Weekly Genetics Quote #24: Anxious Parents
This week’s genetics quote is from Anxious Parents: A History Of Modern Childrearing In America by Peter N. Stearns:
The particularly American fascination with genetic explanations had much the same flavor, in the final decades of the 20th century. Genetics confirmed the belief that many children were flawed, either physically or mentally or both. Genetic causality might also, of course, provide some hope for redress, which was always welcome.
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So sad that we cling to the idea of perfection so fiercely.
And what is that, really, but many times just subjective cultural beliefs?
On the other hand, when you do have a child who is obviously not in the ‘majority’ of children, it is a relief to have the medical community acknowledge that, give it validity, and then work to do what can be done to help that child “fit” into society as best as can be done.
“Redress”, as in, using biotechnology to “fix” our potential offspring before they are born?
Deb: Since I am actually reading this book, I can say that this quote is actually taken out of context. The chapter deals with the change in the treatment of children as resilient and hardy to beings in need of constant care and protection.
river2sea72: I suppose that’s the implication and the hope of some parents out there!
You need to arrange for a webcast of Blade Runner.
river2sea72: LOL I haven’t seen that movie! Maybe when I no longer have to worry about little eyes seeing what they shouldn’t, I’ll rent it.
It’s old-time science fiction, and interesting from the perspective of a future with genetic modification and its potential abuses. He’d probably get a kick out of it. Although, I guess there are some parts that might require more explanation than you’d like to provide at this point. We watch movies after the little one has gone to bed so we can maintain a semblance of adult culture.