Preimplantation diagnosis of some hereditary disorders is relatively common these days. Potentially, as genetic technology advances, rather than simply selecting for healthy offspring, potential parents may be able to select for traits, intelligence, athleticism, longevity, memory, immunity, height, eye colour, hair colour.
Assuming that such technologies proved safe...
What traits, if any, do you believe would be "acceptable" for parents to select for? What traits do you think would be acceptable to society as a whole?
And if given the opportunity would you opt to select specific traits for your offspring?
its a tough question. i want to say "i would select nothing" but given the shallow nature of people, and the fact that even without such abilities in genetic manipulation, people who do not fit society's ridiculously superficial standards are left behind.........and then to think that everyone would most likely opt to turn their kids into ubermensch, to not opt for it would most likely mean damning your kid to a life of alienation, barring the slim chance that they win the genetic lottery and are born to their standards naturally.
its really a scary thought and i hope it never happens.
i think it would be a good idea some instances...you could erradicate downs syndrome for example...that would not only mean that no one would be condemned to that life but would also free up massive resources for other non gene therapy treatable problems such as people with foetal alcohol syndrome and autism
Well I’m pretty sure that it will happen, someone with enough money or power will make it happen. In my opinion the only things that should be “fixed” are medical problems such as disease, genetic problems and the like but people will always take it to the next level. On the other side I think that this needs to be done at some point because humans have broken the natural order of “only the strong survive” which will normally weed out these types of problems so now we need to do something to correct this. The other danger that I see is by accident creating a super disease that will be come the next pandemic.
Anything beyond fixing or curing potential diseases or disorders would ultimately lead down a dark path, as it would further separate society into the "elites" and "non-elites" because people will not just stop at changing eye color or a slight height increase. We would ultimately end up 'supermen' for those who could afford it. Then again, this could be the next big evolutionary step.
I's only want to fix/cure potential problems, otherwise, my offspring would be less and less "my offspring"... But I must admit, if everyone else was giving their kids beyond human advantages; I would be hard pressed to not want to give my child and equal chance to complete in the world.
__________________ "The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity; and it was not meant that we should voyage far." -CoC
Last edited by Robtard on Nov 22nd, 2006 at 06:03 PM
I'd definitely make sure my child doesn't have the diseases that lace my fathers side of the family. And perhaps a slight height increase. Nothing more than that, though. Of course, I say that now, so things could (and probably will) change.
__________________ The only thing thats with you your whole life is complete and utter darkness.
Some things shouldn't be tampered with in my opinion though to wipe out some diseases would be acceptable, but when it comes to eye color, height and build, I think it would be shallow to manipulate these qualities in people. We all don't want to be the same would we?? Memory might be an acceptable one. Though with some diseases and memory these things can be stunted with a change in diet and doing away with environmental, additives, pesticides, and other toxins that would cause free radicals and cell damage.
I agree. I mean how many parents out there want the best for their children - or more accuratly what the parents think is best? After all, what is the logic, in Australia at least, behind private schools - the ones not run by state but by private groups. A fortune is spent on them, because of the concept they offer slightly better opportunities then a state run school - even though statistically that is not always the case.
Damn it, I say. If human science reaches the point were genetic modification is safe and even then norm, then I am all for it. If it will make my children healthier and live longer, then yes. Those would be the two most basic things I'd look for. Imprved health and longegivity.
Gender, eye color and such things would not interest me, since I think that is something better left natural.
Intelligence? Concentration? Memory retention? If modification can somehow improve ones mental faculties then I see no down side to it. Higher intelligence can be beneficial in most fields, and in now way closes doors to the child, but rather insures the maximum number are open to them - so they really do have choice. I have an uncle who is a careers adviser to schools and the like, and he has always said it is hard when he sees those students who have a dream career, but no way to actually achieve it. Certainly he can do his best to get them on the path, but hard study, while very helpful, isn't always enough if a child just doesn't have it in them.
__________________
From even the greatest of horrors irony is seldom absent.
I disagree. In fact, such genetic pick and choose would enhance the difference between people who ARE different and accept it, and people who want their children to fit in under such social regulations. One of the few groups that are never recognized by general society are those who appreciate their uniqueness. I've known I was different my whole life. But my difference was never something that prevented me from having friends. In fact, most of my lifelong friends would say that our differences are what drew us together. I can say I'm still friends with people from my childhood thanks to that. People I know who were members of the "in crowd" (a.k.a. the social kowtowers) don't know anyone who has been a life long friend. Their friends from childhood have gone on their own paths and never looked back.
So there will always be that segment of the population that revel in their differences. However, two or three generations into this selective breeding institution, that might change.
i would definately give my kids the best of everything, i wouldnt want them being anything like me, supposing i ever find a willing guy to mate with this ugly creature.
KMC Community Forums
Nov 22nd, 2006 02:31 PM
My thread got renamed.
Designer children
