Brave New World and Gattaca :: Brave New World

Brave New World and Gattaca Huxley   Living in a genetically perfect world is not necessarily a great achievement to mankind.   It makes one think, "where do you draw the line in the advancement of eugenics?"   Both worlds, the Brave New one and Gattaca, are alternative futures (clearly dystopic), written and shown in a believable way (not as much in BNW, though) through the use of satire.   Also, for GATTACA, the director incorporates the traditional elements of movie - a murder-mystery tied in with a love story PLUS a science fiction touch - very effectively.   Satire in Huxley's novel is glaringly obvious (mockery of the education system and the morals of today along with many more topics), as he writes with the purpose of teaching and humoring at the same time.   However, with GATTACA, the satirical messages are not immediately perceivable - even after having seen the movie three times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is apparent that within the GATTACA institution, there is a definite discrimination against the genetic underclass; that naturally born.   Director Niccol is mocking the present-day view of prejudice and racism.   In the future of GATTACA, this prejudice is referred to as genoism - genetic discrimination.   Racism is a less specific form of genoism, and although such discrimination is outlawed, the laws are unenforceable because in this dystopian society, as it is in BNW, one's "genetic quotient" is known from birth.   The underclass people of this world are limited but aware of their social status and they are not particularly happy with it.   With the BNW, the lower castes seem to be (they are made to believe so) aware but they are conditioned to like their "light,...childishly simple" work. (p.204 BNW)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another satirical message explored in both works in that of publicity.   Our society is becoming increasingly accessible, yet controlled, through the use of surveillance of ID.   Huxley and Niccol are merely pointing out that it is incredibly disconcerting to think that one day, our identities will be verified through daily blood and urine samples.   On this topic, the one difference between the BNW and GATTACA is the in BNW, the Director or Controller is aware of the "individuals'" level of promiscuity or behaviour through the word of mouth.   There is also one major similarity; in both worlds, the Director is quite conscious of the existence of the Alphas and in the case of GATTACA, the elites.