Children of Men Essay

Genetics in Children of Men

Are the genetic issues of the film portrayed in a realistic manner relative to the known science?

In the movie Children of Men, the human race is faced with an imminent threat as the word is faced with an infertility epidemic, resulting in no children being born in over 18 years. The causes of infertility are not explained within the film, but it has been speculated that it was the result of a bioweapon. While infertility is prominent in many societies, for both men and women, the question is whether such a widespread occurrence could realistically take place. Dr. Mousa Shamonki of the UCLA School of Medicine has speculated that radiation and fertility killing microbes could cause widespread infertility, but there is still doubt over whether it could stop reproduction altogether. Some scientists have doubted the prospect of worldwide infertility, arguing that some populations would be immune and, therefore still have the ability to reproduce. This could have been the case with Kee, who was an immigrant from Africa. Since many cultural factors, such as anti-immigration measures, were also operating throughout the film, there is a possibility that there were more people immune, but did not have the chance to reproduce.

How are social norms reflected in the use of genetics?

In the film, the audience is presented with a bleak depiction of contemporary society. Most countries have disintegrated and entered into a state of anarchy and peril. Britain, which is presumably the only government in tact, is now totalitarian and fascist. Britain has also adopted a strict anti-immigration policies in reference to the flood of immigrants due to worsening living conditions throughout the world. As a result, immigrants are sent to refugee camps and forced to reside in ghettos. This is supposed to depict the lack of hope and morale the human race experiences when faced with certain extinction. This is a fairly accurate reflection of social norms if one takes into account immigration policies that exist today. Many in the United States argue against Mexican immigrants due to what they consider to be a lack of resources, whether it be in employment or housing. If situations were to become more dire, it is not hard to speculate that society would become more desperate, resulting in even worse treatment for those that are already less well off.

Is the outcome of the film consistent with what we know about genetics today?

The prospect of widespread, worldwide infertility is not completely consistent with what is know about genetics today. However, the prospect of negative population growth is not entirely far-fetched. Currently, both Germany and Japan are experienced a decrease in reproduction and population. Whether this is due to infertility or cultural factors is difficult to discern though. Evolution is generally negative, instead working to ensure that populations do not over exceed their carrying capacity, resulting in an overall depletion in the human population. Reproduction and infertility work to ensure that the human population increases at a steady, acceptable rate in order to strive within their environment.