Page 488 - Cultural Studies of Science Education

39 Ecodemocracy and School Science 463

Absurdity and Irrationality in Cultural Studies
and Environmentalism

The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. (Albert Camus 1913–1960)

Why do we need heterogeneity for human survival and reproduction? We now have
gene manipulation sciences which can be used to select the very best characteristics
for our children. Why not? Who wants a child with serious birth defects – speech,
sight, touch, taste, or intellect? It is absurd to think that for the sake of “cultural
diversity” we should protect and conserve people with limited abilities, learning
disabilities, and DNA for schizophrenia and despicable crimes. When these things
can be selected out of the equation for parents, will not those who care for their
children most prefer those characteristics of offspring that make sense in terms of
human viability and reproductive potential? In terms of the taken-for-granted ethical
imperative for human survival – yes! How could one argue that they would
conserve those things above? With rapidly increasing technologies, it is easier to
sort humans into capabilities and potentialities, similar to the ways in which they
have been sorted throughout history. Already there exists “genetic counseling” and
other meditations for parents who want to take advantage of “knowing” ahead of
time what advantages and disadvantages could be predicted for their children in US
society.

Why Grow Old?

Genetic human engineering holds the promise of curing dodgy diseases and holds
the possibility of changing phenotypes for whatever is popular, trendy, or stylish,
within our society. These things used to grasp an appeal for those interested in
science fiction books and 1950s films. But today, these things retain more wide-
spread appeal, yet in different forms, which are taken for granted. For example,
why grow old? There is a widespread spotlight on expanding the life span, which
is a highly lucrative market in the USA and Europe (e.g., $50 billion in the USA!).
Antiaging products involve nutrition, exercise programs, hormones, skin care,
supplements and herbs, and ancient remedies, cosmetic procedures, and more
recently, reducing harmful diseases. Since the average life span within different
world human populations is lowered by destructive diseases and nutritional
problems – causing infant and child mortality – there is currently a significant focus
on eliminating cancers and cardiovascular diseases and other limiting variables.
Theoretically, if we could replace damaged bodies by rejuvenating deteriorated
cells and tissues, why shouldn’t we? It is absurd that people should have to die
early from destructive aging issues. From a cultural diversity standpoint, we discri-
minate against the elderly when we do not ensure their participation more fully in
the democratic-decision processes of the community and environment, in a way
where they are afforded equal opportunity so they would take part in full mind and