Abstract

The research on media representations of biotechnology often neglects its pictorial representations. The article tries to fill this gap by looking at pictures of biotechnology in German magazines between 1980 and 2000. It tries to identify visual strategies of both proponents and opponents of biotechnology. It is argued that pictures are more ambivalent than texts. The different representations of scientists imply that in the argument over biotechnology the role of scientists in modern society in general is negotiated. For the opponents the most important motive is the fear of dissolution of natural boundaries between species. In general, the pictures emphasize the cultural and emotional side of the debate which takes precedence over rational cost-benefit-analysis