This blog post explores whether genes can serve as the standard determining human abilities and potential, using the film ‘GATTACA’ as a lens.
Some may have noticed upon seeing the title ‘GATTACA’—it is formed by rearranging the four genetic base sequences: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). These four bases—A, T, G, C—are the fundamental units that make up genes, arranged in sequence to form them. The characteristics of genes change based on this sequence, and consequently, the biological traits determined by genes, such as height and skin color, also change. As the title suggests, the setting and theme of ‘GATTACA’ are deeply connected to genetics. ‘Gattaca’ is set in the not-too-distant future. The major difference between the future in ‘Gattaca’ and the present is that people in the future can conceive children naturally, as we do today, but they can also have children through genetic engineering. Babies born through genetic engineering can have their genetic traits selected, meaning they can not only have their gender determined but are also born physically and intellectually superior, with emotionally stable dispositions. Furthermore, it is said that not only disease-related issues but also predispositions like alcoholism, drug addiction, violent tendencies, and obesity can be eliminated. Essentially, they can be made into so-called perfect, complete humans.
However, the film’s protagonist, Vincent Freeman, is born as a natural conception, an imperfect human. He is physically frail and has poor eyesight, forcing him to wear glasses since childhood. Given the technological capability to determine a child’s traits through genetic manipulation, even a single drop of blood or a strand of hair—a small part of a person’s body containing genetic information—can reveal all the information encoded in that person’s genes. Vincent’s genetic profile predicted he would suffer from numerous diseases and even die young. Yet Vincent’s dream is to become an astronaut. To achieve this, he must join the company ‘Gattaca’ and complete their astronaut training program. However, Vincent, burdened by genetic defects, cannot even obtain insurance, and companies refuse to hire him. Yet Vincent refuses to abandon his dream and struggles relentlessly to achieve it.
The film’s message isn’t about the technical differences between natural conception and genetically engineered conception, nor the problems arising from them. Instead, it explores the human and societal issues and limitations surrounding the perception and handling of genetically engineered conception. Technologically speaking, genetically engineered humans are superior and more advantageous than naturally conceived humans in every aspect. If one could eliminate all potential risks and retain only the desirable traits for oneself or one’s child at birth, few would refuse.
The problem arises because humans and society, when dealing with genetically engineered conception, cannot keep pace with the technology and instead become swayed by it. Being swayed by technology means that a tool meant to be utilized instead exerts a significant influence over, or even takes control of, human and societal decisions and judgments. Genetically engineered humans know their abilities from birth, quantified and measured by their genes. Upon seeing this value, the individual themselves or those around them judge their ability solely by the number, believing they should perform at that level or that they can only achieve that much. The problem lies in judging their ability based solely on the information encoded in their genes, rather than on their actual behavior and capabilities. Of course, someone genetically advantaged may have an inherent temperamental edge, giving them an advantage over someone at a disadvantage. However, it is wrong to determine outcomes based solely on that. For example, imagine two swimmers competing: one genetically engineered with 90% cardiac capacity, like the protagonist and his brother in the movie, and another born naturally with 50% capacity. The genetically superior swimmer might look at the numbers and assume victory is guaranteed. To him, it’s inconceivable that someone with 50% capacity could ever beat him. However, human willpower, effort, and psychological factors are not encoded in genes. If the person with 50% cardiac capacity refuses to give up and trains relentlessly, they might defeat the one with 90%. Outcomes that cannot be predicted solely by genetic manipulation figures can emerge through human will, effort, and various other factors. Moreover, genetic figures can act as burdens or limitations for people. For genetically modified humans, these numbers essentially represent the baseline expectations they must meet and the limits of what they can achieve. Yet we know humans possess vast potential through effort and willpower. In other words, I believe the true purpose of genetic modification is achieved when the information gained from genes is used not as a limit or expectation, but as a reference point to encourage oneself.
The film’s society has issues not only in perception but also in custom. While the law prohibits discrimination between genetically modified humans and naturally conceived individuals in this society, companies still resort to all sorts of methods, just short of breaking the law, to obtain applicants’ genetic information for hiring. From a company’s perspective, having something that can objectively quantify ability makes it tempting to use that as the sole basis for judging and deciding on people. Written resumes lose all meaning. Instead of considering what kind of life a person has lived or what reputation they hold, companies judge solely based on what is written in their genes. This approach may be very convenient for companies or insurance providers. Genetic information is, above all, objective and unalterable data. However, this represents a deterministic mindset that disregards human potential and free will. There is far too much about humans that cannot be determined solely by genes. While we are born with certain dispositions, our free will allows us to either nurture or abandon them. Furthermore, through acquired environments or education, we can develop new dispositions or fail to develop existing ones. In other words, it is impossible to claim that all human activities, dispositions, and potential are determined by genes. Judging humans solely by genetic values ignores the infinite potential and free will inherent in humanity.
Genetic engineering is undoubtedly a highly beneficial and useful technology capable of eliminating our weaknesses and enhancing only our strengths. Once perfected, everyone would need and desire to use this technology. However, a crucial point that must not be overlooked is that both the individuals using the technology and society as a whole must be prepared. Technology, as a tool, holds value only when its harmful and negative purposes and effects are restrained, and it is used solely for good. Conversely, technology restricting the actions and value judgments of its users can lead to negative outcomes. In the case of genetic manipulation, as depicted in the film ‘Gattaca’, genetic technology is highly likely to limit human abilities and temperament and function as a value for evaluating humans. This is because even if society attempts to control genetic manipulation technology solely as a tool through its systems and various mechanisms, the will and freedom of the humans who use and judge it are difficult to control. In other words, it is hard to fully control the tendency of many people to use genetic data as a standard for judging human value. I believe genetic manipulation should only be used when society and humans are prepared to utilize this necessary technology. This readiness can be achieved by educating all members of society to understand and accept that ‘genetics cannot determine the value or potential of all humans,’ and by establishing institutional mechanisms. Introducing only the necessary technology without this preparation could make it difficult to control the negative factors it imposes on society and humanity.
