i sorta brought that up with Max. I don't know what I would do to be honest. Straight people definately have it easier. But is an easier life necessarily a better life? It would be much easier to relate to a gay child but that doesn't mean I would love a straight child any less. Regardless, I think it would be kinda cool to have the choice. Of course if science ever came up with a method to do this, I fear that the government would make the choice for everyone in an attempt to eliminate homosexuality.
Isabel, interesting insights and I totally agree your course is the right way to do it. But there is a difference between a narrow illconceived idea toward child rearing (not the right way) and child abuse, which many (not saying you) don't seem to discriminate in this thread. On another topic--this issue goes well beyond genetic engineering of deaf/hearing or homosexuality/heterosexuality (although many people studying this issue don't consider them either or categories but suggest they are different ends to a continumum where most people have a least a little of both characteristics). What if people start determining if their child's tone is to be lighter or darker, or make them male or female, or make them smarter or less smart, simply because they think it will be easier for them to function in life. A slippery slope to say the least. The whole genetic engineering issue is complex--I guess about the only case I would be strongly for it is in the case of very specific health defects that can be corrected with no other noticable or predictable negative consequences. Of course we may never be trully able to tell (unexpected negative consequences)--but I don't think this will stop us for wiping out a breast or prostate cancer pre-disposing gene if we can for instance. This issue is darn right scary when it comes to social, intellegence or preference (non-health) issues.
