A Classroom Conflict

By Suhanto Kastaredja
SMAN 14 Surabaya

One evening in December last year, Mrs Shirly Hamilton was visited by her five students, from
Aviton Senior High Schoo, Isabella, Ferro, Filodina Hanssen, and Nick. Mrs, Shirly Hamilton is
one of their favorite teachers. She teaches Enviroment studies. They visited her because they
gave her a surprise gift on her birthday. Certainly, Mrs. Hamilton was surprised to receive it.

‘Oh, it’s really wonderful hat,” said Mrs. Ferro as she opened it from the wrapped box.
Her students were very happy to know her facial expression of happiness.
“O.K, kids. You should taste my home-made cakes.” Each of her students took one. They
thanked her.
Isabela, then, told her and asked, “Mrs Hamilton, my mom always reminds me not to eat
GM food. She herself always avoids the GMO(Genetically modified organism) foods. She is a
member of Non GMO Action Group. She joins a regular meeting every month. Would you tell
us why GM foods seem so contraversial?”
Mrs, Hamilton nooded and the said, “Well, a GM (genetically modified) is the result of a
laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced
into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria,
viruses, insects, animals or even humans. These involve the transfer of genes. GMs are also
known as "transgenic" organisms.
“Where are they, Mrs. Hamilton? I mean the transgenic organisms?’ Hanssen asked.
Mrs Hamilton said, “. In your food! “The four children shouted together, “Ha…. Is that right,
mam? Mr. Hamilton, then, explained.
“No, I don’t consum GM food.
Introduced in the mid-1990s, GM foods are now present in the vast majority of processed
foods in the US. While they are banned as food ingredients in Europe and elsewhere, the USFDA
does not even require the labeling of GMOs in food ingredient lists”.
“FDA, Food and Drug Administration consider it the same as natural one, Mrs
Hamilton,” Nick suddenly interrupted. Everyone turned to him.”It seems you know much about
it,” Hanssen commented. “Well, just listen to Mrs. Hamilton first, Nick.”
“Although there have been attempts to increase nutritional benefits or productivity, the
two main traits that have been added to date are herbicide tolerance and the ability of the plant to
produce its own pesticide. These results have no health benefit, only economic benefit.” Mrs.
Hamilton explain and then torned to Filodina.
Filodina smiled and added, “ From my uncle’s web site, I learn that currently
commercialized GM crops in the U.S. include soy (91%), cotton (88%), canola (88%), corn
(85%), sugar beets (90%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (small
amount), “
She looked very scared then continued , “ What I am very sad with is that the products
derived from the above, including oils from all four, soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn
syrup and high fructose corn syrup among others are in a big question. “ She stopped for a
moment and wiped her forehead.
 “ There are also many "invisible ingredients," derived from GM crops that are not
obviously from corn or soy.Genetically modified foods have been linked to toxic and allergic
reactions, sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ studied in lab
animals. The effects on humans of consuming these new combinations of proteins produced in
GMOs are unknown and have not been studied.”
“Why do you keep silent, Nick,” asked Isabell. “Okay, it’s your turn, Nick, to express
your opinion.’ She bagged him to speak. But, as usual Nick has different opinions. He, then
said calmly, “Well, I know that you all disagee with GM foods. You can’t see the possitive sides
for the biotechnology products. “Mrs Shirly Hamilton and her four students laughed.
“You are for GM foods, Nick. Don’t you eat them everyday?” asked Mrs Hamilton to the
others. “No, Mam. We consume the oraganic foods. We avoid GM foods them,” they said
together.
Suddely Filodina’s handphoned rang, she turned to Mrs. Hamilton.” I’m sorry Mrs.
Hamilton. May I answer the call? “Certainly, “she replied.” It was Filodina’s father. He was
coming to pick her and her friends home.
“Before going home, please let me speak first,” asked Nick.
“Well, as a matter of fact, you never admit that you have togive up on topic we have
won.”Isabella complained.
“Sorry. Isabella. Don’t interrupt me, please, Once again let me speak first,” Nick asked.
He showed his serious face. It is Nick’s special speaking style as if he were a scientist. Knowing
his special style, Mrs Hamilton often thought that Nick would be a future leader. Some of the
students in her class enjoy his speaking style while the others sometimes hate it. Mrs Hamilton
knows it very well.
“Okay then, you may start speaking,” Hanssen supported him.
“Thanks, Hansen, “Nick smiled to him.
“If Mrs Hamilon agrees, I promise that tomorrow I will have a presentation. I will show
you a lot of data that GM foods are actually safe and we need them. It is like a computer. It’s
technology. We use it to make everything easier and faster. It helps us solve our problems.”
Finally, everybody agreed that Nick would be given time to defend his views on GM
food the next day.
The following day in Mrs. Hamilton class, Nick was ready with his power point. It
seemed that he had prepared his presentation serously. Mrs. Hamilton looked very happy to
know his readiness.
“Good morning, Mrs. Hamilton. Good morning, friends. I would like talk about GM
foods.”
Nick smiled and argued. “Some people dislike GM foods by saying:
“We better ban genetically changed foods. It is hard to say it is safe or not
“Genetically Modified Products are wide spread nowadays, because of the two different
processes. First is the increasing of the world's population. Second is the lack of resources. That's
why authorities of many countries are concerned with this problem and trying to find the
solution.” said Nick.
“So there are many reasons for not willing to accept GM foods.. We're running out of
land, water, fossil fuels, and other resources that are needed in order for our current system of
agriculture to feed all of those people.” Nick looked very confident with his ideas. He turned to
her teacher, Mrs. Hamilton and continued.
 “The United States and Canada have a lot of fertile farmland and thus can produce
enough food for their own people - and even surplusses of crops like corn and wheat. Other
countries lack adequate soil conditions. What's more, climate extremes such as floods, torrential
storms, and droughts can devastate countries' crops.”
“Some argue that genetic engineering can address all of these problems. GM crops may
be able to grow and flourish even in poor soil and harsh weather conditions. They can be
engineered to resist pests and diseases. Farmers might reap more fruits, vegetables, and grains
from GM plants. All in all, supporters of genetic engineering believe that this new technology
can increase the overall harvest from the world's farms and thus feed many people who would
otherwise go hungry, Nick supported the GM foods. After Nick finished his presentation, Abert
jumped and approached Nick. He pulled the collar’s of Nick‘s shirt.
Mrs. Hamilton shouted and the girls did, too. She ran to Albert and said,” Why? Why?
What is wrong? Sudenly, Albert pushed Nick and fell down. Mrs. Hamilton came to Albert and
took his hand. She asked him to sit down.
“Why did you treat him badly? Just tell me, please!” she asked him.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I was so emotional, Albert” Albert answered.” “I think he should
have given us time to express our ideas. It’s not fair. He dominated the class,” Albert protested.
“Okay, then. I can understand, “Mrs. Hamilton said. To calm him down, she expalained
what had happened at her house the day before.
Nick and some of the girls approched Mrs Hamilton and gave her a sign to give Albert to
speak. Mrs. Hamilton agreed.
Mrs. Hamilton asked all the students to sit down and then let Albert to come before the
class to deliver his opinios about GM foods.
Albert expressed apology to Mrs. Hamilton and Nick for being too emotional.He then
started speaking’ “
“Genetic modification is an area of biotechnology that is developing very rapidly. Some
people believe that it improves the quantity and quality of the food supply. But I don’t think so.
The safety of the products derived from this technology must be carefully assessed.” The girls
gave a big applause and shouted together, “That’s right.”
“Thank you,” Albert said.
“London Food and Farm Network, where my mother works for, is at the center of rebuilding
food systems in London. London Food & Farm Network believes everyone should have access
to fresh, healthy, and sustainably produced food for the long-term health of our environment,
economy and communities.” Albert explained.
“To achieve our mission, we should work with individuals, organizations, growers and
communities supporting models of sustainable growing practices. We should work to ensure that
all people in London can access safe, nutritious and enjoyable food. Finally, please and please
support and always access the website of LFFN. Thank you very much.” Albert ended his words.
Isabella, Filodina, Hanssen, Nick and Filodina rushed to Albert,” Great! Great!”

To end the class on that day, Mrs. Hamilton spoke to her students.” Once you know that
someone has stated an opinion, you have four basic options:  you can a) accept the opinion and
keep quiet, b) state your own opinion, c) express your agreement with the opinion, or d) express
your disagreement with the opinion.  In any case, you should always show respect for the
opinion.  The best way to do this is by realizing that if you had the experiences and information,
and you were in the same situation as the one stating the opinion, you would most likely have the
same opinion.  Respect the person for taking a stance and having enough courage to share the
opinion. Never tell someone stating an opinion that he or she is wrong - this is effective
communication.”

Surabaya 21, 2010

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