Rabbit-proof Fence / Gattaca
"Gattaca-like" Society
Overview
Even though a society exactly like the one featured in "Gattaca" cannot exist, we still do many things that share similar ideas used in "Gattaca". First off, the most obvious form of genectic manipulation/enhancement is anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are used by athletes and can temporarily increase size and strength. Other methods include genetic engineering and gene testing. With genetic engineering, parents are able to create the "perfect" baby. Gene testing allows parents to scientifically locate a child's strengths.
Anabolic Steroids and Human Growth Hormones
Anabolic steriods and HGH are illegal in sports all over the world for a reason. They increase the size and strength of the athlete that takes them. Steroid usage contains lots of Eugenics-based ideas. This is why steroid usage is closely related to morals expressed in "Gattaca". Steroids are not a natural way of developing success. Just like in "Gattaca", success is chosen by genetic engineering before birth. Steroids have turned in to an easy way to unfairly put yourself on top. Even though anabolic steroids and HGH are not as similar as methods used in "Gattaca", they still share the same reasons for carrying out these methods, to be the best.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering in humans is an issue that has been becoming more and more popular. Genetic engineering is literally choosing the different genes and crafting a baby to your specifications. This is a problem because everyone in society wants their baby to be perfect. However, everyone knows that not every body, if even anyone, can be perfect. A Time/CNN poll said, "58% of people think altering human genes is against the will of God." This only helps to show how it is impossible to have a society such as the one in "Gattaca". If over half of the people who participated in the pole believe it is against their religion, then there's no way a "Gattaca-like" society would be allowed today. Although genetic engineering is exactly what characterizes a society like "Gattaca", genetic engineering today is nowhere close to what's featured in the movie. Genetic engineering infused in to society like it is in the movie is not possible in our society.
Gene Testing
Atlas sports genetics, in Boulder, Colorado, is using genetic testing to the fullest. They are able to administer simple DNA tests to small children, and in return they can tell what sports the children will excel at. The gene that Atlas Sports tests for is ACTN3. This gene can tell whether or not the child will better at speed and power sports, or endurance sports. Parents are paying $149 to have this test done. This is closely related to a "Gattaca-like" society. Just like in Gattaca, this is nearly cheating, by being able to figure out what your child will be the best at. Parents believe that finding what your child is best at early could lead to enormous success later on in life. Although this is very similar to "Gattaca" society, it's still not nearly the same. A true "Gattaca-like" society is not possible.
Bibliography
- 1. Macur, Juliet. "Born to Run? Little Ones Get Tested for Sports Gene." New York Times, Nov. 29,2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/sports/30genetics.html?no_interstitial
- 2. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979980-2,00.html
- 3. http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Steroids/Anabolicsteroids.html
