It has been a while since the last time I have blogged about the exciting world of science! Well, I'm back! If you haven't already, I highly suggest that you either rent, buy, download or Netflix the movie, GATTACA! At first, I was nervous that the movie was going to be a very "low-budget", cheaply made science fiction movie that all biology classes watch because it's about DNA and genetic engineering. Well let me tell you: the movie was fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat, AND I also learned a thing or to about science. I suggest that before you read this blog, you visit one of my favorite websites, imdb.com, to read the synopsis of the movie, and see the actors that star in this great film.
However, if you are too lazy to click on the link, I will give you a brief story-line that I found on imdb.com, which was written by garykmcd.
"In the not-too-distant future, a less-than-perfect man wants to travel to the stars. Society has categorized Vincent Freeman as less than suitable given his genetic make-up and he has become one of the underclass of humans that are only useful for menial jobs. To move ahead, he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow, a perfect genetic specimen who is a paraplegic as a result of a car accident. With professional advice, Vincent learns to deceive DNA and urine sample testing. Just when he is finally scheduled for a space mission, his program director is killed and the police begin an investigation, jeopardizing his secret."
Ta-DA! Now that you know what the movie is about, you will have a better understanding of my blog.
Having a society of superior genetic engineering, like that portrayed in GATTACA, comes many advantages and disadvantages. To name a few obvious advantages: you would have a longer life span, less chance of developing any disease or physical abnormality, your IQ would be unbelievable! Basically, you would be able to reach your full potential, guaranteed. Well, that is, if you were a "valid" or genetically engineered by your parents and their physician. In Vincent Freeman's case, he was a "in-valid" , a "faith baby", a "God-child" and therefore, looked down upon. He was not perfect and thus, he did not fit into his perfect society. I believe that being perfect would be boring. The perfect society in the movie would become very blasé, very quickly.
The eccentric, the different, the misfits and the weak of our society, make us what we are: human. In my opinion, there is no such thing as being perfect. Just for the sake of things though, if our society was able to be "perfect" we would still see desired traits in some people, and strive to be more like them. We would still categorize people. It is part of our human nature to categorize people...it's just what we do. But without these unique people in the world, I feel our society would be very uncreative and rather boring.
I believe limits should be placed on genetic engineering. I am not sure where you would draw the line though. That is a very ethical question that is hard to answer. If I were born with a physical abnormality or disease, I would wish that something had been done to prevent that. But I think we are trying to hard to play God, so maybe we shouldn't even use it to eliminate disease and physical imperfections. Once again, if that technology was available and I had a child that was suffering, I know I would wish I had done something to prevent it.
Genetic engineering is rapidly developing and improving. A few generations from now, I bet parents will have the opportunity to pick and choose desired traits they want their child to have. Should we let that happen? I guess that is something you must decide for yourself.
