se they fear that harmful, uncontrollable bacteria might be produced accidentally. Others worry about possible environmental damage by the deliberate introduction of organisms whose heredity has been altered. In addition, many people question the morality of manipulating the genetic material of living creatures (World Book 86). Whom do we designate to play God? It is very likely that in attempting to “perfect” the human species we will succeed in engineering our own extinction. Eliminating so-called “bad genes” will lead to a dangerous narrowing of diversity in the gene pool. Since part of the strength of our gene pool consists in its diversity, including defective genes, tampering with it might ultimately lead to extinction of the human race (Rifkin 14). Whom do we entrust with the ultimate authority to decide which are good genes that should be engineered into the human gene pool and which are the bad genes that should be eliminated? And do we have the right to disturb the “natural order” of the environment by eventually creating or manipulating human life? Some scientists say that genetic engineering will only benefit the human race, but others believe it will destroy. Genetic engineering and the experiments and studies of Victor Frankenstein are remarkably similar. The questions posed to one reading the book Frankenstein, are the exact questions posed to scientists today as they go forth with their genetic manipulations and engineering. Do we have the right to alter, or create human life? Victor Frankenstein did indeed take the role of God when he created “the creature.” He used similar techniques to the techniques used by scientists today. If scientists today go forth with their studies and possibly create human life, is it inevitable that the outcome will be that of “the creature” in Frankenstein? Were Victor’s endeavors of creation worth the risk o...
