Benedict Akindutire1

Benedict Akindutire Gattaca Response Our current genetic engineering technology has the potential to reach even higher levels of advancement than what we already possess in the not-so-distant future. We already possess much of the science and technology knowledge to make these ideas become a reality. After viewing the firm Gattaca, I do not believe it is ethically sound for our society to start using genetic engineering technologies the same way as in the movie. I believe that any genetic engineering by scientists is the equivalent of playing God and is therefore always unethical. The day of Vincents birth marked the first of many DNA tests, where his entire life history was brought forth in the matter of seconds from the prick of a needle on his foot. He was deemed as genetically ill and expected to die at the age of 30 before he even completed his first day of life. By the time his brother was conceived genetics had taken a turn, which gave Vincents parents the ability to alter his genetic makeup making him seemingly perfect. Once his brother Anton was born Vincent was constantly comparing himself and attempting to reach that same level of perfection. Even with his genetic illnesses, Vincent strived to reach his own level of perfection. Vincent Freeman had a dream to make a journey to space, but due to his genetic makeup he was categorized as being less than acceptable for such a journey. Vincents dream was not easily attainable and was so far-fetched that it seemed impossible. As stated by the Dalai Lama, Peoples life choices and indeed their very self-identity may be significantly affected by their perception of genetic risk, but those perceptions may not be correct and the risk may not be actualized. With the perception of an early death and countless genetic issues, Vincent was considered underclass that could only fulfill meaningless job tasks such as cleaning office spaces. He knew those perceptions could be

Benedict Akindutire2 proven wrong and that he did not have to live his life believing that he would not amount to anything more than a janitor. With a burning passion, Vincent seeks advice from a professional who leads him to Gerome Morrow, a seemingly perfect human with outstanding genetics. Vincent takes on the identity of Gerome and pursues a career at Gattaca. In order to pass through Gattacas vigorous gene testing, Vincent has created a flawless plan to use Geromes blood, urine, hair, or any other specimen to pass through each test and prove his identity. After passing numerous tests, Vincent finally sees his dream becoming a reality, he is offered the opportunity to travel to Titan, Saturns 14th moon. Vincent proves that even with genetic illnesses, it is possible to achieve your dream through passion and hard work. Genetic engineering technologies would allow us to pick and choose certain traits that we desire for our children to have. However, if we were to live our lives with the constant idea of perfectionism then we may never be satisfied. As the Dalai Lama states, The value of a person rests not on physical appearance, not on intellectual or athletic achievement, but on the basic, innate capacity for compassion in all human beings. Vincent proved his hard work and strength through a swimming race when his perfect brother needed rescuing because he was not strong enough to swim back to shore. Vincents compassion for success far outweighed his brothers physical appearance, intellectual and athletic achievement. Though Vincents genetic makeup was not chosen by his parents, he was still capable of achieving perfect genetics. He was able to whiten his teeth, change his eye color, add height, and work for a stronger physique. Vincent is an example of how genetic engineering by scientists is unnecessary, because even his perfect brother and Gerome were inadequate when put to the test.