276 - Transgenic Corn Linked To Neo-Fascism

Genetically modified crops are controversial and indeed have been banned in several locations because of concerns that they may cause unintended, as yet unforeseen and potentially hazardous consequences. These maps show just how unforeseen and hazardous transgenic crops can be.

The first is a map of Germany composed out of corn pellets, showing where experiments with transgenic corn (Genmais in German) are carried out. The map, unfortunately not in very high resolution, indicates a high concentration of Genmais in the eastern half of the country, the formerly independent German Democratic Republic. In the western half of the country, transgenic corn is limited mainly to some areas in the southern part of the country (i.e. Bavaria).

And then, here is a map showing where the extreme right-wing part of the political spectrum is strongest. Again, the map is quite low in resolution, leaving the map’s legend a bit of a mystery. Possibly, the coloring denotes the number of racist incidents committed in that area. In any case, it’s quite obvious where Rechtsradikalismus (‘right-wing radicalism’) is strongest: in the southeast corner of eastern Germany, to a lesser extent in the northeast corner; with a lesser but still significant presence in the western part of the country, mainly in the center and south of the country. Notice anything?

Well, yes: there is an obvious correlation between the geography of transgenic corn and the geography of neo-fascism in Germany. As everyone knows, correlation does not imply causality. Although it is true that since the Middle Ages, the number of witches burned has decreased while the average temperature of the Earth has increased, global warming wouldn’t be reversed by throwing old ladies on pyres.

Thanks to Christoph Höser for suggesting these maps, originally from ‘Die Zeit’ and ‘Zeit Magazine’, taken here from Lupe, a German-language satire blog.