ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to question the relationship between media practices, the dis/abled body, and its perception and meaning in society; and to critically examine the role of the mass media to disseminate the knowledge of DNA hacking. Tkotzyk and Hebben use the show Unnatural Selection (2019) to illustrate the media's preoccupation of reproducing the perfect human. This show illustrates that DNA alternation is no longer a monopoly among scientists; biohackers and amateurs who possess DNA literacy can experiment with changing lives. Even though some biohackers see the gene-editing technology CRISPR as a democratic means for all to access genetic information, they believe that this technology has the potential to reinvigorate the discriminatory ideas and practice of eugenics movements. As such, those who are DNA literate may create or recreate a new imbalance of power that allows them to exploit those who hope to live a “normal” life. They also believe media producers should clarify whether they aim to educate the public about new possibilities or to warn them about the danger.
