“I want to be the president of China,” said three-year-old girl, Liu Xiao Liao. “Then people will be scared of me.” 

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~ In China, DNA tests on kids identify genetic gifts, careers, futures – CNN article, Emily Chang

At first glance, I was appalled by this camp. A camp that uses DNA testing to identify genetic traits and combines them with observed behavior to predict the best suited future for a child. I mean really, totally takes the fun out of being a kid, right? Everything predetermined for you.

But then, after reading the article, I was intrigued. It is, after all, one of the most competitive times in history and really, the USA is not the technology super power we think we are. This is not the Industrial revolution no more. We, meaning Americans, we’re not leading anything at the moment. The playing field is pretty darned level, unless you think in terms of military superpowers, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking intelligence, brain power, giftedness. Simply put, smarts!

After the intrigue wore off, I felt a bit of fear. Yup, I got a little scared. I mean, does something like this give the Chinese an edge that we don’t have? Would we even consider this in the US? Me, being a very competitive person, thought initially, “Hellz yah! Great idea. We should do the same. Keep up. Get a head start. Shoot, save money because we won’t send our kid to ballet when they have no coordination whatsoever.”

I did, however, express concern over the parents [you know who you are] that would push too hard in whatever direction the test determined. Thereby, creating a “lopsided”, if you will, child. One that is an extraordinary piano player, but can’t tie his own shoes and eats paste in class. Not that this doesn’t already occur. But this DNA testing could give parents “written” proof, so the push might even be harder. Then again, a few hopes could be dashed too. Now that would be funny!

I forwarded the article to Ken and Ed, my husband and brother. They completely disagreed with me. Although, for different reasons. My brother sided with me in the aspect that China has a HUGE population, so by statistics alone, they have more “genius” minds than we do, so we better get our shit together and compete. But he also expressed concern that it’s just another way for the Chinese to eliminate their less desirable citizens and worries about how this would take place there and across the world. OK…now that IS scary.

Ken, my hubby, thinks all this DNA camp talk is too close to becoming Gattaca. A predetermined life, with no chance for creating your own will and future. A fate predetermined. That’s even more scary than crazy countries, because I’ve always taught my kids “You can be whatever you choose to be, with hard work, perseverance and education.” This test sort of negates this belief, don’t you think?

Truly, we all want to know more, don’t we? But how much more? I’m not sure DNA can capture what’s in your heart. Wow! The more I write, the more afraid I get. OK. I’ve actually changed my mind. This is Gattaca.  No DNA summer camp for my girls. No way!

Everyone gets a fair shake in my eyes. You, and only you, determine your fate. I don’t want to change that. I love the underdog and always will. This test, it could eliminate the underdog. And, I, I AM the underdog. I don’t want to be eliminated!

This test sucks! Period.