Ronald Green, genetic ethicist: "It's a terrible thing for a male to be short"

Have a look at this article about genetic engineering:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/03/health/designer-babies-gene-editing/index.html

Particularly, read the portion entitled "Are short men endangered?"

Polls show most Americans are leery of technology that goes beyond disease elimination. That might change if technology gives a child an advantage, Green believes.

"No one (knew they) wanted the iPhone at first, but Steve Jobs made it and everyone has one," Green said. "This will be no different."

For instance, he thinks parents may want taller boys.

"It's a terrible thing for a male to be short, even if this is not a disease, to be short, studies show the child earns less, will be more likely to be bullied, or may not be asked to lead," Green said. "I can see parents saying, 'Let's create a taller child.'"

As an ethicist, Green doesn't believe parents should choose modifications that turn their child into the next Michael Jordan. Nor does he think genetic manipulation should be used for racially discriminatory or homophobic reasons. But he believes some cosmetic applications may become more accepted.

 

 

 

So, if a child is more likely to be bullied because he is short, can his parents ask for help from the Department of Justice now, since Lorreta Lynch is saying that parents of Muslim children who are bullied should contact her?  . 

 

All this acknowledgement of heightism but yet there is no recourse for short men.

 

Interesting also when he says genetic manipulation shouldn't be allowed for racially discriminatory or homophobic reasons (because discrimination against them is wrong) but it should still be allowed if you have a short child.

 

Wow!