, mega-seed companies have substantially more disposable income than non-profit health and welfare organizations; therefore, they can afford to buy lobbyists to petition lawmakers to make rules and decisions profitable to their agendas. James P Collins CS 300T 9/30/2013 8. Works Cited Biello, D. (2010). Genetically modified crop on the loose and evolving in U. S. Midwest. Scientific American. http://www. scientificamerican. com/article. cfm? id=genetically modified-crop Dill, J. (2010). The dangers of GMOs: Know the environmental hazards. Natural News. http://www. naturalnews. com/029869_GMOs_dangers. html Edwards, R. (2013). GM expert warns of cancer risk from crops. Sunday Herald. 16 February 2013. Gaskill, G. , Bauer, M. , Durant, J. , Allum, N. C. (1999). Worlds apart? The reception of genetically modified foods in Europe and the U. S. Science, 285 (5426): 384-387. Kuiper, H. A. , Kleter, G. A. , Hub P. J. , Noteborn, J. M. , Kok, E. J. (2001). Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods. Plant Journal, 27 (6): 503-528. Lo, P. (2013). Monsanto bullies small farmers over planting harvested GMO seeds. British Broadcast Channel. 14 April 2013. N. A. (2013). 65 health risks of genetically modified foods. Institute for Responsible Technology. http://www. responsibletechnology. org/gmo-dangers/65-health-risks/1notes N. A. (2013). Genetic engineering in agriculture. Union of Concerned Scientists. http://www. ucsusa. org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic engine ering.

Essay on Chaucers Canterbury Tales - Greed in the Pardoner’s Tale

The Pardoner’s Greed    The pardoner, in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Pardoner’s Tale, is a devious character.   He is a man with a great knowledge of the Catholic Church and a great love of God. However, despite the fact that he is someone whom is looked at with respect at the time, the pardoner is nothing more than an imposter who makes his living by fooling people into thinking he forgives their sins, and in exchange for pardons, he takes their money.   His sermon-like stories and false relics fool the people of the towns he visits and make him seem as a plausible man, which is exactly what the pardoner wants.   In fact, the pardoner is an avaricious and deceitful character whose driving force in life is his motto, â€Å"Radix malorum est cupiditas,† which is Latin for â€Å"greed is the root of evil.†Ã‚   The pardoner’s entire practice is based upon his motto and is motivated entirely by greed. The pardoner is supposed to forgive sins, however, he views his position as a scheme to make money and turns it into a fraud.   His excellent speaking skills allow him to turn this profession into a scam.   He attracts the people with his storytelling and his sermons, which are pleasing to them, â€Å"By God, I hope I shal yow telle a thyng / That shal by reson been at youre liking,† (457-58).   One example of a sermon about his motto is the tale of the three rioters.   This tale gives an ironic explanation related to the rioters deaths, due to greed and the pardoners practice of his profession, which is also driven by greed (Rossignol, 267).   He tells the people what they would like to hear, so that he may pull them into his trap and later cheat them out of their money.   His technique to fooling people is to preach on the subject of   â€Å"Radix malorum est c... ...iving.   The pardoner submits himself to his theme of â€Å"Radix malorum est cupiditas.† His theme becomes a reality and he   allows avarice to take control his life.   Just as Jesus lived life living into eternal life, the pardoner lives his life dying into eternal death by committing his avaricious acts and deceiving people in the name of God.   Works Cited Brewer, Derek.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Canterbury Tales.† An Introduction to Chaucer.   New York:      Longman Inc., 1984 Hussey, S. S.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Canterbury Tales II.† Chaucer: An Introduction.   New York: Methuen & Co., 1981 Pichaske, David R.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Pardoner’s Tale.† The Movement of the Canterbury Tales: Chaucer’s Literary Pilgrimage.   New York:   Norwood Editions, 1977 Rossignol, Rosalyn.  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Pardoner’s Tale.†Ã‚   Chaucer A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Works.  Ã‚   New York:   Facts On File, Inc., 1999

Nutrition for Children Essay

If a parent or carer says that their child cannot eat a particular food it is important that the practitioners take note of this and make sure they respect the parent or carer’s instructions. Quite often there will be a noticeboard with the details of what children can and can’t eat, and it is usually kept in the kitchen. There could be numerous reasons as to why the child is not allowed to eat a particular food, so any wishes should be followed regardless of the reason. For example, it may be against the family’s religion or culture to eat particular foods; some religions believe that certain animals are sacred so eating the animal would be extremely offensive. This is important to respect because if a practitioner tries to feed a Jewish child pork, for example, when the parents find out they will be extremely offended that the practitioner went against their religion, as that is what they believe in. It may also be a personal choice; the parent or carer might just prefer their child not to eat particular foods. For example, in my setting one boy is not allowed to have sweets or chocolate because the parents have decided they don’t want their child to have a sweet tooth. Therefore the parents have been respected in their decision, because again they may get offended if the practitioners decide not to listen to them. Another, very important, reason a child will not be able to eat something is if they are allergic or have an intolerance to it. Therefore, if a child with an allergy or intolerance eats something containing the particular food it would mean the food will cause harm to their body, and sometimes very severely. For example, another boy at my setting is severely allergic to nuts; he must not come into any kind of contact with any kind of nut, because it will cause his throat to swell up and stop him from breathing. As a result of this any food that is provided for their snack must be approved by his mother, and if there is anything new the practitioners do not risk giving it to him, as they are not absolutely certain if it is completely nut free.

Women In Hamlet - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1472 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/04/05 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Hamlet Essay William Shakespeare Essay Did you like this example? Sasha Alsberg who is a writer said: Honestly, I hate when in books, the guys change the girls life. Like, no. The girl needs to change her own life. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Women In Hamlet" essay for you Create order this means that sexism occurs in literary works.Sexism has always been a hot topic in society and literature. Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on a persons sex or gender.Hamletis a tragedy of Shakespeare that tells the story of King Claudius murdering Hamlets father, usurping the throne and marrying the kings widow, Gertrude. Once Hamlet knowing that Claudius killed his father, he started to consider if he should revenge, after some ideological struggle, Hamlet decided to revenge his uncle. At the end, Hamlet killed his uncle, but his mother died for him, also himself. While telling the story of Hamlets revenge, the play also intersperses the social status of women and the prevailing patriarchy idea in the society at that time, this is exemplified by Gertrude and Ophelia who are the two main female characters and the only two female characters. They appear more as subsidiaries of male characters than as single agencies. In Hamlet, Shakespeare did not deliberately belittle women, but based on the social environment at that time to describe the truth: women are generally in a weak position, low social status; the stereotype of women in the society at that time; the patriarchal perspective is significant. These situations still exist today, so this essay will discuss female images and the manifestation of male chauvinism in Hamlet. During Hamlets period, women were generally in a disadvantaged position and low social status. InHamlet, the two main female characters are Ophelia and Gertrude. Although they have higher social level than most women at that time, they are still described as male appendages by Shakespeare. Under the social background at that time, women subconsciously obeyed men. They do not have the right to make their own decisions. Although their own rights have been threatened and hurt, they still have to swallow their voices, because public opinion does not allow them to have their own decision-making power. While King, Queen and Polonius are talking about Hanmlets madness, Polonius thinks that Ophelia is the reason why Hamlet become mad and he said: I have a daughter have while she is mine / Who in her duty and obedience, mark, / Hath given me this. (Act II Scene ii 106-108). Polonius believes that Ophelia as a daughter belongs to him rather than to an object. In Act 2 Scene 2, Ophelia and her father Polonius and brother Laertes talked about her relationship with Hamlet. Both male characters strongly disagree with the idea of Hamlet and Ophelia date when they heard, they think that Hamlet was playing with her and that self-loving women should not show their beauty as Laertes said: The chariest maid is prodigal enough / If she unmasks her beauty to the moon. (Act I, Scene iii 36-37). Laertes thinks that women should not show their beauty out because it is a sin. So they asked Ophelia to stop dating Hamlet. Ophelia is the person who has a direct contact with Hamlet, but she cannot have their own emotional decision-making power, it can be seen that women did not have the right to speak for their own. In Hamlet, Ophelia has no opinions or ideas of her own, and all her actions are caused by the actions of male characters: breaking off relations with Hamlet and helping Polonius test whether Hamlet is really mad or fake mad. None of above actions have Ophelias free will.Another female character, Gertrude, as queen, also does not have the same rights as the king, or even the same rights as ordinary men. In Act I Scene ii, Hamlet expressed strong dissatisfaction with Gertrudes behavior when he heard that Gertrude remarried his uncle. However, Shakespeare did not write out clearly whether Gertrudes behavior was voluntary or forced. Under the social environment at that time, women could not decide their own destiny, so she could only accept Claudius as his new queen. But as a mother,Gertrudealways love Hamlet. In Act I Scene ii, in order to protect Hamlet, she dissuade Hamlet from doing silly things. She also fulfilled all Hamlets demands. Even Hamlet accused her of being unfaithful to her father in harsh language in her dormitory, she did not take up her mothers identity to defend herself and rebuke her son, but honestly reviewed herself. When Hamlet suspected that she may betray him in front of Claudius, she swore that she would never reveal the secret. When Hamlet won the battle with Laertes, she couldnt stop coming forward to congratulate her son on his drinking and was poisoned by the poisonous liquor which was prepared for Hamlet. All this shows that Gertrude is a kind and virtuous mother. So, in Hamlet, Shakespeare only described the social situation at that time, but did not express his position. And also, stereotypes for women are shown in Hamlet.Stereotype has been in peoples minds all the time. In the time Hamlet was weitten, the impression of women was obedience and staying at home: From this time / Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence. Set your entrustments at a higher rate / Than a command to parley. (Act I Scene iii 120-124), these words were talked by Polonius, he taught his daughter Ophelia what women should show less. (People acquiesced that women should not show up, and women does not resist it. Frailty, thy name is woman! married with my uncle, My fathers brother, but no more like my / I to Hercules. (Act I, Scene ii 146-153) Hamlet compares itself to women, indicating that the general impression of women in society at that time was tender, this will be explained later in the analysis. The chariest maid is prodigal enough / If she unmask her beauty to the moon. (Act I, Scene iii 36-37), Laertes said that if women show their beauty even in the dark of night to the moon they will be considered unchaste or ruined. Ophelias most prominent feature in the play is that she does not express any free will except beauty, which indicates the stereotype of women in the society at that time. Through the description of Ophelia as a female character, Shakespeare shows the readers the whole society at that time. Since the whole play of Hamlet does not take women as the leading role, and show mens superior all the time such as men are always in a teaching position, this play is from the perspective of male chauvinism which is the belief thatmenare superior towomen.InHamlet, the male chauvinism is embodied in all aspects. When Hamlet was talking to his mother about his madness, he said: Good night but go not to mine uncles bed. Assume a virtue if you have it not. (Act III Scene iv 157-158). He does not show any respect for his mother, but spoke to her in a serious and contemptuous tone or even insulting language, showing Hamlets superiority as a male. When Hamlet talked to the ghost of his father Old Hamlet, he became very gentle, even with a trace of fear. These two different attitudes towards the elders show disrespect for women as a man, and also show the prevailing patria rchal ideology in the society at that time. In Edward Sapirs workLanguage, he wrote that Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols. As above shows that at Hamlet time, women did not get any verbal respect. In Hamlet,the language used to describe women is always discriminatory, such as Frailty, strumpet, plague for the dowry and so on. Shakespeares use of popular language at the time implicitly reflected the books social discrimination against women.Broadly speaking, Shakespeare did not intentionally use sexism in Hamlet, but a natural psychological attitude due to the social environment at that time. He only shows the attitudes towards women and the prevalence of male chauvinism in the society at that time through language. When men talk to women, it is mostly about sex, and women are always in weak position, on the contrary, men have the supreme power. It can be seen from the comparison of the two above that the social ideology dominated by male consciousness at that time also shows that the value evaluation system dominated by male influences the social evaluation and view of women. Shakespeare did not get rid of the traditional ideas of that time in his writing, and his patriarchal perspective gave the tragic fate of the female characters in his play. Since the birth of his play, the status of women has been greatly improved, but the pressure of patriarchal society still exists. There is still a long way to go to eliminate sexism.