"You're not human, like me. You're a clone..."

Set the captives free. My wife and I sat down and watched the film, "The Island" this evening. We both have been waiting to see the film, which is a bit old, for quite some time. HERE is the link to the movie's official website. There are so many thoughts and reflections that I have right now concerning the film that it is difficult to state them all right now. I wholehardedly encourage our readers to see the film. It is a stark realization of the not too distant future, a future of utilitarian scientism. (Click the link below to keep reading!)

Basically, the film follows two protagonists, who live in a sterile Star Trek like environment. Everything is provided for them and their lives are managed neat and clean for them. They are stuck in this environment because they are under the assumption that if they leave, they will risk "contamination" from the outside world. However, the male character thinks a bit outside the box, he asks questions: where do I come from, what is the purpose of all of this, where am I going? The only way out of this environment is to win "the lottery" where they are promised a trip to "the Island", which is supposedly the only remaining place on the earth without contamination. Thus, they are provided with hope.

In reality, these people are clones of "real humans" in the outside world who purchase them as "insurance policies" in case they fall ill or get into an accident.  Then the clones are killed and executed for their organs. Or alternatively, clients can create clones in order to use them to create designer babies. Conveniently, the clones are labeled, "product", thus, using semantics to remove any trace of humanity.  Interestingly enough, the clients who "own" the two clone main characters are from New York and L.A., go figure.

There are many films out there that one could perhaps could say, "oh that could happen in the future" or, "if things continue..." However, this film is closer to us here and now. Human lives in this country are killed and labeled as "non-humans" in order to suit a higher good, "woman's right to privacy", "therapeutic cures", "it is better off dead instead of living", etc. In fact, the state funds and encourages these practices. This film takes these ideas to their ultimate conclusion.

Moreover, while scientists have yet to effectively clone a human being with Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), (the Koreans lied in their research and results), the fact is that if it does happen, this film depicts exactly what scientists want to accomplish. They, along with advocates of destructive human embryo research want to create and manufacture human beings in order to harvest their "product." The film reflected this magnificently:  "you want to live forever, take out an "insurance policy" and we can create for you whatever you need in case of an accident or illness." Think this is hyperbole, see  HERE and follow a link to watch the program on how you too can live to be 150 years old. It's just like, "repairing an old truck." Except in order to fix up the old truck, one must take the lives of thousands of human beings, or perhaps "product" is more appropriate a nomenclature?

Another key feature of "The Island" relevant to this blog, is the state's sponsorship and direct involvement with this whole clone project. In fact, the private company that manufactured the clones had the Department of Defense on retainer. Imagine that. Even the U.S. president had an "insurance policy." Moreover, the company had virtual immunity from any crimes or destruction committed, it could act with virtual impunity. The company could hire private mercenaries and even kill city police officers. Combine our current worldview and lack of true anthropology of the human person along with the state apparatus that the Bush administration has created over eight years, and a true "Island" scenario may not be that far off. President Bush was also the first person to allow government funding of destructive embryo research. So much for "pro-life."  But that never meant anything anyway. 

One thing missing from the film, however, is Jesus Christ. The fact is that such a situation is real and even probable. However, we must trust in our Lord, who said that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church, and that He will return to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end. Amen.

Yet at the conclusion of the film, as the clones are set free at behest of the two protagonists, they escape into the light of the world, which is shining all around and embracing them. Perhaps Christ was not so absent after all.

SBW

Comments

[JMM]

We own that film. Great review. Have you seen "Children of Men" yet? Highly recommended - but most wives I know think it's "too intense."

[joseph breslin]

It occurs to me that cloned babies would still need suragate "birthing mothers" wouldn't they? How could they accomplish this without an army of blood-type-compatible women willing to do bear and bring to term (or at least viability) someone else's child? I sometimes think all this stuff on television about surrogate moms (there's at least one sitcom and numerous documentary type things) is meant to soften us up to the idea. WEll that's probably a little paranoid but it wouldn't be the first time. I can see it now "Want to serve your community and get paid? Your womb can save a life!"

[SBW]

Joseph, hey maybe even the Feds could allow a "tax deduction or credit" to stimulate demand!

[Joseph Breslin]

Good point Scott. I assume Republicans would take the "conservative" tax-credit route while Democrats would demand the "the government pay for it". We would then have a very meaningful debate about which method was "better for America". I can just hear the Dems now: "Poor people who make less than $ 10,000 a year don't pay taxes anyway! What good is a cloning tax cut! It only benefits rich people!" "No no!" retorts a Republican "If we subsidize cloned babies...we'll just have a bunch of cloned black babies running around. We believe in equal cloning for everyone."