Genetic Engineering Revealed In Clifford's The Big Red Dog

The history of genetic engineering dates back to early prehistoric times. Our ancestors selectively breeded their crops and livestock, choosing the plants and animals with the best characteristics to reproduce. As scientists discovered more about genetics and as technology developed, mankind got closer to being able to directly alter an organism’s characteristics. In 1963, one of the most successful pieces of propaganda, with over 129 million copies sold worldwide, was published, and it completely altered the scope of this world. Norman Bridwell’s Clifford, the Big Red Dog spoke passionately regarding genetic engineering, portraying the practice in a positive light. Critics of this science were silenced after reading this, and many scientific accomplishments, such as the first transfer of DNA into a bacterium cell, were achieved immediately following the release of this book. Known by virtually the entire American population, Clifford, the Big Red Dog targets the minds of young children and brainwashes them into supporting genetic engineering. Bridwell’s portrayal of Clifford, a genetically modified dog downplays

Through Bridwell’s characterization of Clifford, it is evident that there are serious implications to genetic engineering. Clifford’s peculiar, unnatural features cause many other characters to view him with looks of fear and apprehension. (See figure 1) His abnormal appearance instills a sense of terror in the other characters, proving that he is a menace to the town. Not only is Clifford threatening in his physical appearance, but he also causes harm to others. Clifford “runs after cars” and “digs up flowers”. Although genetic engineering can create an ideal version of an organism, this recombination of genetic material can also create a monster, as seen in Clifford. Those are just a few of the examples of the cons of genetic