Causes for Concern
This second period of Eugenics has the potential to be far more harmful to mankind than the first. The following causes for concern follow the three stages mentioned earlier in the Return of Eugenics. Each general concern only becomes worse as another stage is entered.
Stage 1
Increased Difficulty in Predicting Side Effects
The greater the number of gene interactions involved, the greater the number of possible outcomes. Also, the higher the complexity level of these interactions, the higher the probablity of side effects resulting from a change in the process or any of the genes involved in that process. Thus not only would it be more difficult to predict all side effects, there would be a greater likelihood of them occurring.
However, as noted before,
- “[The fact] that the multiple functions of genes and gene interactions are highly complex does not mean that all human genetic engineering will be on hold until we understand them. No technology ever develops in this fashion. New drugs are invented, tested, and approved for use all the time without the manufacturers knowing exactly how they produce their effects." (Fukuyama, )
Potentially Worse and More Complicated Negative Side Effects
Most drugs have side effects and are regulated as a result. However, most side effects remain unknown until the drug is actually tested in a large enough population. Some drugs have been recalled as a result of their side effects but only after a number of people were affected.
However, with genetic engineering especially, the stakes are simply higher. The genetic manipulation cannot be 'recalled' and may not be able to be treated since genes are more fundamental and their interactions are likely more complicated and less understood than conventional drugs.
This problem gets worse in the next stage.
Stage 2
The Blurry Line and Negative Externalities
Negative externalities are costs borne by third parties not involved in the transaction that gave rise to the cost. In the case of the family, parents who may even be seeking the best interest of their children may make genetic decisions for their children that may have several types of negative consequences. These negative externalities will be born primarily by the children and may have varying degrees of seriousness.
Given the afore-mentioned 'blurry line' these genetic decisions could start with small increases in memory capacity of the child (similar to Ritalin) but eventually lead to the addition of traits that may be simply be considered favorable in a particular culture at a particular point in time. Such things as ultrathin girls, pliable boys, or even red hair (as Fukuyama suggests) may change within the culture and from one generation to the next or may even be harmful to the child irrespective of generation or culture.
What makes such decisions particularly harmful is that a child can change his/her ideas or practices but it would be substantially more difficult for him/her to change his/her own genetic make-up or genotype. One can even imagine a situation in which a gene manipulation (although the term 'gene treatment' may eventually be preferred) that results in an unforseen but significant harmful side effect. Let us say for instance that the side effect involves a painful disorder or a signficant succeptibility to a certain virulent disease. These conditions will be suffered by the child and all its descendants. Are they then to suffer and forego children of their own for what could have been a superficial enhancement that their parents chose?
Some children do not even make it that far. In many Asian countries, female children are aborted constantly since males are culturally favored. In Korea, for example, the ratio of males to females is approximately 122 to 100.
Let the Competition Begin!
Eventually, as genetic engineering becomes widespread enough that differences between the haves and haves-not become noticeable, there will be an increased demand for treatments (i.e. improvements) for children who may be entering a generation of unskilled, skilled, and 'super-skilled' workers. Aside from those parents who may end up warring with their peers to see who can get the better upgrade for the child for their own glory, there may be parents who feel that unless they help (i.e. improve) their children, all of their progeny may be doomed to become members of some genetically inferior underclass.
Even currently, with our competitive job market and "consumerist culture" (McKibben, ), sociologists such as Austin Bunn are saying that we have already gone from parenting to "product development." (New York Times, )
Stage 3
Humans? What humans?
