Survival of the richest

Genetic modification will be possible in the future. We can edit the genes of our children to choose how they will look like, how athletic and how smart they will be, to name a few examples. But for whom is this technology available? Research points out that it will cost a lot of money to edit genes. But if only rich people have access to these technologies, it could probably increase inequality and widens the gap between rich and poor.

 

How can I start the conversation about the potential survival of the richest if DNA modification is only affordable for the higher and wealthier classes?

 

I want to tell the story of genetic modification by showing a possible future in an interactive installation. A future where you can go to a store and buy an embryo with your specific needs in your future “designer baby”. But next to that I also show the consequences. What is the price of your perfect baby? With this I want the visitor to think about the possible consequences of making genetic modification something that you can buy only if you have a lot of money. In this way I want to start the conversation about the potential survival of the richest if DNA modification is only affordable for the higher classes.