The Anti-Science Message in the Media

“Jurassic Park” has hit the video stores and, as a university research scientist and teacher, I feel it is appropriate to take a moment to point out the violently anti-science and anti-scientist message of this ongoing mega-media event. Here we have a group of scientists who have learned to regenerate organisms from fragments of their chromosomes--not even intact cells are required.

What do these people choose to do with this amazing technology? Do they want to cure cancer? No. Do they want to grow organs or limbs to help victims of illness or war? No. Do they want to develop disease-resistant wheat or corn that can be irrigated with seawater? No. These people want to grow dinosaurs for a gigantic theme park. Am I the only person who thinks this is sick?

But what we really have here is the same old anti-science anti-technology Hollywood theme. These are nothing more than the old-time, classic “mad scientists.” Dr. Frankenstein would have been proud. I would like to ask Steven Spielberg and his colleagues to give us a break. Scientists develop the technology, but it is society that ultimately controls the applications. With the notable exception of the late Gene Roddenberry, Hollywood continues to treat scientists with fear and loathing while exploiting the wonders of technology for a cheap thrill.

ALAN H. GOLDSTEIN

Beverly Hills