“We are being paid bucket loads to promote genetic modification so what can we do?” says Spin Doctor 1. They all think for a while and then Spin Doctor 2 says “Lets make a documentary putting a positive spin on genetic engineering so the ignorant masses will accept genetic modification as the way forward.”. “Hurrah” says Spin Doctor 1 excitedly, “but the ignorant masses aren’t stupid, just ignorant. Why will it convince them?”. “I know” says Spin Doctor 3, who is after all number 3 for a reason, “why not make it appear impartial?”. “Yes that always works” says Spin Doctor 1, “let’s find an attractive professional looking female scientist to extol the virtues of genetic engineering. While a rustic food journalist mutters about how un-natural it all is”….
Well it might not have been exactly like that but I bet it was not far off. Think about it, generally we are programmed into accepting the views of scientists, who are deemed as ‘authority figures’, while journalism and journalists are often despised. The whole program was a intellectual David and Goliath, a total mis-match. Surely they could have found one scientist who believes caution is a valid approach to progress?
The final ‘discussion’ between journalist and fanatical scientist was pointless. The journalist just didn’t have the background or the knowledge to argue convincingly against the technology being discussed.
The program should have been presented by two impartial scientists so that a valid debate could have ensued.
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