The new advances and tendencies in the application of genetic science evoke ethical, social, and legal concerns, as the immense progress in genetics is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the completion of the Human Genome Project at the beginning of the 21st century and the recent progress in genetics come along with obvious benefits in genomic medicine such as better diagnosis of diseases and gene therapy. However, on the other hand, the new genetics bring along worries that the new genetics could lead to a society that is less tolerant of disability and (genetic) diversity. Moreover, after successfully having intervened in the transformation of animals and plants to human’s liking, humans are now on the verge of manipulating the human genome so as to perfect the human species possibly, since the necessary genetic technology is now available.
The movie Gattaca builds upon the scientific and technological advances in genetics in the late 20th century and displays a dystopian “not-too-distant” future. In the portrayed future, excessive genetic screening and embryo manipulation have brought about a rigidly hierarchical society grounded on genetic discrimination. Undeniably, there is an insurmountable social gap between these two classes. Gattaca thoughtfully portrays the lives of different people trapped in these social categories and the special burdens they have to bear in such a society, which is obsessed with genetic perfection. A distinct two-tiered society structure is the result of liberal eugenic practices and the unquestioned belief in genes being the determinants of an individual’s life.
Niccol constructs a profoundly dystopian future, which results from of the utopian quest to eradicate imperfections in society and genetically perfect humankind. As Nicolas Pethes postulates, science fiction possesses the possibility to “prearrange real science and to picture outcomes that have not yet happened” (177) and to “[articulate] the current cultural image of science” (169). Hence, I read Gattaca as a genetic apartheid scenario to show how it comments on the advance in genetics in a critical way. It is not possible to dismiss that the visions of the dystopian movie can be easily tied in with the contemporary genetic advances of our society and the hereby-evoked ethical, social and legal controversies and obstacles.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. ‘State of the genetic art’
- 2.1. Cultural and social implications of the new genetics
- 2.2. Genetic determinism
- 3. The genetic apartheid society in Gattaca
- 3.1. Vincent Freeman
- 3.2. Jerome Eugene Morrow
- 4. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this analysis is to examine the film Gattaca (1997) as a critical commentary on the advancements in genetic science and their potential societal implications. The analysis will explore how the film portrays a dystopian future shaped by genetic determinism and discrimination.
- The cultural and social implications of new genetic technologies
- The concept of genetic determinism and its influence on society
- The portrayal of a genetically stratified society in Gattaca
- The individual experiences and struggles within this dystopian society
- The film's critique of the unquestioned belief in genetic determinism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by discussing the rapid advancements in genetic science at the turn of the 21st century and the subsequent ethical, social, and legal concerns they raise. It highlights the double-edged sword of genetic progress, offering benefits like improved disease diagnosis and gene therapy while simultaneously raising anxieties about societal intolerance of disability and genetic diversity. The chapter introduces the film Gattaca as a case study to explore these concerns, focusing on its depiction of a dystopian future shaped by genetic discrimination.
2. ‘State of the genetic art’: This chapter delves into the contemporary context of genetic science, emphasizing its growing influence on public perception of genes' role in human life. It elaborates on the concept of genetic determinism, an ideology prevalent in Western cultures, and analyzes how mass media contributes to its propagation and reinforcement. The chapter explores how readily genetic determinism is visible in media reports on genetic discoveries.
3. The genetic apartheid society in Gattaca: This chapter dissects the film Gattaca's portrayal of a dystopian society rigidly structured around genetic discrimination. It analyzes the social stratification into "Valids" (genetically enhanced) and "In-Valids" (genetically unenhanced), highlighting the insurmountable gap between these two classes. The chapter focuses on the individual experiences and challenges faced by the protagonists, Vincent Freeman (an In-Valid) and Jerome Eugene Morrow (a Valid), emphasizing the societal obsession with genetic perfection and its consequences on individual lives. The chapter further elaborates on Niccol's critique of unquestioned belief in genetic determinism through the lens of these characters' struggles.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Genetic determinism, genetic discrimination, dystopia, Gattaca, genetic apartheid, eugenics, social implications of genetic science, genetic engineering, bioethics, In-Valids, Valids.
Gattaca: A Film Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this analysis?
This analysis examines the film Gattaca (1997) as a critical commentary on advancements in genetic science and their potential societal implications. It explores how the film portrays a dystopian future shaped by genetic determinism and discrimination.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores the cultural and social implications of new genetic technologies, the concept of genetic determinism and its societal influence, the portrayal of a genetically stratified society in Gattaca, the individual experiences and struggles within this dystopian society, and the film's critique of unquestioned belief in genetic determinism.
What is the structure of the analysis?
The analysis is structured into four chapters: an introduction setting the context of genetic advancements and their ethical concerns; a chapter on the "state of the genetic art," exploring genetic determinism and its media representation; a chapter dissecting Gattaca's portrayal of a genetically stratified society and the experiences of its protagonists; and a concluding chapter.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction discusses the rapid advancements in genetic science and the ethical concerns they raise, introducing Gattaca as a case study. The second chapter delves into genetic determinism and its influence on public perception. The third chapter analyzes Gattaca's portrayal of genetic discrimination and the challenges faced by its protagonists (Vincent Freeman and Jerome Eugene Morrow). The conclusion synthesizes the findings.
What are the key terms used in the analysis?
Key terms include genetic determinism, genetic discrimination, dystopia, genetic apartheid, eugenics, social implications of genetic science, genetic engineering, bioethics, In-Valids, and Valids.
What is the objective of this analysis?
The objective is to use the film Gattaca to critically examine the advancements in genetic science and their potential societal consequences, focusing on genetic determinism and discrimination.
How does the analysis approach the topic?
The analysis uses Gattaca as a case study to explore the ethical, social, and potential dystopian implications of unchecked advancements in genetic science and the belief in genetic determinism.
Who would benefit from reading this analysis?
This analysis would be beneficial for those interested in the social and ethical implications of genetic science, film studies, and dystopian fiction. It is particularly relevant for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes within a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Myriam Nickels (Author), 2016, The Criticism behind Gattaca’s Genetic Apartheid Scenario, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368570
