Genetic Engineering the Effect of Essay

Even though Irene is almost perfect, it is her imperfection, an unacceptable chance of heart failure that precludes her from achieving her dream to go into space. Yet in the end her heart does not fail. Initially she questions Vincent's "validity" and surreptitiously has him sequenced. Later she is appalled to discover that he is a "God child," but in the end she helps him maintain his deception and go into space.

The character of Jerome under goes a metamorphosis during the film. A genetically superior specimen, he is paralyzed when he attempts suicide after finishing second in a swimming race and cannot accept his failure. As Vincent observes when he first meets Jerome "there is no gene for fate." Jerome's redemption is achieved through Vincent. Early in their relationship Jerome is bitter about his fate as demonstrated through his over use of alcohol among other things. As the story progresses he becomes much more vested in the outcome and endeavors to ensure that Vincent is successful in achieving his dream. When the day of the launch arrives Jerome gives Vincent enough genetic samples for two lifetimes. Vincent attempts to thank Jerome but he replies, "I got the better end of the deal. I only lent you my body; you lent me your dream." Jerome tells Vincent that he is going on a trip also, and while Jerome is launched into space, Vincent climbs into an incinerator puts his silver medal around his neck, and commits suicide. The medal turns gold as the flames consume his body. The irony of the situation is that genetically superior Jerome finally overcomes his demons and garners peace of mind through helping the genetically inferior Vincent.

Discussion

I liked the ending of the film. This film illustrated Niccol's unwavering faith in the spirit of man to overcome even the most intimidating obstacles. This film is a celebration of faith over science. It is the intangibles that make us human and give us our humanity.

The moral issues surrounding genetic engineering are deeply rooted in the fabric of our lives.Linda Glenn (2004) notes that opponents of genetic engineering argue that by dabbling in this we run the risk of creating a race of super humans, redefining what it means to be normal and increasing the ever-widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. On the other hand proponents of genetic engineering argue that currently parents can and do give their children advantages by sending them to better schools, giving them growth hormones and such, and that banning genetic engineering is a denial of individual liberties.

The question of whether there is anything wrong with the attempt to have perfect children is a difficult one. Every parent wants their child to have all the advantages available to them, yet at what cost. There are likely to be many unintended consequences which we can't foresee at this time for society if we endeavor to genetically manipulate the human race. If we take a step back and examine, let's say, our current financial crisis one may attribute it to unmitigated greed. Who is to say that the currency of technology will not bring forth the same result?

Hypothetically, if I was given the opportunity to be genetically retrofitted then I would need to consider the reasons for the manipulation. If, for instance, the manipulation would cure a condition then I might be inclined to say yes. Conversely, if the manipulation was not a medical necessity I would like to believe I would decline. But who knows, the genetic enhancement of tomorrow may be analogous to the cosmetic surgery of today.

References

Arnold P. (2009, November 9). Pros and cons of genetic engineering in humans. Bright Hub Retrieved October 9, 2010, from http://www.brighthub.com/science/genetics/articles/22210.aspx

Glenn, L.M. (2004). Ethical issues in genetic engineering and transgenics. American Institute of Biological Sciences. In ActionBioscience.org. Retrieved October 9, 2010, from http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/glenn.html

The Hastings Center. (2010). Willard Gaylin. The Hastings Center website. Retrieved October 9, 2010, from http://www.thehastingscenter.org/About/Board/Detail.aspx?id=1262

Niccol, A. (Director). (1997). Gattica. [Motion picture]. United States: Columbia Pictures......