Duplicity about Duplication

James J. Hughes 05.03.1997

Vorspann
Duplicity about Duplication

Cloning as Lens for Millenial Angst

In late February a wave of hysterical, technophobic paranoia swept the world with the announcement that Scottish scientists had cloned a sheep. Reported as the first successful cloned mammal, it was quickly followed by American claims of successfully cloned monkeys. The media promoted stories as heralding the immanent cloning of humans. The mantra of "brave new world" was intoned endlessly, as reporters breathlessly conjured images of millions of pencil-mustachioed Austrian painters. But cloning is yet another medical technique which might be of benefit for human beings, but which it will be difficult to explore because of knee-jerk BioLuddism and irresponsible reporting.