Discussing Genetic Organisms
Mercola (2014) uses ethos to highlight the evil of genetic engineering companies. Some of the points included are the high prices of inputs and the indiscriminate use of peasant farmers to test seeds leading to psychological trauma that results in suicide. This elicits some high emotion for the reader. The author also uses logic to explain various factors leading to the sad realities which are supported by research from various authors and organizations. However, the article lacks proper statistics from credible sources to make it strong. The article is also rhetoric by claiming that the debate on the safety of genetically modified foods is over but does not support that initial claim satisfactorily in the article. The website also supports the author’s point since it is aimed at organic consumers and, as such, would promote content fit for the audience.
Lynas (2016) uses a high level of logic to express support for genetically engineered foods that are supported by numerous researches. The author also appeals to emotion by using rhetorical questions to punch holes in counterarguments for genetically modified foods. The author uses an ethical argument in dismissing the statement that the report is deceptive by a spokeswoman from Friends of the Earth by citing that she acknowledged having no read the report. As such, the counterarguments seem unethical since the supporters have no clear understanding of the issue. The article is off-putting by being highly voluminous, which makes it difficult to follow through. The article is clear and has no rhetoric but rather provides key points and guidance to users who intend to support non-genetically modified foods such as being wise in the election period and using the power of money. The website also supports the author’s point since it is an alliance for scientists who are expected to support the work of science such as genetically modified foods.
In my view, the article by Lynas (2016) is stronger on the basis of having well-developed points that have logic to support the claims. The use of strongly cited research work and outlining the underlying causes and exemplifying examples using statistics from national databases makes the article’s claims highly credible. For this purpose, the article seems more trustworthy.