Ideology in My Controversy

In this post I will be describing the groups involved in the controversy of genetically engineered food.

Solar, Jumanji. "Debate Energético" 1/20/2011 via Flickr. 
Attribution-NonCommerical-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License. 

1. Who is involved?
On one side of the argument are the companies that sell the genetically engineered seeds, and it seems like the republican politicians are favoring this side with trying to end the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. However, this side also has people who believe in the cause for good reasons, like the scientists who believe genetically engineered food is better for food supply safety. However, this argument has its opponents that believe in non-GMO (non- Genetically Modified Organisms).

2. Who are some of the major speakers/writers within these groups?
Coco-Cola, Pepsi, and General Mills are some of the big opponents against the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, which would require the need to label food that has been genetically modified.

3. What kind of social/cultural/economical/political power does each group hold?
The proponents of GMO seem to hold most of the cards. They have the money to lobby the government in their favor, and the size and manpower to do so. However, the opponents hold the general public on their side.

4. What resources are available to different positions?
 Similar to what is stated above, the big companies for GMO have the resources in terms of money, political abilities, and manpower, but the opponents have the desire of the general population. Lawmakers can only choose the desire of the companies over their constituents for a short period of time, so having the American public will be a large force.

5. What does each group value? 
The different parts of the proponents value the scientific advancements that have allowed them to make the genetic alterations to crops, and the profits gained. The opponents value knowing what is in the food they eat and having a choice to choose non-GMO foods.

6. What counts as evidence for the different positions?
The proponents claim they have seen no scientific evidence of genetically modified food causing harm to those that consume it. Whereas, the opponents cite occurrences like the "golden rice" that was designed to be more beneficial than regular rice, but was in fact inferior.

7. Is there a power differential between the groups? 
I think deciding where the power lies depends on how someone measures power. To those against GMO, the idea of having the popular opinion of the general public is the power for their side. However, those in favor of genetically engineering food, hold more formal power.

8. Is there any acknowledged common ground between the groups? 
 I believe the scientists who are in favor of GMO share some ideology  with those against genetically modifying food. Both of these groups want food that is better for the consumer, they just differ on how to get the better food, and what classifies as superior.

9. Do the various groups listen to each other?
I think there is some communication between the groups in that the group fighting genetic modification and those supporting it. The opposing group is conscious of the steps of their opponents, in fact they launched the Just Label It campaign, in response to the push to end the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act.