Throughout history there always has been one group of people that has been considered “the other.” No matter what we do as humans discrimination will exist and will continue to exist if we continue to thrive for a better and more superior human. I believe that if history is a guide, the genetically enhanced “better” humans will seek to control and perhaps eliminate “the other” which would be normal and natural humans.
In the film, Gattaca, they show a world where naturally conceived and delivered babies are a dying breed. Once a baby is born they can see the life expectancy, the diseases he/she might be prone to, and any other disabilities or factors that may affect the child’s future. After giving birth to one normal son, Vincent, the family decides to genetically pick their next son so he will have a better and happier future. They can pick the sex, eye color, hair color, IQ, etc. for their next son, Anton. Throughout the brothers lives there is constant competition. However, Vincent is always losing to his younger brother because they didn’t get to decide on his makeup. Vincent love of space drives him to do well in school and work towards being an astronaut his whole life. One day at dinner his father says, “The only way you will see the inside of a space ship is if you’re cleaning it,” which showed a young Vincent what he might expect from people for the rest of his life. He was just as capable of being an astronaut as anyone, but he was still susceptible to heart problems and a short life expectancy. Thus Vincent and the rest of the natural born babies became “the other” people in society.
In the essay, “The Man on the Moon” by author George Annas, he talks about
TO BE CONTINUED
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