Lastly, the fear of unexpected long-term effects is neither here nor there. After all, how much do we understand of the long term effects of all innovations we have used since civilisation, or the “natural” products in our shelves, rarely subjected to any safety checks? Since analysis so far has ascertained these fears are not about GMOs per se, should we still continue hanging on there and delaying technology access to those who need it most? With the end in mind, we should all be good stewards and whichever worldview we subscribe to, let us embrace technology and the spirit of choice, lest history judge us harshly as the enemies of innovation.
As a tribute to late Prof. Calestous Juma, I would like to encourage all of us to read his book: Innovation and Its Enemies just to understand how fear was used to demonize most of what appears so normal today – your cup of coffee. Calestous exposes how in the 15th century, Middle Eastern and European societies resisted the beverage and even shut down Coffee houses. The ban on the beverage was imposed and lifted severally in various countries with flimsy excuses. Some rulers were skeptical of coffee because it was brewed and consumed in public places where people could indulge in vices like gambling and tobacco use, or perhaps exchange unorthodox ideas that were a threat to their power. Certainly, public safety was always the easy scapegoat. Is history repeating itself for the gene technology?
Do share your thought with us.
