Another potential reason for keeping genetic information secret (even from those for whom the knowledge will be beneficial) stems from genetic shame. Does genetic shame discourages the carrier from acting? The idea of genetic shame is puzzling but familiar; people are often ashamed of their race, sexual orientation, appearance or disabilities, even though all of these are conditions of birth. Being ashamed of our wrong actions is justifiable, but how can we feel shame for physical or mental attributes we cannot control?
It is parallel to the equally peculiar genetic pride. Unlike Gay pride, Black pride or Deaf pride (all serve to politically correct and empower groups that have been unjustly shamed and discriminated against) why do people take pride in being born with “very strong teeth” or “my mother’s blue eyes”?
I wonder if genetic pride is a form of publicly associating with one’s ancestry, a behaviour which strengthens one’s identity and provides reassurance of their self-worth through distinguishing a direct connection to the achievements of their pedigree. Is this behaviour the remains of class or caste systems where an individual is judged first and foremost by their bloodline? And does that mean we still rely on the state of our family to evaluate or validate ourselves?
Does a genetic mutation brings shame to the family? Making it seem genetically dysfunctional? Inferior? And if so, is it the bearer of bad genetic news that stains the family’s perception of itself? Opening the Pandora’s Box of ills, toils, sickness and hope from which there is no way back.
Post a Comment