Abstract
This paper gives a brief account of the contents of the movie Gattaca. The paper represents a critical analysis of eugenics and genetic engineering as related to the movie. However, the main issue comprehensively discussed is the dangers of such technologies if they were not restricted
Introduction
Gattaca is a world that represent a time when eugenics and genetic engineering has turn out to be the standard advancement to reproduction. The society entails a tradition of self-advancement via the means of genetic determinations, a caste scheme of valid and in-valids in addition to societal prejudice rooted in genetics. This sterilized and cold civilization of superior associations like in Gattaca encourages competition, isolation and discrimination (Kirby, 2000). This is an issue that is hazardous to persons and relations and demonstrates a conceited belief to the science world. In this paper, I will discuss the menace of unrestrained genetic technology
The usage of technology to improve individual’s competences is what influences Niccol’s Gattaca civilization. A philosophy of accomplishment, interrelated with genetic engineering governs the entire civilization. Mothers pick the finest attributes replica of themselves for their offspring, eradicating all their inadequacies. These alleged flawless specimens are the unimpeded leading class in the social order, whereas the ‘in-valid’- the individuals whose genomic profiles have deficiency in some trait, suffer in poorly paid tedious work. Truthful to genomic determinism, corporations cease to perform job interviews; however, somehow depending exclusively on tissue sample tests to analyse an applicant’s prospective. Society’s fixation with describing individuals by their genomic background amplifies the significance of genes.
In the introductory scene, the deafening bang of a fingernail hitting the ground in thrilling detail highlights the burden that is accorded to an individual’s physical composition. Irene snips hair from Vincent’s hair brush to obtain a profile that is a genomic data from an eyelash that makes Vincent a homicide suspect however saliva exposes the actual murderer. Therefore, what outlines humanity is virtuously body matter
Genomic discernment, marking persons endlessly, is portrayed by Niccol as erroneous, unfair and divisive within a community. The Genetic factor turn out to be destiny. Gnomists’ culture snubs the needs and thoughts of un-improved in-valids like Vincent. This precarious world of discernment is revealed when in-valids isolated in ghettos, are amassed subsequently to the Director’s homicide, and the condescending insolence of the police officer towards Eugene, prior to his knowledge of his genomic supremacy. Embarrassed of Vincent’s genomic ‘destiny’, his father transfers his name to his subsequent child skipping Vincent, who is perfectly genetically engineered.
Flashbacks of Vincent’s upbringings illustrate Vincent being detached from his family, highlighting class separations and genomic discrimination even within the nuclear family structure. Anton, dreadful of ‘inferior’ blood, declines to be Vincent’s blood sibling thus placing elite status and ‘blood’ before ‘blood’ relationships. Once Vincent is prohibited from joining school, since the ‘insurance’ would not shield it, demonstrates the discerning and treacherous world that unrestrained technology has generated.
The inaccuracy of prognostic genetics is uncovered via Vincent who conquers and surpasses his ‘destiny’. His conscientious cleaning and flashing of genomic materials highlight the brawl mandated to disregard society’s obligated destiny. Attesting ‘there is no gene for fate’, he transmutes and contests the acumen of permitting genetic latent to choose the future of persons, while being inspirational to others, throughout his voyage to the stars.
Vincent beats Anton twice at swimming; demonstrating the genetic factor is not the solitary determinant-
‘The impossible happened. It was the one moments in our lives that my brother was not as strong as he believed, and I was not as weak.’ (Pope, 2003)
In place of the physical fate, it is the strengths a person’s mental capacity that governs the prospect of an individual, and Vincent demonstrates this. His defects offer him the spirit the others lack. Niccol criticizes the fascination with genetics as an issue which shades individuals to realism.
Conclusion
The movie censures the inaccurate principle of eugenics and genetic engineering that aspire to eliminate all ‘undesirable’ character and flaws. Within this ‘manicured’ planet, human zeal still search for deliverance; people silently impair the regulations, allegiance and love carry on and individualism lives on. The soul lingers strong, and can act as a balance to the unconstructive propensity of a domineering, overprotective society where unrestrained technology is not only treacherous, but as well can conquer.
References
Pope, M., (2003). Cambridge Wizard Student Guide Gattaca. Cambridge University press.
Kirby, D.A. (2000). The New Eugenics in Cinema: Genetic Determinism and Gene Therapy in GATTACA. Science Fiction Studies, 27: 193-215. Retrieved 2008-01-08.
