Mr. Sinister and the Ethics of Genetics

Mr. Sinister in Powers of X uses genetic experiments in a way that is sometimes silly and sometimes cruel, but a look at his decision making can be used to shine a light on a larger issue in the ethics of genetic manipulation in people: Who gets to call the shots?

A Mr. Sinister clone not calling the shots in Powers of X #4

Proponents of human genetic manipulation often tout benefits such as the curing of genetic diseases, but the question that stems from this is what counts as a disease that needs to be cured? At first this may seem silly, "well obviously cancer or HIV risk" some might fairly say, however others may go further. Schizophrenia has some genetic component, autism has some as well, even sexuality and gender are sometimes deemed to have a genetic component. Which of these are diseases? Which should be cured if any? Look at the states across the world trying to ban LGBT people from public life, clearly some would view it in such a way. This simple thought experiment invites cruelty upon real people that has already been seen attempted through eugenics and similar theories (often tied to race as well).

Example of Mr. Sinister's work on mutants in Powers of X #1

Mr. Sinister encapsulates this issue through the many perspectives demonstrated by his many clones and over time. He is entirely self serving, in one timeline operating the "Sinister breeding pits of Mars" (phenomenal name I might add) for Apocalypse as a project to create what they deem the ultimate mutant before defecting to the other side (and being executed by said group). While on this project he intentionally introduces flaws in this group he's not wholly siding with such as pacifism in an army or general failures. These reflect issues that can come up from corrupt individuals controlling this research though obviously played up for the greater scale of the conflict. On a much smaller scale we have his initial refusal to help the mutants. "I didn't like the results" he says while sending them off, before being killed by the very clone that he decried mere seconds prior.

The mutant Mr. Sinister makes his arrival in Powers of X #4

This Mr. Sinister (the Sinister with the mutant gene) agreeing to help them I think drives home my point best. What's deemed appropriate is wholly arbitrary and up to the whims of those in control of the science. Unfortunately, sometimes the best way to avoid something being used for evil is to simply avoid it in the first place. Especially when those in power are among the ones that are liable to abuse it.

 

A note on linked articles: The views portrayed in linked articles may not necessarily line up with my own, they're merely to demonstrate that suggested genetic links to the referenced items exist.