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fandomhigh2008-01-29 11:23 pm
last-mizrahi.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2008-01-29 11:23 pm
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Ye Shall Be As Gods? - Class 4, Period 3
Juli was leaning against the front of her desk, hands crossed neatly over her stomach, while she waited for her class to assemble. When they had, she began to speak. “This week,” she said, “marks the first of several weeks that we’ll be talking about human modification—-the practise of enabling humans to go past the limits of their genetic code by altering it significantly.”
“Just so we’re all clear on the terminology,” a faint smile, “we’ll be discussing the differences between various words that have all be applied to people who have been modified. Let’s start with one of the most obvious. ‘Mutant’. From a geneticists standpoint this is the most accurate—-a mutation is, very simply, deviation from the norm that springs from an alteration in your genes. ‘Special’ is another word used, quite often in fact. This is, possibly, a very blatant example of the human ego at work. That which is not the norm, must automatically be better—special. What assumptions, and difficulties, can you see arising from the usage of this word? How would it feel to be known as ‘not special’ as opposed to ‘special’?”
“The next two words are both highly similar and yet distinct, at the same time. ‘Different’ and ‘Other’. The devil is in the details, if you wish to notice such things. ‘Different’ implies that there is a norm that should be followed, while ‘Other’ can make it sound as if there are no connecting factors, or relations, between those that have been modified and those that have not.”
“In your own words, which word would you be most likely to consistently apply to other people? To yourself?” Juli shook her head very slightly, “I’ll remind you all that in this class there are no right or wrong answers. I am merely interested in what you are thinking.”
“After answering that, please pair off and discuss the various reasons why each word might be applied. What are the good sides to each of them? The downsides? What preconceptions occur to you when you hear each word?”
“Consider those questions as you discuss,” Juli said, “but also, simply use your own heads and think outside the box. There is no point in learning anything if you cannot think effectively with what you already know."
[Wait for the OCD is up! Have at it~!]
“Just so we’re all clear on the terminology,” a faint smile, “we’ll be discussing the differences between various words that have all be applied to people who have been modified. Let’s start with one of the most obvious. ‘Mutant’. From a geneticists standpoint this is the most accurate—-a mutation is, very simply, deviation from the norm that springs from an alteration in your genes. ‘Special’ is another word used, quite often in fact. This is, possibly, a very blatant example of the human ego at work. That which is not the norm, must automatically be better—special. What assumptions, and difficulties, can you see arising from the usage of this word? How would it feel to be known as ‘not special’ as opposed to ‘special’?”
“The next two words are both highly similar and yet distinct, at the same time. ‘Different’ and ‘Other’. The devil is in the details, if you wish to notice such things. ‘Different’ implies that there is a norm that should be followed, while ‘Other’ can make it sound as if there are no connecting factors, or relations, between those that have been modified and those that have not.”
“In your own words, which word would you be most likely to consistently apply to other people? To yourself?” Juli shook her head very slightly, “I’ll remind you all that in this class there are no right or wrong answers. I am merely interested in what you are thinking.”
“After answering that, please pair off and discuss the various reasons why each word might be applied. What are the good sides to each of them? The downsides? What preconceptions occur to you when you hear each word?”
“Consider those questions as you discuss,” Juli said, “but also, simply use your own heads and think outside the box. There is no point in learning anything if you cannot think effectively with what you already know."
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