Week 6: Biotechnology + Art
Week 6 we delved into the world of biotechnology and art, and as noted by the first few lectures (with examples), a highly controversial concept. Creations of biotechnology are already controversial on their own, such as the use of GMOs and other unnatural additives as demonstrated by the McDonald’s Food Experiment video. I actually remember watching this video when I was a little girl and being horrified at how I put that in my body. It brings the same emotions watching it now. It can be argued that using biotechnology towards issues such as GMOs can also be helpful, however, as it works to solve food crises in impoverished areas by way of mass production, or the tweaking of certain food traits. This is of course where the controversy arises, as there are valid concerns from both sides.
Combining the already controversial existence of biotechnology with expressing art through biotechnology makes way for even more controversy. We saw many examples in the lecture, especially when it came to manipulating DNA in butterflies or rats in order to create an artistic expression or make a statement. Ethics is a big issue here. In my opinion, I think using such manipulation can only be validated or justified if its end result progresses humanity while causing minimal harm. But I know this definition is vague and there are many gray areas. Alas, critically thinking about these issues is still important however, even if you can’t solve them in one sitting.
References
AP. Fox News, 22 Nov. 2016, https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/mcdonalds-rejects-gmo-potatoes. Accessed 12 May 2023.
CK-12 Foundation. CK-12, https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-flexbook-2.0/section/3.13/primary/lesson/biotechnology-bio/. Accessed 12 May 2023.
Hamouda, Asma Fathi. “Ethical to Using Rats in the Scientific Researches.” Pharmacy & Pharmacology International Journal, 9 Jan. 2018, medcraveonline.com/PPIJ/ethical-to-using-rats-in-the-scientific-researches.html#:~:text=The%20survey%20revealed%2010%25%20of,enough%20guarantees%20and%20defenses%20rules.
javahippo. “McDonald’s Food Expirament.” YouTube, 12 June 2007, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6us9kHHSNwk.
Santiago, Marina. “Genetically Modified Organisms: The Good, the Bad, and the Future.” Science in the News, 6 Apr. 2019, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2013/genetically-modified-organisms/.
Vesna, Victoria. “5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720.” YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013, youtu.be/PaThVnA1kyg.
Vesna, Victoria. “5 Bioart PT2.” YouTube, 17 May 2012, youtu.be/MdSt-Hjyi2I?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7.
Vesna, Victoria. “Biotech Intro New.” YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, youtu.be/Fvp924_pbgc.
Wikicommons. Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2019, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/history-lab-rat-scientific-triumphs-ethical-quandaries-180971533/. Accessed 12 May 2023.
I fully agree that it is hard to distinguish what helps society in terms of using biotechnology on animals. However, there are also a variety of opinions, from individuals wanting to ban animal testing to individuals using this testing for art. Last year, in my Biotechnology and Society cluster, we also discussed GMOs and the different political, social, and environmental effects on society, learning it's a highly complex topic.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! I agree that biotechnology already has many ethical dilemmas surrounding it, and by adding in art you just add to the controversy. This is because many people can only deem biotechnology ethical if it leads to discoveries that can help humans. I agree with the definition you give for what is ethical and what isn't. It is a hard topic to put a definition on— but those should atleast be the guidelines for what is acceptable!
ReplyDeleteThe ethical dilemmas surrounding biotech and the furthering of the practice through things like genetically modified organisms is very interesting. I agree that the pre-existing dilemmas along with the addition of bioart, the subject becomes even more controversial. The fact that some of these aspects of biotech can help better the world, the controversy surrounding their ethics and how their made stops them from being widely accepted. I think modifying animals and other organic material in order to make an art piece is controversial due to the fact that the art being created could be harming or poorly treating an animal.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, I really enjoyed reading your blog. I also focused on controversy surrounding biotech in my blog, so I found it very interesting to read your opinion on the topic. I agree with your opinion in that manipulation of living organisms can only really be justified if it is furthering society in some way while causing little to no harm. Overall, it was very interesting reading your post this week!
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