In the debate over genetically modified organisms, we often hear arguments from two extreme camps. Some say GM foods are a miracle cure for solving an impending global food crisis, but fail to consider the long-term ecological and economic consequences of genetic engineering. Others say GM foods should be banned, for fear they could cause a terrifying array of human ailments, from cancer to organ failure to birth defects, despite there being no substantial peer-reviewed evidence to support these claims.
But the GMO debate is far more nuanced than that. In fact, there are almost as many sides to the issue as there are potential GM crops. The impact of GM foods can vary greatly depending on the crop and the unique pressures of its ecosystem. Furthermore, the greatest dangers posed by GM foods often stem not from the crops themselves but from the business practices of the companies that grow them.
In our third installment of Pandohouse Rock, we look to explain the ecological, economic, and health-related dimensions of genetically modified organisms using arguments rooted in peer-reviewed scientific research and well-sourced journalism.
“The GMO Song” is not intended to be a comprehensive final word on GMOs, but a gateway drug that will hopefully lead to greater understanding. That’s why we encourage you to read along with the lyrics below which link to relevant articles for support.
You can do it by adding or deleting DNA
The species that you use don’t even have to be the same
It’s transgenic people panic when they hear that fish genes
Are added to strawberries to help them not to freeze
OMG GMO there’s a lot that we don’t know about the food that we grow
What does it do to our bodies? What does it do to our souls?
GMO OMG there’s a panic in the streets
In this riot over diet are we thinking clearly?
But people should know how their food is grown
Yet Americans don’t label GMOs
There are many different kinds of GM foods
Just saying “Made with GMOs” might not do
Now it might be too simple to say “Just ban it”
When there’s potential to help feed the planet
Weigh each crop’s impact on earth and health
And don’t use patents to screw the ones you’re out to help