I often get asked when I'm going to have a carrier of my DNA. My answer varies anywhere from "never" to "maybe some time in the future." The truth is I don't know. That's a big responsibility, for one thing. I don't have the time, the finances, or the space for a mini-me. Sure, sure, you say, but there's really never a good time for a baby, it just all seems to work out. Well, if I ever have one, I want to be as prepared as possible. Like, Boy Scout prepared.
That takes us on to the real issue here: I don't think my DNA needs replicating. First off, one me is enough for this planet. More than enough, really. Secondly, there's too many health issues in my family. Of babies and adults current and past, there's been one with Cerebral Palsy, jaundice, scoliosis, asthma, loss of visual acuity, heart trouble, cancer, skin troubles, bone disorders, developmental disorders...the list goes on. There's even some mental health to throw in there. Now, I'm sure that most families have something wrong with them somewhere, but several of these issues are too closely tied to my own DNA for my taste. I would be horrified to find that I had given birth to a human that will have to suffer. I would go ahead and do something more permanent to my inner factory, but, being as young as I am, I am a bit hesitant about making such a life-altering decision.
Really, I think it'd be great if we could spay/neuter some people. Sounds a bit harsh, I know, but I bet you could name at least 5 people off the top of your head that should not be replicating their DNA.
You're still thinking about it, aren't you? Ok, fine. I'll name 5: Ted Bundy, Kate Gosselin, Josef Stalin, Rudy Eugene, and probably Adolf Hitler, too. (I say "probably" because the man was a genius. Just a really cruel, evil genius. So yeah, let's just go with "should not procreate.")
I think it's also important to consider the world population. There's a lot of people out there. Seriously. I think it would be a better use of resources to adopt a child. Yes, that child could have health issues, too, but it's already born. My theoretical child doesn't even exist in real theory.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/17/think-before-you-breed/
Thoughts?
I COMPLETELY agree! There are so many people that have no business breeding animals...the worst in my opinion is when someone is "bored" or does it to "make money". How selfish and greedy can people be?! Thousands of animals are abused, neglected, and die because of other peoples greed and ignorance...There are so many animal rights topics that I feel passionatly about, and so many things that I would like to change, but I think spaying/neutering is at the heart of almost every issue...if there wern't so many unwanted animals around then it would be harder for those who don't care about them to get ahold of them, less would die in shelters, they would become more of a precious commidity then something easy to get, etc. I hope once I graduate from WSU this spring to look into starting some sort of campaign to regulate animal breeding...I know it will be a long, uphill battle, but it's good to know there are others out there that agree with me!
ReplyDeleteI concur completely with your perspectives on breeding...
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as "your own DNA" goes, I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a son and daughter which I raised for many years as a single parent, and additionally blessed to have adopted another daughter in Asuncion, Paraguay - surrendered when she was "about a minute old" by a mother who either didn't want her, or thought she'd be better off with someone who was better prepared to provide for her (I prefer to believe the latter). She and I shared the last seven years together, as I was blessed to see her through her college-preparatory school years and send her off to university (where she's now a sophomore)...
Like abandoned and abused companions, there are SO many abandoned and abused children awaiting their loving "forever homes", too... and - keeping an open mind (as your "Pibble" experience has taught you) - you may come to realize that having children solely for the purpose of producing progeny to sustain your DNA line (as your well-meaning, but perhaps clueless acquaintances have oft inquired about) might be better relegated as secondary in consideration to the idea of leaving a memory of adopting-for-love as your greatest legacy to mark the passage of your presence here on this earth?
Having been adopted myself, I can attest to the rewarding, soul-satisfying experience of both children and companions has been: Perhaps that life-long vocation is my manner of expressing appreciation for those who - by virtue of choice, and not merely coincidental conception - loved me enough to adopt and assure me the incredible life I have been so blessed to have lived,,,