GATTACA

I think this movie is very interesting so far. The idea of genetically engineered children being prodominat in the future is a likely topic. The most interesting thing I found is how the movie overcame the ethical boundries genetic engineering has. The population usually thinks messing around with nature or how God has made things is not okay, but in the movie instead of saying genetically engineering, the doctors/scientists say its making a better life for the child. They say this because technically they are getting rid of the bad qualities normal, non-genetically tested individuals pass on to their children. However, the children are still different than how nature intended and have lives that arent always better.


These genetically engineered people are said to have better lives and be superior to the normal race of their parents. The threat of disease and death are replaced with the idea that they are superior and they must live up to the expectations the doctors give them when they are born. For example, the real Jerome has a hard time coping with his 2nd place medal for swimming. In addtion, now that he broke his back, he cannot reach his goals that were given to him before he was born becasuse he is handicaped.

The idea that we can change our children to rid them of disease and give them a longer and better life seem nice. However, I think it is a bad idea to change the values of society to praise a new generation of genetically enhanced people who are superior to every one else. I think it sounds worse than talking about messing around with the genetics of unborn children.