Rant Reflection

     My article did shift my thinking. In my mind, I was against the conception stating genetically modified organisms and aspartame spiked blood sugar, promoted weight gain, and consumption of such organisms led to obesity. I was moderately familiar that there was no direct correlation between the two that has been scientifically proven. Also, I knew there was not enough scientific evidence to prove GMOs and aspartame are unhealthy and/or harmful. On the contrary, the article I stumbled upon mentioned that both sides of the public opinion, those for GMOs and those against them, are guilty of lack of knowledge. The article illustrated this claim by explaining that although GMOs have a notorious bad reputation, the scientific understanding of GMOs is still limited and unable to fully prove either side. Indeed, the right to question the of risks and/or benefits of consuming GMOs is rational, however, it is irrational to believe that something can emerge 100% risk free. Therefor, the public opinion for or against are both incorrect. This is true due to the lack of evidence science possesses. I added "#BeatThePublicOpinion" in my tweet for the reason that, as the article explains, there is none. The public opinion is what you believe to be untrue. My point is to rise question, not to pick a side. Ultimately, I am attempting to encourage individuals to overcome the public opinions like taking a stance and simply to question the problem as a whole.
     Furthermore, this article influenced my decision as to where and how I posted my thoughts. Throughout the article, the general public is consistently referenced. I thought, what better way to get the attention of the pubic than Twitter? Twitter is fast, simple, and effective. As the article did, I enforced questions through my tweet. I aimed to provoke uncertainty and question in the public regarding the true that there is no definite right and wrong. We can learn as much information about GMOs as far as science takes us. We should not classify GMOs as "good" or "bad", but rather what we generally do not know about them.
     Relating to my initial rant, the article walks hand in hand in the refute against false advertisement regarding the promotion of GMOs to be healthy or unhealthy. Enforcing thought of either side is ignorant since there is a lack of knowledge present in both parties. Advertising as such in the food industry can lead individuals to think in the wrong directions. In other words, it is enforcing them to chose pro or con. This was and remains to be a strategy I do not agree with as I consider it manipulation of the general public.
     In the end, us as individuals have a choice every time we sit down to a meal. We can question genetically modified organisms, or even chose to or not to consume them. However, the promotion of one idea that has yet to be fully evaluated is an inefficient and ignorant approach to understanding what GMOs really are.

Public Rant

     I chose this particular venue because I believe that in today's modern age, Twitter is one of the fastest ways to shove an idea into the public's eye. Twitter has over 200 million users, many of which are constantly refreshing to see what's happening next. In my eyes, twitter is quickest and most efficient way to spread word. There are several benefits to using twitter as a source of public communication. Since a tweet is short and sweet, it is easily read and understood by the average tweeter. This creates the perfect environment to embed thought provoking ideas. However, drawbacks may include the fact that there are some individuals who are active in modern social network. On the contrary, twitter is quite widely known and popular. Therefor, I believe it makes an excellent tool to use when one is attempting to communicate and spread a problematic concept.

RANT

Nothing annoys me more than when people blame their overweight bodies on anything else but themselves. I can't stand it when overweight or obese people try to point fingers at genetically modified organisms and/or artificial sweeteners in an attempt to justify how unhealthy they have become.  In high school, my senior year physics teacher, Mr. Sean Richards, felt the same way about this topic.  In fact, he took up an entire class period and dedicated it to presenting various slideshows and  videos that proved two very controversial assumptions. 1.) There is no concrete evidence that shows maintaing an organic diet has any affect on weight apposed to the typical one. Ever been to Trader Joe's? Whole foods? Both organic grocery store, correct? They still sell candy, chocolate, ice cream, brownies, cookies, so on and so fourth.  Just because these items are organic it does not mean they do not contain FAT and SUGAR, the real causes of obesity.  2.) There is no logical, concrete evidence that directly proves the correlation between the consumption or GMOs or aspartame and weight.   The body is not conscious of either, in fact, it does not recognize them to be anything beyond waste.  In order for the body to soak in nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, ect. must have a chemical reaction it.  Neither GMOs or aspartame do such thing.  In other words, they go in, and they go out.  That's it.  So if you're buying the more expensive milk because it says "organic" or "GMO free", then congrats, you have been tricked by a well played advertisement technique.  These items are no healthier than the original ones.  There is absolutely no concrete evidence of the correlation between artificial ingredients and obesity.  Unconsciously, however, we continue to believe what we want.  Yes, if you google this topic several talk shows and interviews will show up bashing GMOs and aspartame.  But think, how many of these people are doctors? In fact, Mr. Richards showed us a talk show where their sign spelled aspartame incorrectly.   This leads to to question, do these people really know what the Hell they're talking about anyways? Where are the statistics?  The lab results?  The studies?  But no, we see this crappy talk show and then mark another tally in our brains as evidence of why we think we are fat.  This absolutely outrages me.

High and Low

After reflecting on Blackfish, I began to analyze how the director organized the best and worst parts of the film.  In other words, I created what I thought were the highest and the lowest point of the film and where they meet.  As the film lead into its highest point, Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the director, displayed Dawn Brancheau as one of Sea World's top trainers.  The film described Dawn with several great qualities through interviews with those who had worked with her.  She was a hard working, talented, and bright employee who loved her career.  It was described that Dawn had fulfilled her life purpose.  The film's lowest point was then fused with its highest.  Dawn passed away in a horrific, violent attack from the orca she trained, Tilikum.  This tragedy was the lowest point of the film as it was sorrowful beyond belief.  Sea World's best trainer, Dawn, had passed away in such an appalling accident.  The inspiring Dawn has left a mark on the world and there are events today that take place in her memory.