Vincent's Discrimination In Gattaca

From the beginning of his life Vincent has dealt with discrimination that limit both Vincent and his parent’s choices. Vincent’s first day at kindergarten exemplifies this disadvantage. Vincent was denied insurance based of his genetic tests, and thus not allowed to enter the kindergarten. The school barred his entrance with chains. His exclusion sets a pattern of discrimination that ultimately ends with his exclusion from the space ship, his one true dream in life. Eugenics has led to an obstacle in every corner of Vincent’s life. Prompting Vincent to cynically state that “they used to say that a child conceived in love has a far greater chance of happiness. They don’t say that anymore.” Only those born through genetic engineering are given

Many companies, such as the Gattaca corporation Vincent hopes to work at, discriminate based on genetics. A simple urine test is all it takes to identify the valids from the invalids. Although this is officially banned, companies and employers use DNA testing discretely, such as extracting DNA from a simple handshake, instead of resumes to select their employees. “Godchilds” find themselves socially paralyzed by this prejudiced process. Look no further then the scene where Vincent applies to a job and is allowed to come in for an interview. Vincent makes clear that “no matter how much I lied in my resume, the real resume was in my cells.” The second he enters the room, the interviewer doesn’t say anything and instead presents him with a vial for a urine

So Vincent is left with only one choice: to take on the identity of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a cripple who has ideal genetics. Ironically it is technology that allows Vincent to succeed, but it is technology that first lead to Vincent’s grievances. The separation between the two social groups is seen here when Vincent, under the guise of Jerome, is given an interview at Gattaca. Vincent is shocked to find out that the interview is essentially just a genetic test. Nothing about Vincent (or in this case Jerome) matters; from his past achievements, to his skills and work ethic. All that truly matters is that Vincent’s (Jerome’s) genetic test reveals a top tier body. In the the world of Gattaca the privilege of the higher class allows them to achieve their goals by simply existing. It’s a world with a near insurmountable barrier for invalids to achieve what they want. In the society of Gattaca it seems one is only truly given all the freedoms of being “human” if they are a Valid in the