Eugenics in Literature & Film

Social Perspectives

On Eugenics

"Genetic engineering of the human germline represents a fundamental threat to the preservation of the human species as we know it, and should be opposed with the same courage and conviction as we now oppose the threat of nuclear extinction."

-Theological Letter Concerning the Moral Arguments

What Do People Think?

Despite the fact that staunch advocates or opponents of genetic technology prefer to paint the issues in black-and-white, eugenics affects different groups of people with unique contexts and circumstances in various ways. Below we will attempt to best represent the common views held be different peoples; nonetheless, these are only general trends and not absolute fact.

Religious Community

Most mainstream religious traditionals maintain an opposing view to the liberal use of genetic technology and cloning. In addition to social and ethical perspectives on the use of such technology, communities of faith express their theological views that run against the eugenics understanding of humanity and religion. In 1983, an interfaith coalition wrote US Congress calling for a ban on genetic manipulation.

For statements on eugenics and cloning from various spiritual backgrounds, please consult the following links:

Scientific and Medical Community

Surprisingly, there is a great deal of opposition in these two influential communities, largely based on the issue of safety. Thus, it cannot be ruled out that new improvements in safety would not sway the views of these communities. At the same time, there is a respectable amount of individuals have emerged as supporters of such open-minded scientific progress.

Please consult the Council for Responsible Genetics to further understand this community's position: Cloning, Germline

Home | Contact Me | ©2006 Todd J. Schmid, DePauw University, Last Updated May 2006