Writer's block tried to take your boy out.
Leave it to an article that elicits a reaction out of you to get the creative juices flowing. But before I get into the story in question, a little background is necessary. I studied Sociology in college and to say I love the field would be an understatement. It's the lens through which my worldview is comprised of. Matching my curiosity with this worldview leads to questions. And questions being answered gets you a Par 4 post. The 'accelerant': https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/08/genetics-may-explain-25-same-sex-behavior-giant-analysis-reveals My initial reaction: A bit ambivalent. Wanting to find the net positive yet overwhelmingly skeptical of the research into this in the first place. The questions my Sociology-based brain conjures up: So even if there were to be a gene or even identifiable genes for 'same-sex behavior' then what? Simply, what would the study of sexual orientation and its "root" be useful for? What good would this information do? Society has seemed to always have an issue with homosexuality. The 21st century, by and large, has introduced T,Q, I, A to the ring to perform this same fight scene the previous letters acted out over the course of time. Knowing what I know of humans, research into sexual orientation is not born from the same cradle as pathology. The questions raised in response to this study on 'same sex behavior' is valid because society's relationship with the LGBTQ community cannot be ignored in the why of the study. It is certainly plausible that a motive could be the idea that homosexuality is a disease and research here does fall into pathology. Or at least that's how my brain processed the piece. It read as a reach, with the findings feeling rather statistically insignificant despite the "large" sample size. Due to the question posed inquiring about a singular incident of 'same sex behavior', the parallel could only be made to someone having a penchant for new experiences. Even the connection to male baldness and an unique olfactory system appeared to be a case of correlation not implying causation. While the author was very forthright about the lack of substance with the study--pointing out its flaws and arthritic grip--the question of why this research even exists still lingered. Insert CRISPR. CRISPR represents both the best and worst of society, as the video accurately illustrates. One on hand, yes, society should explore any path that may lead to a cure for cancer or HIV. The genetic modification of food and animals have also been major benefits as bananas are a top five fruit (this is not up for debate) and dogs are "man's best friend". One of the first major feats of genetic engineering was the creation of insulin as medication for diabetics. Genetic modification has not only saved lives, it has also created them--providing hope and a family for those battling infertility. Whereas this process has previously been expensive and time-consuming, CRISPR is a frugal, faster and more accessible engineering tool. It would be asinine to picture the possibilities of CRISPR without mentioning human tendency to take a mile after being given an inch. A realistic conversation about CRISPR and who would have access to this privilege tells you all you need to know. If a family could remove the hypothetical 'DNA code for cancer' in their soon to be born child, why would they stop there? If this is truly Build-A-Kid, surely any rational family would opt for all the fixings. So where is the line? While CRISPR is snipping away at all these undesirable traits and characteristics, we can't be foolish enough to think 'same sex behaviors' isn't on that list. Right now, in August 2019, conversion therapy is "only banned for minors in 18 states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., while adults can legally be offered the service in all states and jurisdictions." I receive flak for my somewhat reluctance to dive headfirst into the inevitable Technological Revolution. I would say it's more from understanding human greed than it is Orwell's classic 1984. While science is a beautiful, amazing entity we mustn't forget the individuals behind it can oftentimes interject the wrong letters into what is a seamless, natural code. To learn more about CRISPR, visit: https://www.npr.org/tags/419142387/crispr |
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Ty FosterQuestion everything. WQHC Archives
June 2020
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