By EMMA HOPKINS-O’BRIEN
Indiana Correspondent INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were first seen in laboratories more than 30 years ago, but the debate over whether they are benign to human health continues to rage despite hundreds of scientific studies concluding they are safe. A recent study published in the research journal Nature looked at the correlation between scientific knowledge and extremity in anti-GMO views. The conclusion? As stated in the abstract: “… we find as extremity of opposition to and concern about GMOs increases, objective knowledge about science and genetics decreases, but perceived understanding of genetically modified foods increases.” In other words, extreme opponents of GMOs think they know the most, but they know the least. Documentarian Scott Hamilton Kennedy also picked up on this point as he produced his film “Food Evolution.” When Kennedy began research for it, he knew as much about GMOs as an average American. But after just a few days of research on the topic, he understood that “the smoke didn’t equate the fire. “We found the GMO controversy sort of waving its hands at us.” Kennedy recalled. “This is about food, this is about science, it affects First World, Third World, the whole thing – and it’s a story not being told properly.” Going into it as a pro-science filmmaker in Los Angeles who didn’t know much about them, Kennedy said he’d heard a lot about GMOs being “bad.” But delving into research for “Food Evolution,” which came out in 2016, Kennedy was able to gain a deep perspective on anti-GMO thinking and ignorance to science. He believes people need to be reminded of how they already trust science because, he says, we are living in a very fragile time in terms of trust. “Reminding people that they do trust in science, that’s a start,” he said. “Tell me something you did today that didn’t involve science. Driving a car, for example – why do you get in your car and trust that your brakes work? Why do you believe your lights are going to work, or your plane is not going to fall out of the sky?” Kennedy said trust in science is built on scientists who used the scientific method over and over again, and the checks and balances in place such as institutions, journals and organizations established on facts that strive to keep the public safe. In a recent presentation he made on “Food Evolution,” he asked his audience “when was the last time you really changed your mind? “It is very difficult for all of us to change our minds about things that we care about,” he observed. “At the same time, we have this incredible ability with this thing we have in our skull – our brain and emotions and being able to look at a situation rationally and try to determine if you’re making a good decision. It takes a lot more work. “It’s much easier to say, ‘I’m right, my bubble’s right, my family is right, my social media feed is right, the newspaper I read is right.’” Kennedy said being presented with evidence you won’t accept just because it’s contrary to your point of view can be dangerous, and can undermine objective truth. Though it can be done, he said changing your mind once you are set in your ways can be difficult – which is why he and the sponsors of “Food Evolution” are now trying to extend the reach of the film to grade-school and higher-education students. “The goal is, we have a big lesson plan formulated, we’re making lectures available for teachers and ways to let the teachers use the DVD to not just show the film, but to be able to use the film as a metaphor for the importance of the scientific method,” he explained. “In a nutshell, that’s the long throw of the film I’m excited about. If, in 10 years, teachers show ‘Food Evolution’ to students more than ‘Food, Inc.,’ if I got young people to say they feel more confident about making good decisions, that would really mean something. So, fingers crossed.” To learn more about Kennedy’s film and educational outreach, visit www.foodevolutionmovie.com |
