Multiple truths, multiple realities

Reflecting on the semester as a student in this science and culture course I can easily say I am leaving with a new critical approach to learning. As someone who is usually pretty open and articulate among peers in my own field of study, it was refreshing to come in to a classroom in which I had little to no knowledge on the topics being discussed, and to simply sit back and allow several voices, often contradicting ones, shape my learning experience. I guess a regret I have now is that I didn't voice my opinions more often, and as I came to learn they were just as valid as any one else's voice. However, the importance of language and rhetoric were also brought to my attention in this class which may have to do with the disconnect I felt some times. The more adept we are at understanding all languages, the greater of an ability we can have in shaping reality, or at least making sense of it. I echo Wainok's sentiments about doubt, in that I've also learned that it's important to question and probe at information that can be easily written off as truth. Whether it has to do with GMOs, climate change, or sexual desire... it's always important to gain multiple perspective in order for the truth to illuminated. For example, my group did our intervention project on GMOs with the overall thesis that "GMOs are bad". But after the poster presentations my view of GMOs shifted as I was made to see that most foods are genetically modified in some way, and that the acronym GMO has really formed a bad rep because of the negative connotations surrounding it. Again, language shaping our understanding of what is true or untrue, right or wrong, is also important in understanding these issues. Even Jeehye's personal perspectives were enough to alter my own; in terms of GMOs I remember her saying that in Korea you don't question whether or not a food is genetically modified or not, that you should just be happy and thankful for being fed. I've thought a lot about what Val was saying, that cultural studies seems to muddy science studies, and I don't know if I necessarily agree, but again it is that constant existing dichotomy that ultimately shatters all of our hope and understanding in reality... when the two are unable to come together and form truth, but instead butt heads and create multiple false truths. And yet, it seems that because there are so many people, so many ideologies and beliefs floating around, that it's necessary for these multiple truths to exist. Despite their "realness", people do tend to cling to certain forms of rhetoric and language that provide them with protection and safety. At the end of the day we all just want to feel like we belong somewhere, even if it is among the crazy anti-environmentalists.