Gattaca is a 1997 American dystopian science fiction film written and directed by Andrew Niccol. My wife likes the actor Jude Law, and since I hadn’t seen the movie, we decided to watch it—at a time when I wasn’t yet working on One Daily Tale. Still, it made its way onto the list of films that made me reflect on our society, and I believe its underlying message resonates profoundly with the world we live in today.
Is Our Fate Already Determined?
The irony is that the world depicted in Gattaca doesn’t seem so far from reality—only the context differs. In the film, genetics dictate a person’s future, while in today’s world, it is largely the conditions of one’s birth that set the course of life. Before even considering genetic factors, where you are born—a wealthy nation at peace or a war-torn, impoverished country—already determines much of your fate. You could possess the most “ideal” genetic makeup, but if your environment does not provide the necessary conditions for brain development, your chances of survival, let alone attaining what society deems “success,” are incredibly slim.
Are We All Just Trying to Fit Into Society’s Boxes?
Beyond social inequality, genetics still play a role in shaping opportunities. Despite there being 8 billion unique individuals, we are all expected to fit into predefined societal molds. Those who are “lucky” enough to possess genes that make them conventionally “beautiful” or “intelligent” are often praised simply for existing. However, if your intelligence doesn’t align with what is considered valuable, life becomes an uphill battle.
A simple example is language, a cognitive ability. Many administrative tasks require proficiency in reading and writing. If someone’s cognitive skills are less developed in this area, their access to opportunities is instantly restricted. This is a form of genetic discrimination, one that has existed throughout history and continues today.
Who Decides What Skills Are Valuable?
The chances for individuals to showcase their unique talents and abilities are often dictated by a small, unrepresentative portion of society. A fortunate few fit perfectly into these expectations, many struggle to conform as best they can, while others are simply left behind. This is evident not only within individual countries but even more starkly on a global scale.
What do you think? Is Gattaca just science fiction, or does it reflect the harsh reality of our world today? Let’s discuss in the comments.
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