MUTATIONS
This project began as a conversation around the dinner table and explores the concept of mutation. is mutation inherently good or bad? can altering plants or animals be positive or negative? why are our connotations of mutation largely negative, and alteration good? can we think of mutation as a change to enhance, improve, or get better?
This project looks closely at mutation in the context of food. how do we see genetically modified organisms versus lab-cultured meat? are they the same or different?
This project began as a conversation around the dinner table and explores the concept of mutation. is mutation inherently good or bad? can altering plants or animals be positive or negative? why are our connotations of mutation largely negative, and alteration good? can we think of mutation as a change to enhance, improve, or get better?
This project looks closely at mutation in the context of food. how do we see genetically modified organisms versus lab-cultured meat? are they the same or different?
I took what I learned from the staged conversation and use it to foster others like it, but in order to have successful conversations, people need a bit more background on the subject(s) to get started. This project is part performance, part role-playing game staged at a pop-up dinner party. Participants will be given a set menu where they can choose their position, they then get a briefing card based on their position, which tells them a bit about what they're defending.
example:
BRIEF: You’re arguing for a future where we only use lab-based meats. first, see if your dinner party guests are aware of lab-grown meats, and then gauge their feelings on it. then, convince them of the possibilities of a lab-grown-only future.
The four briefing cards are:
Participants are thus guided into the conversation along with suggested questions/discussion points. The goal is for participants to share their own opinions and come to their own conclusions. will they choose one future over the other, or will they combine? will people take what they've learned into their real lives afterward, will they be changed by the conversation?
For multiple entry points into this topic, there is an app version of the cards, only accessible after attending the pop-up dinner so you can stage your own dinner party with these discussion cards with a personalized menu. Additional app features include learning more about each position.
example:
BRIEF: You’re arguing for a future where we only use lab-based meats. first, see if your dinner party guests are aware of lab-grown meats, and then gauge their feelings on it. then, convince them of the possibilities of a lab-grown-only future.
The four briefing cards are:
- lab-grown chicken
- plant-based meat
- genetically-modified organisms
- non-animal diet
Participants are thus guided into the conversation along with suggested questions/discussion points. The goal is for participants to share their own opinions and come to their own conclusions. will they choose one future over the other, or will they combine? will people take what they've learned into their real lives afterward, will they be changed by the conversation?
For multiple entry points into this topic, there is an app version of the cards, only accessible after attending the pop-up dinner so you can stage your own dinner party with these discussion cards with a personalized menu. Additional app features include learning more about each position.