Genetic Engineering In Gattaca

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A Socialistic Society Created By Genetic Engineering:
A Loss of Liberty?

Ronald Dean
Science Fiction
Professor Laird
DeVry University
October 21, 2014

Introduction to a Not so Distant Genetically Controlled Society

Imagine a nearly perfect world low crime, low pollution, little or no diseases and a balanced economy between the rich and poor. Genetic engineering as demonstrated in the film Gattaca shows us a socialistic society. Which is similar to what Socialism was as defined by Karl Marx’s socialist slogan “from each according to his labor, to each according to his needs” (Pevzner, I. a. ,1994). Could scientifically engineered socialistic society last with without a revolution to the system which controls it? The author and director of the film Gattaca Andrew Niccol takes the audience through a tour of the main characters lives, in this tour we find the actions of each character has an impact on another.
The Valids are genetically engineered humans, before birth the best parts of the parent’s genes are analyzed for building a human better than they were. The Valids in society are allowed to become valued members of society such as doctors, lawyers and business mangers. The second class is referred to as Invalids, they are defined as humans born of faith or natural births (no genetic engineering involved). Although the ‘Invalids’ are not wanted in this engineered society they will still happen due do possibility parents can’t afford to hire a genetetist. The fate of the ‘Invalids’ and ‘Valids’ is determined at birth by the DNA in their blood. Valids are allowed to become valued members of society and Invalids are forced to do any jobs that do not required high level of skill or aptitude such as janitorial work. In the film Gattaca with strong will power and determination to succeed even an insignificant ‘Invalid’ can rise to the

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