In Greek mythology, a miasma is a contagious power that has an independent life of its own. Until purged by the sacrificial death of the wrongdoer, society would be chronically infected by catastrophe.
The Greek drew parallels between birth and death as equal sources of miasma, and those who were in contact with the dead or newborn, as well as distant blood relatives, were considered polluted by proximity, physical or genetic. Although theories of miasma were later projected onto infectious diseases like the plague, one of the most interesting aspects of the original term was the belief that miasma spreads moral pollution.
“Miasma is a complex, metaphysical, non-moral term that covers activities from dreams to murder, the common thread being activities that inspire in society awe and dread. It is a term that explains otherwise inexplicable events, and therefore appears to be a supernatural response. One’s “dirt” may, and usually does, spill over onto innocent bystanders and fellow citizens, creating the need for a scapegoat so tat society may cleanse itself of the pollutant.” (Elise P. Garrison)
Do we now consider genetic mutations as miasma? A mutation may not be contagious by air or water, however it can be seen as a result of a casual chain of past events, resulting in a grave dislocation of normal life.
Is chemotherapy the purifying ritual? Or is that the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis process, purifying the fabric of society from a miasma of genetic mutation? The source of contamination (the parent) purifies their genetic line as an act of social repentance? Scarifying the potential future wrongdoers?
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