Tom Brown, Ph.D. ,  Associate Professor of Science Education

The Baffling Bunny

What would you do if you were an artist who wanted to spark debate about the practice of transferring characteristics from one animal into another? The practice, known as transgenics, involves that transport of genetic material from one animal (or plant) to another in order to produce a new animal with the desired characteristic.  It means that, for the first time in history, we can create new life forms that have never before walked on the planet. 

While this new ability may be both fascinating and useful, many people believe that we have no business entering into this new science of creation.  Are we playing God? Do we have the right to change animals for our own benefit? These are just a few questions that we must consider as ponder how far to go with new science technologies.  

Now as an artist,  your job is to is to light up this issue so that people will begin to discuss it, gain understanding, and take action according to their beliefs.   Develop a plan to promote and educate people regarding the practice of transgenics.  You could write poems or songs about it, or draw, paint and sculpt.  Whatever you think would be the most creative and effective way to raise the public's awareness of this issue.  After doing so, you can click the link below to see how the artist Eduardo Kac decided to illuminate this issue.

 

The Baffling Bunny