Citizens Role

The citizen has a significant role in the development and impact that genetically modified organisms currently have and will have in the future.  Thus the education of citizens about GMO’s is of the utmost importance.  Citizens need to become educated so they are aware of what a genetically modified organism is.  This is important because one cannot make an educated decision about something they do not completely understand.  Once a firm grasp upon the concept of GMO’s is established citizens then needs to have their eyes opened to the potential advancement which GMO’s present.  Also the citizens need to be able to see the negative affects which have or will occur as a result of the use of GMO’s.  Once the citizen is educated in these areas he/she will be able to make an educated and ethical decision concerning the issue of GMO’s.  Also an educated public can result in a demand for extensive research about GMO’s which will lead to a better understanding of their potential.  The future of genetically modified organisms falls in the hands of the citizens.      

          For instance the issue of the lack of labeling of GM ingredient foods in the United States could be resolved by a more educated public.  If the citizens were more aware of how ingrained GMO’s have become in their daily diet they would be motivated to become more educated about them and more concerned about their consumption.  This increased concern and involvement would be the catalysts that could lead to the establishment of the labeling of foods containing GM foods.  The fact that a significant amount of the rest of the world has already put into affect this system suggests that it would not take to much effort to get it instilled here in America.  But the work that does need to be done has to be done by the citizens and the citizen can not do it unless they are educated and aware of the subject. 

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This site was created as part of the honors course: The Ideal at Monmouth College in Fall 2005