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The Controversy Concerning The Ethics Of Human Cloning

Decent Essays

Clones are humans. This statement embodies the crux of the controversy regarding the ethics of human cloning. If clones are humans, then they should receive the same rights as humans who were born ‘naturally’. But how do you determine humanity? The film Never Let Me Go (2010), based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel of the same name, helps answer the question “Should we clone?” by establishing that humanity is more than the way one enters the world and by highlighting the unethical issues that may arise from cloning.

Never Let Me Go illustrates the humanity of the cloned characters - Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth - as they attempt to determine the roles they play in the world. The film begins by introducing the characters when they were children attending Hailsham School. Just like ‘normal’ children, they seek companionship from each other and in the process realize the complexities of their relationships with each other. Tommy, for instance, has difficulty relating to his peers. When he isn 't picked to be a part of the soccer team and is told “Looks like no one wants you,” he expresses his frustration by throwing a tantrum. And just like ‘normal’ children, they derive happiness from the simple moments. Simple moments such as when Ruth fantasizes about owning five horses like Ruth or when Kathy listens to the music she received from her crush, Tommy. When they grow older and move from Hailsham to live in the cottages, the complexities increase. As the relationship between

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