Okay, so the whole “evil Monsanto” conversation is old (albeit accurate) and so are the company’s attempts to silence it. But nothing says “turning over a new leaf” like a fun kids activity book about bioengineering, right?
Monsanto and six other major bioengineering companies recently released a book for kids about the wonders of genetically modified food, deeming them safe, environmentally sound and generally better than natural agriculture. I’m hooked!
A lot of folks aren’t though, especially because this booklet will be distributed to agriculture and science classrooms across the states.
The book opens with a dandy “Hey Kids!” welcome, and reminds me how much I hate the adjective “neat”: “This is an activity book for young people like you about biotechnology — a really neat topic. Why is it such a neat topic? Because biotechnology is helping to improve the health of the Earth and the people who call it home.”
It goes on to explain that GMOs are great for the world because they don’t require pesticides—but it doesn’t really explain why. It’s because it’s already in the leaves, children! Also, cotton is fantastic because it makes t-shirts. And look how much fun being a scientist is! To learn about these facts and more, check out the handy handbook yourself (PDF).
I imagine a boardroom scene where this was decided. And you know what? It’s a lot like the scene in Star Wars where the Imperials are discussing the merits of owning the Death Star.
that’s just fucked up. I still remember when the nuclear power industry was producing propaganda for kids in school about how safe nuclear power is. Ready Kilowatt, anyone?
Monsanto’s pro-banana propaganda will have it’s work cut out undoing all these anti-banana ads I see everywhere. Banner ad with an animated pic of a banana turning black: “5 Foods you must not eat: Cut down a bit of stomach fat every day by never eating these 5 foods.”
Apparently bananas cause ugly stomach fat! Not all the other fatty and nonnutritious shit Americans eat and drink.
Also: Can someone explain this to me: the booklet claims in the game shown above that rice “Reduces Blindness”:
“Rice will one day have extra beta-carotene, which is a source of Vitamin A. They call it ‘Golden Rice.’ It could help fight diseases and blindness.”
They’re telling kidz that foods with extra beta carotene can actually cure the blind? Or it could one day… who knows! Neat!
Page 4: “Take a Clnser Look”
Whatever are you talking about, this book says it’s from the wonderful people at the “Council for Biotechnology Information” – surely a trustworthy and honest bunch. And in no way would they be connected to industry, or of course they would say so!