Against Alteration of the Human Genome
In my opinion, I do not believe that we should alter the genetic code. I believe we should not alter the genetic code because; it has no real world implications yet. It could be misused and cause discrimination to many races and cultures. Also, it will lose diversity and uniqueness amongst individuals as every individual would become the same.
To begin, I believe that we should not alter the genetic code because it has no real world implications yet. As of now altering the human genome has no real world implications; it could be a long process of understanding something that has not yet been fully discovered yet. It is quite possible that the understanding of the human genome would take too much time. It could be a waste and lead to nothing substantial. If the human genome is still going to take a long time to understand why should we focus on changing individuals into the "perfect" person; rather than using the genome to find cures. The genome shouldn't be altered because it is still unknown what effects it could have on human beings if people do try to alter the genetic code. Also, if the effects are unknown why are we trying to focus on something that is so degrading to the human race if it can be altered. The genome should be altered for items such as cures, medications, etc. Not to create the perfect person that does not exist. To conclude; if there are no real-world implications yet I do not believe we should further investigate to try and alter the genetic code
Secondly, I believe that the genetic code should not be altered because it could be misused and cause discrimination to many races. If the genetic code is found to be altered successfully it could cause destruction to many individuals because people could use the alteration of the genetic code poorly. The ways in which the genetic alteration could be misused include; using it to create a group of people who are the most "fit" and "perfect". I believe that no one is perfect and everyone is unique; taking away individuality can cause harm to people who may be different or who cannot afford genetic altering. Another way it could be misused is to terminate children who may have a disease; it is not okay to kill a child who is not born because their genes are not fit for survival of a full life. It can also be misused because it can cause discrimination against religions. Genetic alteration can cause discrimination in cultures because it goes against many religions; when Watson said, "If we don't play God, who will?" I was offended because God will play God; he created us for a reason not to be made into the so called "perfect" individual. If the alteration is being used by many cultures; the culture that is not using it could be pushed out of society and become an outcast because they do not believe in altering genes. Altering the genetic code should not be done because it can be misused and cause discrimination amongst cultures.
Finally, the genetic code should not be altered because it loses diversity and uniqueness amongst individuals as people would soon become the same. If we are altering the genetic code to make the perfect person then no one has individuality; which means no one has special talents to showcase to the world because everyone will be the same. Also changing the genetic code of someone who is different; (e.g.: someone who has Down Syndrome) does not mean that they cannot live life to the fullest. They are just like us; they just have a different way of learning skills; they are also very intelligent in many areas; just because they have a different gene sequence doesn't mean that they are less of a person than us. We were made to be the individuals we are today because that is how God wanted us to be; that is who we were created to be to make an impact on the world; if people feel the need to change themselves because they want to become the "perfect" person; there is really no such thing as perfect.
To conclude; I believe that the genetic code should not be altered because it has no real world implications yet, it can be misused and cause discrimination amongst cultures and diversity and uniqueness can become lost throughout individuals.
References:
"List Of Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering In Plants, Animals And Human Beings." Bright Hub. N.p., 31 May 2011. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Human Genome Project Pros and Cons List." NYLN.org. N.p., 07 Aug. 2015. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Policy & Ethics Issues." National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Human Genome Project Pros and Cons List." OccupyTheory. N.p., 15 July 2015. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Pros and Cons." The Human Genome Project - Gr 11 Biology Assignment By Daoud Kassis. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2017.
To begin, I believe that we should not alter the genetic code because it has no real world implications yet. As of now altering the human genome has no real world implications; it could be a long process of understanding something that has not yet been fully discovered yet. It is quite possible that the understanding of the human genome would take too much time. It could be a waste and lead to nothing substantial. If the human genome is still going to take a long time to understand why should we focus on changing individuals into the "perfect" person; rather than using the genome to find cures. The genome shouldn't be altered because it is still unknown what effects it could have on human beings if people do try to alter the genetic code. Also, if the effects are unknown why are we trying to focus on something that is so degrading to the human race if it can be altered. The genome should be altered for items such as cures, medications, etc. Not to create the perfect person that does not exist. To conclude; if there are no real-world implications yet I do not believe we should further investigate to try and alter the genetic code
Secondly, I believe that the genetic code should not be altered because it could be misused and cause discrimination to many races. If the genetic code is found to be altered successfully it could cause destruction to many individuals because people could use the alteration of the genetic code poorly. The ways in which the genetic alteration could be misused include; using it to create a group of people who are the most "fit" and "perfect". I believe that no one is perfect and everyone is unique; taking away individuality can cause harm to people who may be different or who cannot afford genetic altering. Another way it could be misused is to terminate children who may have a disease; it is not okay to kill a child who is not born because their genes are not fit for survival of a full life. It can also be misused because it can cause discrimination against religions. Genetic alteration can cause discrimination in cultures because it goes against many religions; when Watson said, "If we don't play God, who will?" I was offended because God will play God; he created us for a reason not to be made into the so called "perfect" individual. If the alteration is being used by many cultures; the culture that is not using it could be pushed out of society and become an outcast because they do not believe in altering genes. Altering the genetic code should not be done because it can be misused and cause discrimination amongst cultures.Finally, the genetic code should not be altered because it loses diversity and uniqueness amongst individuals as people would soon become the same. If we are altering the genetic code to make the perfect person then no one has individuality; which means no one has special talents to showcase to the world because everyone will be the same. Also changing the genetic code of someone who is different; (e.g.: someone who has Down Syndrome) does not mean that they cannot live life to the fullest. They are just like us; they just have a different way of learning skills; they are also very intelligent in many areas; just because they have a different gene sequence doesn't mean that they are less of a person than us. We were made to be the individuals we are today because that is how God wanted us to be; that is who we were created to be to make an impact on the world; if people feel the need to change themselves because they want to become the "perfect" person; there is really no such thing as perfect.
To conclude; I believe that the genetic code should not be altered because it has no real world implications yet, it can be misused and cause discrimination amongst cultures and diversity and uniqueness can become lost throughout individuals.
References:
"List Of Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering In Plants, Animals And Human Beings." Bright Hub. N.p., 31 May 2011. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Human Genome Project Pros and Cons List." NYLN.org. N.p., 07 Aug. 2015. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Policy & Ethics Issues." National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Human Genome Project Pros and Cons List." OccupyTheory. N.p., 15 July 2015. Web. 16 June 2017.
"Pros and Cons." The Human Genome Project - Gr 11 Biology Assignment By Daoud Kassis. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2017.
Great points, Bry! Although, I noticed you argued that genetic engineering has no real world implications, and that it might lead to nothing. You then said "The genome should be altered for items such as cures, medications, etc." I agree with that second point; I think these are the real world implications of genetic engineering! You're 100% right in that it is a long-winded process with a lot still unbeknownst to us, but I think beginning the manipulation of the genome to cure genetic diseases is such a great motivation to do so. You later pointed out that genetic engineering would lead to discrimination due to parents picking desirable traits. I agree that parents should not have complete control over what their child looks/acts like. Although, should this stop us from helping those dying of disease or environmental conditions? If laws reflect the values of society, ideally a legal system can revolve around the idea that genetic alteration is ONLY for helping people; therefore, you cannot choose eye colour or hair colour, for example. With proper boundaries, we can reap the benefits without seeing a lack of biodiversity.
ReplyDeleteHey Bry! Your post was very thorough and your points were very clear! Although I am for genetic engineering, I do believe that diversity is at risk if we are able to alter the genome. Though If the proper limitations are placed on the technology, I do believe it is avoidable! There will be many cultures that are against this technology, but I think that comes with anything that is newly introduced to society. Altering your child's genome should be entirely up to you, according to your beliefs. This technology is not for everyone, and should simply be seen as a treatment option like any other drug or therapy.
ReplyDeleteHi Bry! I think your post was very well written and offered very clear, strong arguments! I completely agree with being against altering the genetic code and really liked your point about how the genome should be altered for items such as cures, medications and not to create the perfect person that does not exist. I am totally for this! Where is the line drawn? Who decides what trait is more "desirable" than others? I found your points to flow very well and I think your blog was very informative!
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