Genetic Engineering Essays (852 words) - Anthropology,

Genetic Engineering Genetic Engineering Within the last two decades scientists have developed several new techniques, which manipulate and alter the genes found in the cells of living organisms. This wonder of the century, genetic engineering has turned heredity the passing of inheritable characteristics from parent to off spring- from a natural, random event into a process that can be artificially controlled and exploited. It has the potential of giving humanity unprecedented power over life itself, and it has thus raised profound questions in such diverse areas as the environment, agriculture, biological warfare, and animal rights. Genetic engineering has clearly become the controversial topic of today and no doubt will extend into future. It will soon be, if not already, invading our schools, workplaces, and homes. And I personally believe it should never take place. First of all, who are we to be playing God? Since when have we decided that natures role in our lives becomes invalid just because we now have the technology to change it. You may be thinking that humans have been playing God since the beginning, but that just isnt so. In fact, recently we have tried to tweak natures creation by such practices as life support systems and medications for terminal diseases. But prolonging someones life cannot compare to completely rearranging the sheer fabric of life on this planet. Many people are concerned with the emotional stress on the parents of a genetically altered child. You may question, as you watch your child suffering from a painful genetic condition, how can I live with myself, I could have prevented my childs pain, But how would you feel if your choice to alter your child ended up harming them? What if they were born with physical deformities or altered immune systems making life painful of impossible. Surly, we must consider the merits of genetic engineering from all angels. Genetic engineering is a new technology, which has only been around for a few short years. Although scientists know how to alter genes in some cases and assume that it is possible in others, little is really known about the long-term affects of the process. Adverse reactions and genetic mutations have the possibility of creating a strain of disease that could rival AIDS or even become much stronger. Another issue to consider is the mental and emotional state of genetically al tered people. Considering the emotional effects of genetic engineering, It is unimaginable to think of the kind of devastating mental effects a child that was grown in a test tube would feel, knowing that you had no real parents. Is they looked very different from the parent, would they still feel part of the family? Id like to call your attention to the name Adolph Hitler; Adolph Hitler was the leader of the Nazi party in Germany. One of Hitlers goals in his, Reign of Terror, was to create a master race. He believed that all people should look a certain way, now since the technology seems imminent, it would be as easy as passing a law to prevent babies to be born with brown hair or green eyes. If in the near future it is possible, would the fact that we can make that choice makes it right? Once we decide to begin the process of human genetic engineering, there is really no logical place to stop. If diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and cancer are to be cured by altering the genetic make-up of an individual, why not proceed to other disorders: myopia, color blindness, left-handedness? Indeed, what is to preclude a society form deciding that a certain skin color is a disorder? In fact, why would be ever say no to any alteration of the genetic code that might enhance the well being of the individual or the species? It would be difficult to even imagine society rejecting any genetic modification that promised to improve, in some way, the performance of the human race. The question, then, is whether or not humanity should begin the process of engineering future generations of human beings by technological design in the laboratory. What is the price we pay for embarking on a course whose final goal is the perfection of the human species? How important is

Free Essays on A Passion Induced By Humanity

â€Å"My passion is art. I draw all day long. It’s not my stress relief; it’s just my passion† (Karkabi). This said by an artist of generations, Peter Max. His work spans decades from the 1960’s to modern times. A very interesting individual, his life has been filled with greatness, wonder, and love. Through many days of travel and years of passionately working in his studio Peter has become an American icon. Of the thousands of requests Peter gets for posters, he is drawn to those that synchronize with his own concerns: environmental, human, and animal rights (â€Å"Peter’s Biography†) He started a series of works called the Better World series and created a painting called, â€Å"I Love the World,† depicting an angel embracing the planet. This painting was inspired by his backstage experience at the Live Aid concert in 1985 (â€Å"Peter’s Biography†). He painted it in 1997 with acrylic on serigraph. The painting evokes a mystical feeling that is well understood after learning of his life experiences. Peter’s expressionistic style has evolved over several years. This particular painting has a very engaging story behind it. In 1985 there was a Live Aid concert held to raise money for victims of the famine in Ethiopia (â€Å"Live†). It is often referred to as a magical moment in the history of music because of the love and humanity that was present between the performers and audience (â€Å"Peter’s Biography†). Peter’s story is this: â€Å"I was standing backstage with the musicians; I was the only artist. It was very heartfelt because they were doing a concert to help the people in Ethiopia. There we were in Philadelphia, thousands of kids rocking, 60,000 people in the audience†¦Then some producer had called all the musicians to the front stage to sing â€Å"We are the World† and I was left alone backstage, so I pulled out my [sketch] pad and I drew an angel hugging the world. That was my little expression... Free Essays on A Passion Induced By Humanity Free Essays on A Passion Induced By Humanity â€Å"My passion is art. I draw all day long. It’s not my stress relief; it’s just my passion† (Karkabi). This said by an artist of generations, Peter Max. His work spans decades from the 1960’s to modern times. A very interesting individual, his life has been filled with greatness, wonder, and love. Through many days of travel and years of passionately working in his studio Peter has become an American icon. Of the thousands of requests Peter gets for posters, he is drawn to those that synchronize with his own concerns: environmental, human, and animal rights (â€Å"Peter’s Biography†) He started a series of works called the Better World series and created a painting called, â€Å"I Love the World,† depicting an angel embracing the planet. This painting was inspired by his backstage experience at the Live Aid concert in 1985 (â€Å"Peter’s Biography†). He painted it in 1997 with acrylic on serigraph. The painting evokes a mystical feeling that is well understood after learning of his life experiences. Peter’s expressionistic style has evolved over several years. This particular painting has a very engaging story behind it. In 1985 there was a Live Aid concert held to raise money for victims of the famine in Ethiopia (â€Å"Live†). It is often referred to as a magical moment in the history of music because of the love and humanity that was present between the performers and audience (â€Å"Peter’s Biography†). Peter’s story is this: â€Å"I was standing backstage with the musicians; I was the only artist. It was very heartfelt because they were doing a concert to help the people in Ethiopia. There we were in Philadelphia, thousands of kids rocking, 60,000 people in the audience†¦Then some producer had called all the musicians to the front stage to sing â€Å"We are the World† and I was left alone backstage, so I pulled out my [sketch] pad and I drew an angel hugging the world. That was my little expression...