Saturday, November 5, 2016

I Am Human

                The story of "Lilith's Brood," written by the author Octavia Butler, tells of a world where humans own self destructive tendencies have lead to an apocalyptic landscape with little hope for the future. The book introduces aliens who agree to help the humans restore their society but only if they are willing to breed with the aliens who are fascinated by the humans' "skill in cancer." Throughout the book various groups of humans give commentary and commitments that explore themes of race and gene science, touching upon a multitude of various areas. In some instances the idea of cross genetics with the aliens seems entirely positive, they are more advanced than humans and can selectively choose and remove traits; however some groups find this to be unnatural and strive to prevent this selection of future traits. 

               These selective genetic aliens remind me of all of the new advancements in genetic research and development being made yearly by biologists around the world; domestic animals are specifically breed in order to be most useful to humans, what happens when people decide to build every aspect of other humans as well? Surly some aspects of selective genetics is great, a world without physical deformities or mental handicaps, but what would happen if individuals decided to make their own vision of a "perfect" being? Especially in the real world where certain genetic traits like high intelligence, naturally advantageous muscular/bone structure or even sexual preference is scrutinized and debated upon heavily by the masses; a book that throws the absolute extreme of handpicking genetics is exhilarating to say the least.

                While reading the book I'll admit to never being particularly invested in yet another alien science fiction story, but the themes I found within the novel were especially interesting. The authors ability to create a (mostly) open ended source for ideas about various themes concerning what makes a human, "human" are ingenious. While not the only author out there to explore selective genetics through the introduction of alien life or extreme technological advancement, I can give the author credit for making this variant upon the themes exciting and attention grabbing at every turn. If you've ever questioned what makes you, "you," then please, explore "Lilith's Brood."

              

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