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Essay / Consequences of genetic engineering in the film 'GATTACA'
Dan W. Brock ambitiously sets out to see whether there are conditions under the idea whether genetic engineering of human offspring is morally permissible and whether it There are moral limitations that limit the use of genetic engineering. In “Genetic Engineering” he first defines the obvious complications on this subject. He states that since this is a new medical experiment, there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done to understand the specific genes that contribute not only to human diseases and disabilities, but also to the multitude of physical problems, cognitive, emotional and complex. behavioral traits of a normal, functioning human being. He then goes on to discuss the various uses of genetic engineering, including prevention. People who are in a lower economic situation will not be able to afford to modify the genes of their future generations. There will therefore be another inequality within our society. Today, people who belong to lower classes or are part of a minority have fewer opportunities and are less considered in life because of their views on life. Although genetics do not yet come into play, this result may be comparable and present in the film GATTACA. In the film, genetic stereotypes are developed through the invention of genetically modified children. This results in the dominance of professional fields and the general idea of succeeding in life, which challenges non-genetically modified people in life. People created to be genetically enhanced were considered successful and among the best, while people of natural birth or "children of God" were considered inadequate, unhealthy, and having little or no opportunity in the life. Every flaw was pointed out and made them see their imperfections rather than their abilities. Their personality, appearance and intelligence were neglected and only their genetic makeup mattered. People of natural birth were often seen as outcasts, degenerates, and were often accused of crimes because a genetically engineered person could not agree with this statement. I believe that genetic engineering is not morally permissible and that moral limits cannot outweigh the beneficial aspects of this subject. Although it can be used to cure diseases, eliminate physical and mental disabilities, and expand the human race as a whole. However, the negative consequences outweigh these benefits. Not only does this carry potential medical and health consequences, but it also raises many ethical and moral dilemmas. As stated previously, “no one can predict with certainty how quickly this understanding will be achieved in the future or what its ultimate limits will be. The way genes interact with other genes in different environments only multiplies what most of us don't yet understand” (Brock 1), so why start messing with our genomes now? Why try to defy the inevitable and avoid death? Why try to create a race of superhumans that could lead to the mass destruction of our planet ?