In many parts of Europe, it is now a requirement of the Tobacco companies to put a label on cigarette boxes that says, “Smoking Kills.” In my opinion this is a good way to deter people from smoking. This label can often create a sense of awareness or even guilt, causing people to quit smoking. Due to addictions and other factors, it does not stop all smokers from purchasing cigarettes. There is no doubt that plenty of individuals in Europe that continue to smoke despite the threatening labels. Consumers however, are properly informed that what they are doing is not good for their health and how they choose to use the information provided is then a personal decision and right.
First, I think America should follow the Europeans in terms of the “Smoking Kills” labels, but I also think we should adapt this clever method of deterrent to genetically enhanced foods. In Ozeki’s, All Over Creation, during a time of protest there is a flyer that reads, “Demand accurate and responsible labeling on all genetically modified foods! It’s your right to know!” I am in complete agreement with this flyer. It should be the consumer’s prerogative to know what is going into the “fresh food” that they purchase. Also in All Over Creation, at a grocery store protest, Frankie questions the CEO by saying, “How do you justify your claims that genetically altered crops do not need labels because they’re safe, when there’s no research or evidence to support this?” Since the safety of these foods is unclear, consumers should be properly warned and as of now that is not the case.
If labels are placed on genetically altered foods, it may persuade more shoppers to go organic or grow their own produce. This will be beneficial to the overall health of our country, and may also cause organic food prices (which are now substantially higher than non-organic food prices) to decrease leading to a more pure diet. Ozeki conveys that, "Consumers are dangerous only when they think they've been cheated of their right to exersice free will." Undoubtedly there will still be customers purchasing genetically enhanced products, but these buyers will at least be aware of the risk they are taking.
First, I think America should follow the Europeans in terms of the “Smoking Kills” labels, but I also think we should adapt this clever method of deterrent to genetically enhanced foods. In Ozeki’s, All Over Creation, during a time of protest there is a flyer that reads, “Demand accurate and responsible labeling on all genetically modified foods! It’s your right to know!” I am in complete agreement with this flyer. It should be the consumer’s prerogative to know what is going into the “fresh food” that they purchase. Also in All Over Creation, at a grocery store protest, Frankie questions the CEO by saying, “How do you justify your claims that genetically altered crops do not need labels because they’re safe, when there’s no research or evidence to support this?” Since the safety of these foods is unclear, consumers should be properly warned and as of now that is not the case.
If labels are placed on genetically altered foods, it may persuade more shoppers to go organic or grow their own produce. This will be beneficial to the overall health of our country, and may also cause organic food prices (which are now substantially higher than non-organic food prices) to decrease leading to a more pure diet. Ozeki conveys that, "Consumers are dangerous only when they think they've been cheated of their right to exersice free will." Undoubtedly there will still be customers purchasing genetically enhanced products, but these buyers will at least be aware of the risk they are taking.
No comments:
Post a Comment